How do I approach neighbours over a water leak?

Woman on phone under umbrella in kitchen during water leak

by Readers Question

12:02 AM, 24th March 2023, 3 years ago 4

Categories:

Landlord News Landlords Questions Lettings & Management

Hello, I have a mini HMO next door to one of my BTL’s. When someone next door uses the shower a leak occurs in my property’s kitchen ceiling.

I have had the pipework in my property surveyed and all is OK.

Any suggestions as to how to approach this would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Philip

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Tags: BTL, HMO, landlord, rented, water leak

Comments

Judith Wordsworth Read Full Bio

Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1442 - Articles: 1

11:40 AM, 24th March 2023, About 3 years ago

Just speak to the landlord or letting agent. Probably just needs the shower tray re-siliconing

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Freda Blogs

Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 754

12:10 PM, 24th March 2023, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 24/03/2023 – 11:40
Poor silicon as Judith suggests, or alternatively poor grouting.

Either way, the tenants in the adjacent property need to be alerted – eg they may have the scope to be more careful how they shower pending repair, and get the LL/agent on the case asap.

This is causing damage to your property plus associated costs, and almost certainly annoying your tenant(s), so urgency is required.

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JohnCaversham

Member Since July 2014 - Comments: 150

12:32 PM, 24th March 2023, About 3 years ago

Hi Philip, if it’s the house next door then i would be concerned around proper fire separation between the two properties, if water can get through then so will smoke ultimately draft and fire…Sound like further investigation may be required.

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Robert Sled

Member Since November 2022 - Comments: 41

9:18 AM, 25th March 2023, About 3 years ago

I find the following approach to work – Go in with a very accusatory tone. Assume they know about the problem and act as though they have repeatedly refused to fix it. Threaten to escalate to legal swiftly if something drastic isn’t done ? should work a treat ???

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