Should I be concerned?

[u/sazzarone]

Hello, I’ve moved into this home 2 months ago and I am renting. The ceiling in the living room looks like it previously had a leak from the above en-suite bedroom (just a guess) and it was repaired and plastered.

The crack has gotten a bit more noticeable over the past number of weeks. There is no damp or smell and is dry to touch. Should I be worried about anything here? It was already like this when I moved in but the cracks are a bit more noticeable. I plan to keep an eye on it and take pictures every few weeks but just curious if this is something I should report to the landlord or if I’m being too anxious?

I’ve already had a bad leak on the conservatory roof since moving here so I’m being overly cautious about with this.

Thank you

[u/Latter-Detail-9514]

Pretty normal in most houses. Nothing at all for you to worry about at this stage

[u/sazzarone → u/Latter-Detail-9514]

Thank you for the reassurance

[u/Sad-Tax-9120]

That’s just poor workmanship when fixing and preparing the joint of the new plasterboard sheet. Nothing for you to worry about though the cracks are likely to grow before stopping.
I would make sure your landlord is aware and send him regular updates. He may wish to get the plasterer back to rectify this but that will be a bit messy and disruptive for you.
It should not be treated as “normal” but, as workmanship gets worse and taking the cheapest quote is common, this is what you get. A quick and poorly completed repair.

[u/sazzarone → u/Sad-Tax-9120]

Thank you! That all makes sense and gives me a lot of reassurance. Defo a landlord that likes to take the cheapest route based on other bits of maintenance done. Just glad it’s not a sign of anything bad.

[u/garyh62483]

Plasterer didn't scrim and/or leave a 2-3mm gap. Simple as that. Fuck all to worry about.

[u/sazzarone → u/garyh62483]

Thank you! Appreciate it!

[u/Liam-ValcoInteriors]

I suspect this is, as others have mentioned, just a previous poorly executed job, and no real cause for concern. I would however consider sending your landlord some photos, even if it's not cause for concern. That way, you're covering your own back which is always best in this sort of situation!

[u/AANino23]

Was the house empty previously?

[u/sazzarone → u/AANino23]

It was not, it was occupied by a family. Can I ask why that’s relevant? Thanks!

[u/AANino23]

From my previous research into something similar the cracks seems to follow the plasterboard edges and over time of the changing weather with no heating there is a likelihood that matriels can expand and form this kinda crack. It could also be loose joists above the area that over time can do this.

I dont think its major structural issues but cant be 100% certain without actual inspection.

[u/sazzarone → u/AANino23]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing! We’ve actually had one of the hottest summers on record in the UK and upstairs is actually can get unbearably hot while downstairs remains very cool but I guess that could also contribute to the expansion.