Being chased for a debt i dont believe i owe.

[CleverClogs]

Re: Being chased for a debt i dont believe i owe.

Sodden plasterboard may be messy and inconvenient, but it certainly isn't a danger to the public. Ceilings are only rarely structural components, and a simple wetting will have no effect on joists.

Whilst that is certainly true, prolonged dampness would create the conditions for dry rot fungus to thrive - and that will compromise the joists if left untreated.

[Sir Vere Brayne d'Emmidge]

Re: Being chased for a debt i dont believe i owe.

ABIDOXXX,

I have to agree with Clever Clogs, Gorang and wales01man.

From the way this reads, water had gotten into the void between the ceiling below and floor above the main floor bearers. The timber used in house construction has and still is White Deal timber. It is widely-used in the construction industry and, also, in the furniture industry, mainly, because it is cheap. However, it is a softwood and absorbs moisture readily, if not correctly treated to waterproof it.

From what you have said about the work the local authority has carried out, it sounds like they removed the plasterboard ceiling in order to expose the main floor bearers and allow them to dry out. Bearing in mind that the property is part of a terrace, if the work had not been done, the timber would have bowed, quite possibly, sagged, and, eventually given way, affecting the structure not only of your property, but that of adjacent properties also. There is no indication of just how advanced the water ingress was and how badly the floor bearers were affected.

You should have Landlord Insurance to cover you for damage by tenants, though, whether you would be covered in this instance is another matter. Most residential tenancies will have a clause requiring internal decoration and "make good" repairs, except where electricity, gas and water are concerned. This, however, is a structural matter and you could be asked questions as to whether periodic inspections were carried out or not.

If you want my honest opinion, I feel you are on a hiding to nothing and should settle asap before the bailiffs add further fees.

As for the bailiffs who called, are they acting as High Court Enforcement Officers (previously known as Sheriffs)? You should be aware that any claim of £600 or more can be transferred to the High Court for enforcement. The fees a HCEO can add to a claim can often be substantial. This may well explain why £800 has become £1600+.

Agree 1,000%

[enquirer]

Re: Being chased for a debt i dont believe i owe.

... prolonged dampness would create the conditions for dry rot fungus to thrive - and that will compromise the joists if left untreated.

True, but the OP did say that the collapse was due to an overflowing bath, so that's a one-off.

[wales01man]

Re: Being chased for a debt i dont believe i owe.

And how long was the bath overflowing?
If the overflow was not connected properly it could overflow for weeks causing damage,
The reason for the damage we will never know the OP is looking for a way if there is one to avoid paying

[CleverClogs]

Re: Being chased for a debt i dont believe i owe.

If the overflow was not connected at all it could overflow for months or years causing damage

I've fixed your post for you. :grin:

[danepaul]

Re: Being chased for a debt i dont believe i owe.

Please support and give feedback on this petition.

This Petition is to Make Bailiffs and their companies accountable.

https://www.change.org/petitions/pri...sted_petitions