AIBU to refuse gas safety check apt on an evening?

[CrimsonLipstickOnMyGlass]

I'm genuinely not sure if I'm being unreasonable or not, basically my landlord use a plumber from the town where he lives which is over an hour's drive away, because the plumbers usual business is in the town where he lives he does not like to come to my town as it means he will be losing 2 hours worth of working time (while driving) which he will not paid for.
Because of this the plumber will not come here unless he has another job nearby or it's outside of his normal working hours, this means I either get a phone call saying 'I'm outside your house right now' or 'i will be in a few hours' meaning he expects me to drop whatever I'm doing and run home even if I'm at work, or he wants to come on an evening, usually with less than a day's notice.

Last year my gas safety check was due in August of 2014 but because of how difficult the plumber is, arranging the appointments was near impossible and it ended up not being done until January 31st 2015 which was in my opinion completely unacceptable and lead to bad feeling between the landlord and myself (as he viewed me resistance to an evening apt as unreasonable).
This year I tried to arrange the gas safety check before it was due but the landlord failed to get back to me. 6 days after it was overdue I came home to find a note from the plumber saying that he had been in the town and came to do the gas check but there was nobody in. The landlord is getting annoyed because he doesn't want a repeat of last year, neither do I, but again, the plumber refuses to come during the working day, I gave him several options of days that I would be in but he didn't even bother to get back to me to let me know that he was unwilling to come on those days.
This afternoon I received a text message which said ''can I come to do the gas safety check tomorrow night???''

AIBU to say no? I know it needs doing and it's urgent as it's overdue again and I do not want a repeat of last year, however, I do not like the idea of it being on an evening, I know that sounds really silly but it just makes me feel uncomfortable think a stranger in my house on an evening, I would just feel much more comfortable if it was during the day.

Is it normal for tradespeople to insist on working on an evening?
Would you allow a tradesperson to dictate that they will only come on an evening or would you allow an appointment on an evening such as this?
I could really use some MN advice on this.

Thank you

[BlueJug]

Why an you do evenings? As long as it is not too late.
I is a legal requirement and between you you will need to sort something out. Maybe compromise late afternoon / early evening?

[Rdoo]

Yabu.
I don't understand the issue, I'd be happy if I was on your situation as it would mean I wouldn't have to take any time off work.
What do you think is likely to happen in the evening that wouldn't happen during the day?

[BlueJug]

sorry " Why can't you do" typo

[ChuckitintheBucket]

Surely for the sake of getting it done and sorted you could agree to him coming in the evening. It seems a bit strange to be digging your heels in over this when it's easily sorted. Yabu.

[leelu66]

I'm renting and let the plumber make evening appts. It IS a bit nerveracking without DH there. But it would have meant no hot water or gas so I had to.

Can you ask a neighbour to relative to be there?

It's annoying when they turn up without an appointment. The plumber once turned up without an appt and was annoyed because I wasn't at home at 5pm. Clearly other people are unreasonable for having jobs.

[BlueJug]

If you are concerned ask a friend to pop over and join you for coffee while the plumber is there.

[Roystonv]

The check is a legal requirement and is for your own safety and that of your family and as it is only once a year I would agree and get it done asap. These checks are bound to be a bit inconvenient but most tenants would like the chance of an evening appt imo.

[ridemesideways]

Are you on your own? Would having someone with you make you feel better? I think to refuse an evening appointment would be unreasonable, yes.

[OddBoots]

Dropping by unannounced YANBU to find that unacceptable but for a booked appointment in the evening then I think YABU to say no.

[OddBoots]

I am presuming it is more like 8pm than 11pm though.

[Oysterbabe]

Don't be ridiculous.

[NewLife4Me]

YANBU and I'm a LL.
You are supposed to have 24 hours notice and your safety check has to be done every 12 months, no longer.
Have you been issued with a carbon monoxide detector thingy, forget what they're called.
This is also law now, your LL must give you one.

As it is only once a year I do think YABU to not allow an evening appointment, unless it really inconveniences you like needing to take time off work.

[Tantrictantrum]

Honestly If you were my tenant I wouldn't be renewing your contract. It's once a year. And for your safety

[Musicaltheatremum]

You've been given 24 hours notice. Just get it it over with.

[Sirzy]

It needs doing, better to get it done rhan create an issue and battle from it surely?

[Whatthefreakinwhatnow]

Sorry OP, you are being really unreasonable. It's 20 mins once a year, you need to let him in to do his job.

Get a friend round if you are worried about being on your own with him, but it has to be done.

I would imagine your landlord would be pretty pissed off if it's a drama again like last year!! Hardly worth risk your tenancy for is it?!

[Luc28]

It's a legal requirement and really in your best interest ... After all they are coming to check the safety of your gas appliances and carbon monoxide levels etc .... I'd personally get them in as soon as you can evening or not

[Sirzy]

And surely a stranger is a stranger no matter what time of day? What happens to them when evening arrives to make it more of a problem?

[EveOnline2016]

It makes no logical sense, more people are home in the evening if something was going to happen it's highly likely people would not hear a scream in the daytime. In the evening they would.

[lookoutitsapiano]

Why not just let him in? It'll take five minutes

[PegsPigs]

So he comes during the working day but you're out so he can't get in and he arranges to come in the evening when you're in but you don't want him coming when you're in!?!

Unless I'm much mistaken YABU. He's trying to keep you safe and healthy. Just cut him some slack.

[wowfudge]

It's not up to the tenant to make themself available for something routine like this at someone else's whim - would you agree to your LL letting the plumber in at a time he arranges with him instead?

There are plenty of gas safe engineers around. You could always find one local to you, get a quote for a landlord's has safety check and pass it on to your landlord.

[Tantrictantrum]

My reason for not renewing your contract would be the anxiety it would cause me worrying you would die from a faulty appliance and I would end up in prison all because you won't allow a gas man in.

[ijustwannadance]

You are being ridiculous. The man is coming to check your gas, for your benefit, not to murder you ffs. You are bwing stubborn for no good reason.
Unless you work lates/evenings then what is the problem him coming when you are actually at home?!