Tenant broken shower door?

Reply to the comment left by CP at 07/06/2024 – 15:31

Nip down to the local b&q/wickes/homebase and ask if they are doing a range review. Display units go for next to nothing. I picked up 3 6×8 sheds for 120 quid during a review.

If they’re a good tenant accept the £100 and increase the rent. If it’s old £100 seems a fair offer but I’m intrigued as to how it got broken.

Reply to the comment left by CP at 07/06/2024 – 15:31
‘Betterment’ is what I would be concerned about here. Assuming they caused no damage to anything but the door, would forcing them to renew those portions aside from the door fall under a prohibited fee? This also would be a concern if the door is significantly old, as it may have depreciated to have no value (which may be the case if it can’t be replaced).

This might be best as a buildings insurance job if it is a big cost.

I agree with Cider drinkers first comment, you should accept a portion of wear and tear, this is only fair, if it is old then just pay for it all. Its not worth the hassle of trying to get it paid any other way. If the item is fairly new then its a different matter and the tenant should pay (morally speaking) however, getting the money is a different matter. In my experience, I always try to give the tenant the benefit of the doubt because sh*t happens but leverage is always useful. Try to put yourself in the tenant’s shoes before kicking off. Good luck.

I’ve seen a few comments mention age, that’s a key piece. A shower enclosure should last a good 15 years. That said, I’ve had issues in mine which is only 5 years old and it wasn’t cheap. At least it wasn’t the shower tray, I had to rip out tiles and redo the entire bathroom for that.

A landlord cannot claim new for old, that’s betterment, a landlord cannot claim for damages, only losses. So if the replacement enclosure is £600 and it’s only 5 years old. The argument is you charge 2/3 of the cost as it’s been replaced early, so £400 + labour. If the tenant doesn’t want to pay, deduct from the deposit and fix when they leave.

I sympathise. I could’ve lived in a house for 20 years… no issues… someone comes in for 1 week… the blind is broke, the window is cracked, the doorknob has fallen off… I just don’t know how heavy handed some of these people are… but the key thing is to always have a repairs budget and keep a close eye on them.. do things ‘break’ often? hmmm…

Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 07/06/2024 – 10:22
Yes, I did this a couple of years ago one of my lodgers somehow broke the glass on one of the shower doors. He insisted that it happened spontaneously. I measured up and bought replacement glass online for delivery to the property and my Handyman replaced it. I didn’t charge the lodger and absorbed the repair costs myself as they were reasonable, he stayed for 2 years always paid on time and otherwise I had no other issues.

Reply to the comment left by Jonathan Willis at 07/06/2024 – 21:32
Good idea, assuming they break nothing else?!

Reply to the comment left by CP at 07/06/2024 – 15:31
When this happened to me I initially panicked when I approached the manufacturer as shower cubicle no longer being made and no part, as it would be especially hard to replace with similar due that would look right to the colours and careful design of the bedroom.
But then I spoke to my handyman whom said just get replacement glass and he would sort it. I measured up and bought replacement glass online for delivery to the property and my Handyman came around and replaced it. Saved me a small fortune!

The question has been asked several times and not answered, HOW OLD IS IT?
For it to be unavailable, it’s almost certainly old, in my opinion a shower cubicle will last about 5 years before showing it’s age, suffering from degrading of the seals and chrome/framework and generally looking tired.
And several times I have come across shower screens or cubicle doors that have exploded whilst dormant as they are almost always toughened glass like old car windscreens used to be.
You run a business, this is an investment in your business, install a new one, don’t take any money off the tenant but do explain you could have charged or taken the £100 offered.