Dips in floor - chipboard - renters

[DIYnoob24]

Last year we had a hole in a high traffic area of our floor which began as a dip. The same thing is beginning to happen in 2/3 other spots now.

Last time the carpet was pulled up slightly and a piece of wood installed to cover the hole.

Pic included from last year.

I wondered if someone could tell me firstly is this dangerous? And secondly what the likely outcome will be to repair if it is now happening in several places around the room? (We are renters and I’m worried what will happen when I report this to our landlord).

I have NO idea about flooring and my DIY knowledge is very basic so any help appreciated.

 

[DIYnoob24]

 

[Murdochcat]

I trust you haven’t cut that hole in the floor ?

 

[DIYnoob24]

God no. Sorry I should’ve specified - That was done by the landlords handy men last year, they installed a piece of wood to cover the hole.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Just report it to the landlord. Are the dips occurring where the landlords also made holes? Probably the bits of floor need properly supporting around their edges.

 

[DIYnoob24]

I will report tomorrow, no - the dips seem to be in random places which are not high traffic areas. Last time the ‘dip’ was a hole in the floor where the chipboard had totally crumbled, which they then cut and filled.

Just wanted to prepare myself incase the whole floor has to come up or is deemed unsafe

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

OK so the bit of floor was replaced because it had started to disintegrate? So it sound like that's occurring elsewhere then.

 

[RrogerD]

That stuff is awful and unlike traditional oak boards, it certainly doesn't last forever.

When we moved into our home 13 odd years ago, all of the floors on the 1st floor were sagging and squeaking with this stuff. The only option, which we attended to pretty much straightaway, was to replace the whole lot. Many of the joists were out of level as well. We took the opportunity to install noggins between all of the joists (removes flexing) as well as bringing the whole lot up to one level all over. It's been brilliant ever since.

That said, I suspect that your Landlord will 'bodge and make-do' time and time again until such as time as you leave. I suspect that you probably don't want to live with building work going on and, he most likely won't want to be able to afford to house you elsewhere for the duration.

Is it dangerous as it is? Well, only when you go through and break an ankle.

 

[DIYnoob24]

This is my worry, he is a very hands off landlord but does send someone round if there is an issue - for example they stapled and glued down carpets previously rather than refitting or replacing when they were coming out of runners.

We’ve been here 18m and last tenants 5y.

The floors themself feel hollow if that makes sense, the room rattles and tv shakes a bit etc if someone walks through too heavily.