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I've been renting for 9 years and am moving out soon. I have noticed some hairline cracks that have appeared over the years on the cultured marble sink in the bathroom. Apparently, this is due to thermal shock, when hot water runs over a cold cultured marble sink. Had I known that before, I would have paid more attention not to run hot water in the sink, but instead increasing the temperature gradually. The cracks are only on the surface so it's essentially aesthetic. I'm not sure that there is really something that could be done other than replacing the sink, therefore I don't know if it's better to leave it as it is. I could try to DIY but I don't want to risk making it look worse. Can my landlord charge me for that? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
That wouldn't be considered normal wear so you can be charged. Cultured marble is good for 20-30 years (it can last much longer with proper care but will yellow over time no matter what) so expect depreciation.
I've been renting for 9 years and am moving out soon.
I have noticed some hairline cracks that have appeared over the years on the cultured marble sink...
How long was the sink in use prior to you moving in?
What sort of condition was it in then?
Is anything else in the apt showing more than wear and tear damage?
Quote:
Can my landlord charge me for that? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
They can try... but any LL who does after such a long tenancy would be an idiot.
Especially so if that rather inexpensive item is the only item on the list.
Thank you for your replies, I really appreciate it. I'm feeling so bad right now as I tried my best not to damage anything, but sometimes things happen, lesson learned. I will take responsibility for it if I have to, I just hope it won't be too expensive. The sink was only 1 year old prior to me moving in. There is no other significant damage other than some scuff marks on the wall and some light scratches on the laminate floor, the carpet is clean and has no stains. Everything else is clean and the appliances are in good working condition.
I've been renting for 9 years and am moving out soon. I have noticed some hairline cracks that have appeared over the years on the cultured marble sink in the bathroom. Apparently, this is due to thermal shock, when hot water runs over a cold cultured marble sink. Had I known that before, I would have paid more attention not to run hot water in the sink, but instead increasing the temperature gradually. The cracks are only on the surface so it's essentially aesthetic. I'm not sure that there is really something that could be done other than replacing the sink, therefore I don't know if it's better to leave it as it is. I could try to DIY but I don't want to risk making it look worse. Can my landlord charge me for that? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
They can charge you, but without giving you specific instructions on how to 'handle' the marble, they basically shot themselves in the foot. The average tenant might not have any idea how to deal with granite, marble or glass top stoves and any landlord, with a lick of sense, would make their care/handling a part of the lease.
Does your lease say anything about 'thermal shock' and these sinks?
The lease doesn't say anything about thermal shock and nothing about that type of sink either. There are 3 hairline cracks that measure about 1 inch and one that is 2 inches and a few very small ones. They are all located near the drain. Should I hire a company and have it fixed at my own expenses or do I leave it as it is and take the chance and see if my landlord is going to charge me?
I would NEVER charge tenants for this kind of damage -- its normal wear and tear -- unless I specifically instructed the tenants on proper handling of an item and they obviously didn't follow instructions.
I can't know what to tell you without actually seeing the damage. If it is 100% exactly as you describe, I wouldn't charge for it. If that's not what it looks like caused it, or there are chips or burns, I might charge for replacement of the sink. You've been there for 9 years and if you have been a good trouble-free tenant, that is worth something.
I am also more generous about repairs if a good tenant made a serious effort to clean-- not just running a broom over the kitchen floor and claiming they left the place better than they found it.
I doubt that there is any prorating the value of a bathroom sink. A sink is not something that wears out. If it is just the sink that needs to be changed, that isn't all that expensive. If it is a built-in sink that is integrated into the cabinet top, that is going to have to have the whole thing replaced and that costs more.
There is no way to know what your landlord is going to do about it.
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