Thank you.

Not yet. from what came floating up looks like lint and washing powder. I'm thinking it's related to the washing machine. Hopefully the plumber will shed light on it. I will be asking for a full description (with photos) of the issue. Landlord is now saying he may be able to fix it. seems suspect. Thankyou.

HI, I have an issue with a landlord. He is trying to claim that a small flood which affected the flat downstairs is directly caused by us. Basically the pipes have been slow draining for a long time, before I moved in. The Landlord was made aware of this (but unfortunately not in writing), but took no action other than to provide a drain sieve and it still drained slowley and backed up regularly. He is trying to claim this was not used and the sink has become blocked as a result of food, but everybody in the flat used it regularly. We also live in a very hard water area. Today the washing machine backed up and flooded the kitchen causing minor damage to the ceiling of the flat below. He is claiming the flood is a result of neglect, but no one individual has directly damaged the plumbing or sink. He is claiming that we will need to pay for the plumber and any damage to the flat below. Surely this is a insurance matter and not a matter of tenants' liability!? A flood is an accident if nobody has willfully or accidentally damaged anything! The tenancy states neglect, but have twice out of my own pocket purchased and used drain cleaner. He is saying it will come directly out of the deposit held by the dps. Does anyone have any advice on how I should proceed with this matter? He a bit of an aggressive sort (communications wise). He often just lets himself in claiming he has the right to be in communal areas whenever and never gives advance notice of him turning up. Many thanks.