thread: Damage in a rental - our fault ..

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    1,973

    Damage in a rental - our fault ..

    We are renting and just dropped a bottle in the bathroom sink , it fell and the sink cracked and it caused a hole the size of maybe a fifty cent piece ..
    It's our fault so we know we will have to pay for it..

    But just wondering if anyone either a renter or a landlord has been in this similar situation ?

    -What will happen , will we have to pay for a whole new cupboard and vanity or just the vanity sink ?
    -Who will determine the cost ?
    -Will it be anyone they pick or a similar one that needs replacing ? So similar cost to the current one ..
    -Will this go onto our rental history ?
    -Can be get our lease terminated because of this ?

    Sorry for all the questions but we have had many rentals and never had anything like this happen before .
    Thanks in advance ..

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    Victoria
    4,601

    Look I haven't rented in awhile but just wanted to comment on your first question. They should just be able to lift the sink off the vanity top if it's not one of those sunken ones (or whatever they're called) and replace with new. I wouldn't think they would terminate your lease, accidents happen

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Dec 2008
    8,986

    I would take photos of it and show your real estate agent the damage and ask whether it would be ok for you to replace the sink at your expense. Whether the whole unit or just the sink need to be replaced really depends on the design of the vanity. I doubt you'd be evicted because of it. Accidents happen and as long as you're willing to have it fixed there shouldn't be a problem.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Middle Victoria
    8,924

    similar crack happened in our sink. we were able to replace only the top sink bit (not the cupboard it sits in).

    if it was me, i would take pictures of sink with measurements and check out a bathroom place and get quotes so you know what you are looking at.

    how old is the bathroom?

    i doubt your lease could be terminated for non-malicious damage that you are willing to help get fixed. try not to stress too much.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    In a house, on a hill with a big fat welcome mat!
    6,772

    Definitely fix it yourself just advise the real estate. Take photos etc it was accident and as long as it's fixed there would be no problem

  6. #6
    Registered User
    Add Beatrix on Facebook

    May 2007
    within a puff of pink
    3,315

    It would be something that you would be liable for IF the item in question was in good condition before hand. So if the house is 30 years old and its the original sink then there is a chance that its wear and tear (yes you dropedp something in it but its a sink so should be expected to handle a certain amount of force)

    Contact your real estate agent

  7. #7
    2013 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.

    Oct 2012
    453

    Definitely contact the real estate agent BEFORE you do any repairs yourself. If you have their email, send through some photos. Otherwise the property manager may want to organise a time to come look at it. I doubt this is something they would terminate your lease over, and I don't think it would go in your rental history either. Try not to stress, accidents happen!

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Nov 2009
    Scottish expat living in Geelong
    5,572

    Don't replace it without speaking to the rental agent. Your landlord may have insurance that will cover the damage. Don't stress though, damage happens and speaking as a landlord I wouldn't worry as long as the damage wasn't malicious.

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    1,973

    Thank you so much everyone
    Still can't believe it left a hole in the sink ! I am pretty worried about it and what they will say , we are good renters and never had anything like this happen before ..
    But it was a accident and we have no problem paying for it to be replaced, not sure how it will work , hopefully it won't cost to much and they understand that it wasn't intentional :/.

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Dec 2009
    92

    The landlord could easily lose thousands of dollars terminating you and finding new tenants. I'd not worry about being kicked out.

    Definitely don't repair without the RE's input: often they have tradies they prefer and want the work to have warranties they're used to and so on. Ask for a ballpark quote, they should be able to give you an idea. If it seems ludicrous you could get a competing quote to talk them down.

  11. #11
    Registered User
    Add sepata on Facebook

    Sep 2011
    Sydney
    615

    Exact same thing happened to us a month or so ago. Re was happy for us to repair as long as it got done! Cost us $160 for the vanity top and labour was free as dh's uncle is a plumber and showed dh what to do.

  12. #12
    Registered User

    May 2005
    Canberra
    3,617

    Damage in a rental - our fault ..

    As a landlord, so long as my tenant is upfront and 'willing' to take responsibility then it would actually be a good thing in terms of how I view my tenant.

  13. #13
    Registered User

    Aug 2010
    Albs, WA
    971

    another voice to say 'talk to the REA!" We had some damage at our rental, but it was accidental and our insurance covered the cost (broken shower screen)

  14. #14
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    1,973

    Update -
    I told real estate , owner came over and measured it up .. They couldn't get a replacement top anymore apparently , so they have to replace whole vanity .. It will be $240 .. Owner is putting it in himself ..

    The agent and owner were both very nice about it and kept saying accidents happen and not to worry that we were honest and told them about it ..

    Not happy about having to spent money but very happy that they all seem ok and understand that it was an accident and they so happen