Geezah Posted March 28, 2012 Report Share Posted March 28, 2012 Letting agent has the habit of charging me on the occasion that drains become blocked in my let properties. (route of least resistance?). I am of the opinion that, as long as the drains are serviceable, it should be the tenants who pay to clear them. After all, it's not my cooking fat/hair etc that has blocked them up. I guess if it was blocked up by a dead rat/mouse etc. maybe it should be down to me? Another thought is, for the sake of 40 quid, do I really want the tenants mucking about with my drains with the potential to screw them up and cause me a big headache? How do you guys deal with it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mortitia Posted March 28, 2012 Report Share Posted March 28, 2012 I take it you mean waste water from bath, kitchen sink, shower etc? My plumber gave me this tip. Go to B&Q and get a bottle of ONE SHOT. It's in the plumbing section low down on the shelves and cost about £10 - for that you get about 20+ applications. Frighten yourself to death reading the destructions then do as they say. It acts only on organic matter so pipes and seals are safe. It works. Used it loads of times in many situations and have charged other landlords for the privilege LOL! Mortitia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geezah Posted March 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 28, 2012 Yes, thats right Morticia just usual Kitchen, bathroom etc. Trouble is my props are 150 miles away hence my use of an agent. I'll check out htis ONE SHOT for my own house though. I've still got a complete set of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical protective suit from my Air Force days, I'll put it to good use! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mortitia Posted March 28, 2012 Report Share Posted March 28, 2012 Get tenants to buy One Shot and do it themselves - rubber gloves needed. I'd try and sell protective suit as Fetish Wear - don't leave it gathering dust Mortitia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted March 28, 2012 Report Share Posted March 28, 2012 How do you guys deal with it? 1. I have a clause in my AST that makes it the tenants responsibility. 2. I supply a list of instructions & information telling tenants that unblocking wastes are their responsibility. If they insist on you dealing with it thats OK but they are responsible for the bill/ expenses incurred in fixing it......you aren't running a hotel ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grampa Posted March 28, 2012 Report Share Posted March 28, 2012 I also have a clause making it the tenants reponsibility if drains are blocked unless there is a fault with the pipework. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted March 29, 2012 Report Share Posted March 29, 2012 Having thought some more on this question, I realise that there are other of factors that can affect the outcome.....I woould suggest:- * If the blockage is inside the property (traps, wastes, pipes, equipment etc) then its clearlly the tenants lliability. * If the blockage is outside the property in drain pipes within the boundary of a freehold property and caused by the tenant....its the tenantts liabiliity. * If the blockage is outside the property on a leasehold property it usually becomes a matter for the maintenance/ management/ service charge company to fix. * It will depend on wether the blockage is in a shared pipe or a pipe that serves just one property. * It will also depend on the waste water service company who, this year became responsible for fixing blockages in drains from the boundaries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geezah Posted March 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2012 Most helpful, especially Morticias tip. , Thanks all. Four maisonettes in a block, shared main drain, can't apportion blame to any particular flat, so I guess I'll take it on the chin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted March 29, 2012 Report Share Posted March 29, 2012 * It will also depend on the waste water service company who, this year became responsible for fixing blockages in drains from the boundaries. You might want to make a quick call to your waste water utility company Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted March 29, 2012 Report Share Posted March 29, 2012 Shared sewage pipes within property boundaries, along with all sewage pipes outside property boundaries, became responsibility of sewage/water companies from Oct 2011. As Richlist suggests, refer the problem to your waste water utility company. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geezah Posted April 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2012 Will do, thanks for the gen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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