Does My Landlord Have to Reglaze My Tub?

Does My Landlord Have to Reglaze My Tub?

Reglazing a tub is a modern way to replace the sealant on your bathtub so it looks new. Sometimes the sealant can peel off or crumble and be hard to clean, keeping your tub from looking its best.

It depends on various factors such as terms of your lease agreement, type of tub,local housing laws, replacement value and written notice. If you sign a written lease agreement, the landlord is responsible for glazing your tub. However, if you signed an oral contract, the landlord can skip following through.

In details:

1. Terms of your lease agreement

If you sign a written lease agreement, the landlord is responsible for glazing your tub. However, if you signed an oral contract, the landlord can skip following through.

2. Type of Tub

If it’s an acrylic or fiberglass tub installed with tile-on-tub surfaces, the landlord must do so according to state law.

3. Tile condition

The tub should not be water stained or damaged in any way.

4. Local Housing laws

In some areas, other regulations may govern the landlord’s responsibility to provide you with a new tub. For example, some state or local laws may require landlords to glaze tubs even if your lease agreement does not state this.

5. Written Notice

To maintain legal compliance, your landlord should send you a written notice that he is replacing your tub without any cost.

6. Replacement Value

The landlord should be guided by what it would cost to replace the tub and how likely it is for him to find a similar tub on the market for significantly less than the replacement value.

7. Insurance/Storage Charges

In some states, your landlord will have the right to charge you for storing or insuring the old tub before receiving a new one.

In some states, for instance, the landlord can only charge you storage fees if he provides a replacement tub at no cost, along with the receipt showing that your tub was sent to an approved disposal facility in California.

What Does It Mean To Reglaze A Bathtub?

Reglazing involves stripping the surface of your tub and removing all of its porcelain coatings, then applying new porcelain to the tub. You can do this process using a heat gun and a specific glaze.

Otherwise, consider replacing your tub rather than reglazing it. The process involves removing the old surface gloss with a scraper and then wiping down a dry surface with sandpaper before applying the new glaze in good condition.

The finish looks shinier and much more attractive than one covered by paint or other material.

Note that the process usually takes two days to complete, as drying and curing periods are involved.

Use a drain on your tub for some time after reglazing the bathtub because getting the new material wet can cause problems with it sticking correctly to the old material.

The process is relatively easy, and many people do this job themselves because of the hassle-free approach.

You’ll only have to worry about coating the tub with a specially formulated clear lotion to prevent the new glaze from chipping and peeling up.

What Is The Difference Between Refinishing And Reglazing A Bathtub?

Feature	Refinishing	Reglazing
Process	Stripping the old finish and applying a new finish to the bathtub surface.	Involves applying a new coat of glaze over the existing bathtub surface.
Purpose	Restores the bathtub’s appearance and durability.	Restores the bathtub’s appearance and protects it from stains and damage.
Materials	Typically involves using epoxy-based coatings.	Usually utilizes a special glaze or enamel.
Durability	Generally, provides a more durable finish.	May not be as long-lasting as refinishing.
Cost	Usually more expensive due to labor-intensive process.	Generally, less expensive due to the simpler process.
Time	Longer process that may require several days.	Faster process that can be completed in a day.
DIY	Can be challenging and may require professional help.	Can be done as a DIY project with the proper tools.
Odor	Strong chemical odors during the refinishing process.	May have less odor during the reglazing process.

Is It Cheaper To Reglaze Or Replace A Tub?

The cost of reglazing or replacing a tub varies with regard to several factors, such as the size and condition of the tub, the materials used, and your location.

Reglazing, also known as refinishing or resurfacing, Here’s a table for more:

Cost Factors	Reglazing	Replacement
Material	Low	High
Labor	Moderate	High
Time	Short	Long
Cost	Low	High

Why Landlords Should Consider Tub Resurfacing

1. Enhanced Aesthetics

Over time, bathtubs can become worn, stained, or discolored, giving a shabby appearance to the bathroom. Tub resurfacing can completely transform the tub’s look, making it appear brand new.

This aesthetic improvement can attract potential tenants and increase the overall appeal of the rental property.

2. Increased value

Old, discolored tubs may be so faded that little can be done to improve the look. This means the tub was poorly cared for and is in poor condition.

However, resurfacing the tub can give the appearance of a completely new tub, making it appear more inviting to potential tenants and increasing the overall value of your rental property.

3. Improved Durability

Tub resurfacing will make the bathtub more durable and less likely to crack or break. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of leaks and other damage to the tub.

4. Tenant Satisfaction

Bathtub resurfacing can enhance the appearance of your property and provide a better overall experience for the tenant. This will increase tenant satisfaction with their rental and your ability to find new tenants.

5. Lower Monthly Bills

Not only will you have a better tenant experience, but you’ll also see a decrease in your monthly bills with tub resurfacing.

By making the tub more appealing and long-lasting, it can lower the likelihood of leaks, pipes bursting, or other damages which may cause water damage and mold buildup for your property.

Why Is My Reglazed Tub Peeling?

Here are a few possibilities:

• Poor Surface Preparation: Reglazing requires thorough cleaning and proper preparation of the tub surface before applying the new coating.

• If the surface was not adequately cleaned, or if there was any residue left behind, it could prevent the new coating from adhering correctly, leading to peeling.

• Inadequate Curing Time: All Reglazing systems require a minimum of 24 hours to cure properly. However, the coating can separate from the surface if not fully healed.
• Improper Application: Some inexperienced contractors don’t use pressure-applied products as directed on the container. For example, in some cases, they’ll mix a batch in a bucket, scrape this material into a gun, and apply it like paint. This leads to consistent film thickness and good adhesion.
• Poor Ventilation: If this material is not adequately vented, it can lead to overheating and excessive cure time. I’ve seen tubs in a small room without ventilation for several hours.
• Water Damage: In the event of water damage, most Reglazing kits require more than 24 hours of curing time.

For example, if water gets into the tub and can penetrate the coating, it could weaken the reglazing coating, leaving behind a lumpy surface that will not adhere properly to subsequent coats.

How Do I Know If My Bathtub Has Been Reglazed?

Signs	Indications
Appearance	Smooth and glossy finish without any visible chips or cracks.
Color change	Noticeable change in color, either due to a different glaze or restoration of the original color.
Roughness	Rough texture, with visible wear and tear. Reglazed bathtubs should feel smooth to the touch.
Stains and Discoloration	Stubborn stains or discoloration that can’t be removed with regular cleaning. Reglazing usually eliminates such issues.
Peeling or Bubbling	Signs of peeling, bubbling, or flaking on the surface. Properly reglazed bathtubs should have a consistent finish.
Scratches and Chips	Visible scratches, chips, or dents on the surface. Reglazing should repair and hide these imperfections.

How Long Does It Take For A Reglazed Tub To Dry?

Depending on your coat’s thickness and the temperature, it takes 24-48 hours for a reglazed tub to dry.

If you’re dissatisfied with how long it takes for your tub to dry, one trick that may speed up the process is making sure there are no bubbles in the coating.

This can happen if you are too vigorous when painting on layers or if your water is too hot when spraying it.

The drying process is vital for the longevity of your tub. If you use a product like Invisible TUB that contains silicone, you will want to wait until the tub is completely dry before installing it.

It’s crucial to understand the difference between water-base and solvent-base glazes. While both types of glazes are typically safe for use in your tubs, there are some differences in how they behave when they dry.

If you use a water-base glaze, removing it will be easier if you remove it than using a solvent-base glaze.

Yet, if you use the wrong glaze in your tub, it could create some problems that would make having your tub reglazed more expensive than it needs to be.

You should consider stripping your tub if the glaze has become too rough in texture or needs to be smoother for the type of paint you desire.

An excellent example is when the ice on a tub becomes more porous, resulting in a slight bumpy feeling when you run your hand across it. If you plan to apply a polyurethane coating to your tub, you will want to strip it first.

Is It Better To Buy A New Tub Or Refinish It?

Whether it’s better to buy a new tub or refinish an existing one depends on several factors, including the condition of the current tub, your budget, and your personal preferences. Here is a table to help you make an informed decision

Tub	Advantages	Disadvantages
Buying a New Tub	-Fresh, brand-new appearance, Wide variety of design options. -Improved durability.	-Higher upfront cost -Requires installation. -Potential disruption during installation.
Refinishing the Tub	-Quick process -Cost-effective solution -Minimizes disruption.	-Limited design options -May not fix structural or functional issues -Less durable than a new tub.

Are Reglazed Tubs Slippery?

Here’s a detailed explanation of why reglazed tubs can be slippery:

1. Surface Smoothness: Reglazing involves applying a smooth, glossy finish to the tub’s surface. While this enhances the aesthetic appeal, it can make the tub more slippery than its original porcelain or enamel surface.

The smoother the reglazed surface, the higher the potential for slipperiness.

2. Coating Materials: Different coating materials can be used in the reglazing process. Acrylic and epoxy coatings are commonly used and can have varying levels of slip resistance.

Some coatings are specifically designed to provide a textured surface, reducing slipperiness. However, if a smooth coating is applied, the tub may remain slippery even after reglazing.

3. Maintenance and Cleaning: The reglazed surface may wear down or damage over time. If not properly maintained or cleaned, the coating can wear off, exposing the original surface underneath.

This leads to an uneven surface that may be more slippery than a well-maintained reglazed tub.

4. Environmental Factors: A reglazed tub’s slipperiness may be influenced by factors such as environment such as humidity and soap or shampoo residue.
5. Moisture, combined with soap or cleaning agents, can create a slippery film on the tub’s surface, making it more hazardous.
6. Non-Slip Treatments: Adding non-slip treatments to a reglazed tub can enhance safety. These treatments involve applying a textured or abrasive coating to the surface, improving grip and reducing the risk of slipping.

Who Is Responsible For The Repairs Of The Bathtub In The Lease?

The responsibility for repairing the bathtub in a lease agreement depends on several factors, including the terms outlined in the lease itself, local laws and regulations, and standard practices in the rental market.

Generally, the repair and maintenance obligations are divided between the landlord and the tenant.

In most scenarios, the landlord is responsible for ensuring that the rental property is habitable and boasts good condition at the beginning of the lease.

This includes providing functional plumbing fixtures, including the bathtub. If the bathtub becomes damaged or develops a problem due to normal wear and tear or issues beyond the tenant’s control, it is typically the landlord’s responsibility to repair it.

However, suppose the damage to the bathtub is caused by the tenant’s negligence or misuse, such as intentionally breaking the bathtub or causing significant damage through improper use.

In that case, the tenant may boast responsibility for the repairs. Tenants must use the rental property responsibly and report any issues promptly to avoid being held liable for damages.

To ensure clarity and avoid disputes, lease agreements often contain specific clauses regarding maintenance and repairs.

These clauses may outline the responsibilities of both parties in detail, including which party is responsible for repairs to specific fixtures like the bathtub.

It is crucial for tenants to thoroughly read and understand their lease agreements before signing to know their rights and responsibilities.

In some cases, local/state laws and regulations may also come into play. Certain jurisdictions may impose additional repair obligations on landlords, regardless of what the lease agreement states.

So, tenants must familiarize themselves with their local tenant rights and landlord-tenant laws to understand their lease’s legal framework.

Conclusion

Reglazing is a standard solution for replacing a damaged or worn enamel tub. It is relatively inexpensive and can restore the appearance and functionality of your tub.

While it’s true that Reglazed tubs are less expensive than tubs that have been reglazed, take note of the potential risks involved with these tubs to minimize the chance of any problems occurring in the future.