19 days and theres a problem!!

[TwoTales]

Hi there,

Any experts with some sound advice will be most appreciated!!

The situation:

I moved into a new rented property 19 days ago - everything seemed fine at the time - although the kitchen sink did not drain amazing fast - the hot tap did not run even half as fast as the cold tap... well not even 15 days later - the kitchen sink has blocked...! At first it was draining extremely slowly so I went to pound land and picked up a tub of 'caustic soda' this seemed to have no effect - i did two full doses... I then purchased a plunger (with air that u pull and push) - this made a slight drain - a day later it was blocked again so I poured down a bottle of Mr Muscle sink unblocker - this also had no effect - I then bought a bucket and some rubber gloves and did the unthinkable to remove the U bend - to my suprise this was completely clear and seemed pretty clean!!


The problem - what else do I need to do - my letting agent are terrible in responding - I have spent over £20 on all the products - anyone know how I can solve this quickly and cheaply?? ANY ADVICE great fully received!!

Many thanks,
Tally x

 

[tamz]

Just tell them the same. The sink is blocked and you can't turn the tap off fully so it is running over. Phone them first then put it in writing (an email with a read report will do) saying you will not be held responsible for the consequential damage and it is now their responsibility to get an emergency plumber out.
They will get it attended to if they have any sense.

 

[R1CKY]

Thanks Croppie - but the property is 'fully managed' by the letting agent - so I don't know what to do now

If it is fully managed by the letting agent, why do they need to involve the landlord?

 

[Dotty]

Write the letter to the letting agent, Tally. Registered. And ensure you keep a copy yourself.

Week or so later have a bottle of wine, crack a tap open to a dribble and go to bed.

Or get someone in, pay them, and include the proof of payment in lieu of rent.

 

[Mrs Tara Plumbi]

I could be wrong but I think you are entitled to know the name and address of your landlord even if and when it is fully managed by the Agent - so pester them for details of the landlord and then pester both of them.
And
I would not have thought it acceptalbe to leave you without a cooker for 3 weeks?

 

[SimonG]

Don't stop paying your rent, you could find yourself on the street.

Keep details of when you have contacted the letting agent, write a letter to them as stated above and give them 7 days to effect repairs or you will hire somebody to do it and seek compensation from them. Tell them you've found somebody who's minimum charge is £100 to investigate the problem and repairs on top.

 

[GArlington]

Blocked kitchen sink can be classed as an emergency, it means that you (as a tenant) are entitled to notify your landlord/agency (whoever is responsible) and after 24 hours (not sure about actual time, maybe less or maybe a little more) call the plumber yourself and let the plumber invoice the landlord/agency directly.
Make sure that you notify the landlord/agency about your intentions to get a plumber in writing, text message may be acceptable these days.

 

[b.lynch plum]

As a manged property they still have to pass any quotes to the landlord and get the ok from him befor they can do anythink that is y they r taken there time, but you and your landlord have both got a contract to up hold which he is not! It is time to drop in a note saying they have 24 hourt it otherwise you will report them to the local council who's job it is to protect you as a tenent

 

[Howsie]

If you call a plumber, it's your responsibility to pay him.