| Sunday saw me struck out with a migraine, which I only get when I'm really stressed. The whole day was wasted, as I lay in bed. Steve had to rush out to get my prescription, leaving me with the three stooges. Hell hath no fury than three demanding kids and Mummy with a migraine! I was stressed all weekend about the laundry floor. So, this morning, I dropped the leaky landrover off to the mechanic and I shall not give it a second thought until I get the bill. I then telephoned a building inspector to come and asses the damage. At an exorbitant cost of $95 + gst per hour (min 2 hours) he came straight out and turned out to be worth his weight in gold. I had previously called the landlord whom was incredibly pissed off that I had got this expert in to 'her house' without her permission to assess the 'structure in her family home'. I said that whilst I understand she's upset, the reality is, Steve and I need to know if we really are liable for the bill and if so, will replacing the tiles be aqaduate or is it likely to happen again. Furthermore, she had told me that I was responsible for the property, therefore I was doing something that I felt was necessary. She told me I better me 'picking up the bill' for this report. It have never occured to me that we wouldn't. The assessor idenitied two major causes of the damage. The washing machine was certainly not at the top of the causes. In fact, he pointed out where he was surprised the building work had been signed off, as some aspects didn't meet the legal minimum. Yet another indication of how shoddy the landlord's plumber/builder come-jack-of-all-trades. He's taken lots of photos' and we'll get the report today, with his suggestion of a further investigation. Unable to catergorically pin point our washing machine, means the burden of proof is now on the home owner and we cannot be forced to pay until evidence tells us to. On the basis of what the assessor had to say, there is some serious work needed to the drainage system, which has been affected by rain, not the washing machine. Its somewhat of a relief that we have new information to hand. However, I'm now staring at the barrel of a gun. A pissed off landlord and no doubt, forthcoming legal battles. Feb is really going to be a stinky month. If anything can be learnt of anything in my blog, its the importance of knowing all of your rights, having all of the information and good record keeping. To be continued.... |