Bathtubs are a problem at the time of a lease because not all of them are in good condition, painted, or clean. Since it is the tenant who is going to bathe there, some landlords do not care about taking care of them.
But you need to know how bathtubs enter the leasing system, how they should be cared for, and whose responsibility it is. Many may pretend it’s not theirs, but that’s why there are laws that establish a contract.
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How long does a bathtub last in good condition?
Bathtubs are made to last long due to their material and the type of paint used on them. They can last up to 20 years in an acceptable state, although wear and tear and stains begin to appear close to that date.
The problem with bathtubs is that brown shades begin appearing on their surface after a long time, which will not be affected even with the best cleaning chemical. Since it has been worn so much, you would only cover it with paint.
After that time, there are two options of what to do with it, go to the store and buy a new one or call a specialized technician to do a repair job, paint it, and restore it. Another option would be to buy a DIY kit, which includes epoxy resin with hardener, etching powder, latex gloves, steel wool, brush, cleaning solution, cleaner/thinner, and safety glasses.
But it’s important to know that if your bathtub is starting to show signs that it’s badly weathered and has been previously restored, it’s probably more than 30 years old. It’s time to replace it.
How do I know it has been previously restored?
Many red flags indicate the previous restoration, mainly because the bathtub has had the old paint removed and a new one put on, and the main substrate begins to sag after such a long time.
Some effects that first come to light are bubbles due to poor preparation of the base or not having the old paint completely removed. However, old paint can also cause flaking or chipping in the drain or soap dish.
Fading is another consequence of poor restoration, as it occurs only when a poor combination of materials is used or if the refinish coat is overmixed at the end. It can also be caused by not allowing proper curing time or improper cleaning chemicals.
When bathtubs are refinished, the surface should feel very smooth and slip-resistant to prevent falls, but if it feels corrugated or has a sandpapery feel, it means that dirt has been left between the substrate and the paint.
If you have seen any of these signs on your bathtub, it is time to repair it again or replace it, although if it is not yours in case you are in a lease, the best thing to do would be to ask your landlord.
Who is responsible for the repair of the bathtub in the lease?
This question is considered a bit of a mixed bag because it will depend on what kind of damage you suffered and how you did it. It will also depend on the jurisdiction rules where you are located and the rental agreement rules.
Normally, any damage done by the tenant must be paid for by the tenant, i.e., if you dropped a solid container while bathing in it and cracked it, or if you leaned on a key and bent it, it needs to be replaced by the tenant.
On the other hand, when a new tenant arrives, it is common to visualize the condition of the contents of the bathrooms or kitchen. If you know what a worn-out bathtub looks like, you will realize that it will likely be damaged soon because of how old it is.
Although some landlords will take the blame off themselves by saying that you damaged it or that it was in perfect condition, it is best to take certain strategies to avoid these misunderstandings.
What do I do if I arrive at a new lease and the bathtub is very worn?
The best way to avoid this type of conflict is to be sincere and communicative. The day you move in, take note of everything you see in bad condition, describe it verbatim, and if possible, take some pictures.
Then send him all the information you have collected and explain that you are doing this to have clear accounts between you and him. It won’t be your fault if something gets damaged because of how old it is.
Writer and content creator interested in Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Jobs and landlord issues. I have a bachelor’s degree in Communication from the Andrés Bello Catholic University, VE, and I also studied at Chatham University, USA. In this blog I write and collect information of interest around agreements, property and mortgage.