Household Hotspots in focus: the bathroom
When it comes to toilets and bathrooms, there is no one size fits all. Some toilets take the shape of under the stair conveniences whereas may be luxurious suites with whirlpool baths. Some bathrooms will have a bath, others will have only a shower, and many have both. Every bathroom will have its own set of considerations. In this instalment of Household Hotspots - a regular feature of our quarterly Key Matters magazine - we look at the different types of disputes that deposit schemes in Scotland see cropping up from bathrooms.
Mould and damp are common issues in bathrooms and can often be prevented by opening a window during baths or showers, as well as turning on the extractor. It is better to do both rather than one or the other, as the extra ventilation will help to prevent condensation. If the extractor isn't working, then the landlord should be alerted so that they can get it fixed. Wiping down the sealant after a bath or shower will also help with the prevention of mould within it. Additionally wiping or spraying the shower head on to tiles after showering can help to prevent soap scum accumulating on the tiles and grout.
Taps should be cleaned both on the sink and bath, as splatter from toothpaste, mouthwash and soaps can dirty them, taking away their shine. Grime can also form within the spout, as well as around the drain. Ensure that the plughole is clear, and water flows through without any blockage - hair can often clog up drains. Dirty toilets are something we see a lot of cleaning claims for. The best advice we can give tenants is to ensure they are regularly cleaning it for the duration of the tenancy so that the last clean before leaving is not a challenging one. Cleaning is the most frequent head of claim in disputes observed by SafeDeposits Scotland as the leading deposit scheme in Scotland, and so keeping the bathroom fresh can help alleviate the number of deposit deductions of this nature.
SafeDeposits Scotland is a government approved deposit scheme in Scotland, and is the only scheme based in Scotland. We hold the deposit during the tenancy and return to the tenant at the end of the tenancy when the landlord or letting agent has agreed to repayment. We also provide an impartial adjudication service for tenants and landlords if they can't come to an agreement. Find out more about SafeDeposits Scotland and what we do.
