UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi
I'm a student living in shared accommodation - we've lived here for about 8 months. In that time, the cupboard door under the kitchen sink has swollen due to being in close proximity to the water, and the laminate coat is cracking and peeling, The entire kitchen is in need of an update really - the lino is stained and not laid down properly, and nothing in the shared spaces looks like it was bought in the last 15 years at the least. Where do me and my fellow tenants stand on this? My argument would be that any kitchen furniture in such close proximity to a sink should be able to stand some water - after all, it's only been a few splashes, not like it's been left soaking. If the MDF was damaged this easily - was it even properly sealed in the first place? Should we be charged the damage or is it the landlord's responsibility due to how outdated and cheaply made the kitchen cabinets are?

I am assuming that an inspection has been carried out,and you have been blamed for this damage? Did you take photos,and get an inventory when you moved in? None of the things you complain about will have happened suddenly within 8 months,so you must have seen the state when you agreed to rent the place.A few drips of water would not cause a door to buckle.On the other hand,it sounds as if the place needs updating anyway,so personally I would not expect to charge a tenant if the whole kitchen needs doing.