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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to expect a better service?

12 replies

MsFox · 10/01/2011 19:03

We live in a rented house, and pay, IMO, alot of money for it. It's through an agency. There's a few things that have needed to be done since we've moved in. Socket needed fixing, a door needed repairing and painting and we've recently asked to have part of it re-painted as it's looking tired. The inventory we were given when we moved in is very out of date, and I have amended it as necessary, this is no problem really, as they have accepted what we've said and done what needs doing. However, each job that has been undertaken seems to have been done by someone that appears to do it in their spare time. They call with short notice about when they will pop round to quote/see what materials they need etc, and often a job is drawn out and done in short stints. The door took weeks before it was done, and it's not actually finished, the bloke said the undercoat of paint was enough, it isn't, but it's not my door so I'm not that fussed, I was relived that the job had finally finished. I have commented in the past to the agency, but didn't get much of a response past "he's been with us years".

The most recent task, as mentioned, is some painting. I was told before Christmas by the agency that someone would be in touch to arrange a qoute. He called, on Friday night, at 8pm we were away so I asked him to call back today. He's just called adn asked if he can pop round one day after work (so this isn't his job then?! ) between 6pm -7pm. With two little ones this time isn't convienient, so I told him as much and asked that he pop round in normal working hours, so he said he would ring back once he'd spoken to his mate (what?! ). He's already called back (even though I had explained that 6pm-7pm is a busy time in this house, and had sounded flustered and out of breath on the first call) and asked if 11pm Saturday morning would be ok. I said again it would be prefered if it could be done during normal working hours, so he's going to 'speak to his mate again' and call me tomorrow.

This is a bit shit right? The letting agency should surely be hiring professionals, I'm sure they get enough of a fee to cover more than their mates doing it after work?

Or AIBU, is this actaully normal?

OP posts:

Original poster

MsFox · 10/01/2011 19:08

That ended up a bit more long winded than I intended! Sorry!

OP posts:

FabbyChic · 10/01/2011 19:13

I moved into this rented house December 2009, since I have been here I have totally redecorated the whole house, emulsion and glossing, I have relayed a hall floor at my expense, a kitchen and bathroom floor.

I have replaced all the lampshades (some were missing) and purchased nets and blind for the windows.

I done in the same previously Agency rented house.

I love it because I can make it my own home.

When I call my agents out it is for stuff I cannot do i.e major works, I can fit new light sockets and have done so.

I guess you do things differently, but if I want something done I do it myself.

My agents use an odd job guy, they quote first because the home owner has to approve they also probably do all the agents properties and might even just be retired and doing them a favour.

belledechocchipcookie · 10/01/2011 19:15

You appear to have the same agency as me. I've been here 8 years and they have done nothing! I removed the cupboard door as it was falling off and I'l still waiting for it to be repaired. They did send someone out, he just turned up when I wasn't in and told them that he'd arranged it and I didn't turn up He then spent an hour digging the garden (un asked) and told them that the garden was a mess. After 8 years I have a very long list of jobs.

lal123 · 10/01/2011 19:18

As long as the jobs get done to a decent standard does it really matter who does them?

TattyDevine · 10/01/2011 19:18

"I love it because I can make it my own home"

No, you do this by buying the house

Can't quite see the purpose of your post. As usual

Original poster

MsFox · 10/01/2011 19:19

FabbyChic - the agency receive a fee for 'maintaining' the property though. I'm already paying though the nose for a house that will never be mine, I'm not forking out anymore.

OP posts:

belledechocchipcookie · 10/01/2011 19:20

We pay rent so that we don't have to do jobs like this!

FabbyChic · 10/01/2011 19:20

Tatty, the point of my post is if you want something done why not do it yourself? Rather than moan about it.

I can't afford my own home so I rent.

autodidact · 10/01/2011 19:28

As long as you do eventually find a mutually convenient time and he does a good job I don't really see the problem, tbh.

catinthehat2 · 10/01/2011 19:34

So you devote time and funds to improving an investment belonging to someone else!

What a mug Excellent work!

Original poster

MsFox · 10/01/2011 19:38

@ catinthehat

OP posts:

trixie123 · 10/01/2011 19:43

Actually FabbyChic am with you on this, up to a point anyway. If you have a long term lease and we are not talking thousands of pounds and you have the time and skills to do it why not improve your living environment? Painting a door takes about ten minutes and about £10-15 for gloss paint and a brush. Houses are not just financial investments (or sink holes) they are homes to live in. OP if you still plan on pursuing this I would have stronger words with the agent and tell them to contact the landlord and see how he feels about you getting in a professional and sending him the bill! (We used to be a landlord and did our best to ensure things were dealt with promptly and used to get just as pissed off with the agency as the tenants when they messed about.

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