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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think having a workman sent to my home every week is absolutely ridiculous?

89 replies

Willow79 · 07/12/2020 17:59

I am fuming.

In the last month and a half my letting agency has sent various people round to do gas checks, legionella checks and to fix multiple breakages caused by a result of faulty installations before my arrival. I am working from home and the kitchen and living room is open plan - every time a workman comes they have several questions for me and I am not able to do my work productively.

Now the oven has broken and a guy is coming to fix it on Thursday. And now, as a result of a gas check, they have emailed to say they are sending someone round to install an additional part to the hob. This is a nice to have so I dont need to use alighter to light the hob, not essential.

I have told them multiple times these endless visits are disrupting my working life. It is actually really starting to affect me. AIBU to refuse?

OP posts:
AuntieMarys · 07/12/2020 18:01

I'd be grateful they were sending someone

Original poster
Willow79 · 07/12/2020 18:02

I basically feel it has become an endless conveyor belt of people coming to do work on the flat.

In addition to this random workmen showed up last week and spent 2 hours walking about the roof. I am on the top floor!

OP posts:
Original poster
Willow79 · 07/12/2020 18:03

In any other situation I would be @AuntieMarys. But I can't keep working like this, trying to do my job and having a workman working in the same room.

It is driving me crazy.

OP posts:
ScrapThatThen · 07/12/2020 18:03

I would be grateful they are maintaining the property - it will be sorted soon. I think it's shortsighted to complain about prompt maintenance appointments, even if annoying in practice.

flaviaritt · 07/12/2020 18:05

If these are inessential repairs you should say no, or it can only be done outside your working hours. These are things bothering the landlord, not the tenant, so why shouldn’t it wait until you move out?

Needmoresleep · 07/12/2020 18:05

I am a landlord. The number of checks required has grown like tipsy. Most are legal obligations on the part of the landlord. However you can probably involve COVID to say you want them delayed.

I would not. Just get them all done and then that will be it for a year.

BoomBoomsCousin · 07/12/2020 18:05

If they are things that are not necessary for safety or to maintain the place without incurring further expense tell them you can't make your home available to a workman and suggest they fix the issue when the pandemic is over or after you move out. But only do this if you really are happy for it not to be fixed while you live there. If you are bothered about it then I think you may need to put up with it because trying to get them back in on your schedule may be impossible.

Could you work in the bedroom when they come round?

Crystal87 · 07/12/2020 18:06

I get why it's annoying but if you refuse them you're just going to have things in your home that need to be repaired. And you can't refuse gas checks as they are a legal requirement for the landlord. I've lived in a place that had constant problems so I do get it, but surely better for them to sort it out?

BackforGood · 07/12/2020 18:06

I too, would be pleased things were getting sorted. Confused

Original poster
Willow79 · 07/12/2020 18:07

The thing is I am handing my notice in and leaving soon. So I don't care about it and certainly dont fancy shifting around important meetings again for the next 3 visits.

I am stuck working from home, I can't escape it. I have always had a construction site outside since June. It is too much.

OP posts:
Needmoresleep · 07/12/2020 18:07

Typo. Like topsy.

You left out the EICR electrical check, which can take ages and means turning off the electricity. Not great when a tenant is wfh. And the EPC. And possibly a HMO.

NoSquirrels · 07/12/2020 18:07

You could ask the letting agency to schedule the appointments like the gas hob and the oven on the same day, and take the day off work?

The other maintenance issues needed to be done, it’s unfortunate but you couldn’t have avoided it and they weren’t being deliberately annoying.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 07/12/2020 18:07

Maybe you could just agree with the letting agency that you will accept visits on Thursdays and Fridays with advance notice but will decline all visits on the other weekdays (or whatever days are quieter for you).

NoSquirrels · 07/12/2020 18:08

Have you given your notice in? If so, tell them you won’t let any workmen in and LL can fix issues when you vacate.

Needmoresleep · 07/12/2020 18:10

If you are leaving tell the lettings agency in writing that you are concerned about COVID and only want workmen in for repairs not for inspections.

They need the paperwork for a new tenancy so are trying to get it done before you go rather than during a void.

emilyfrost · 07/12/2020 18:12

YABU. Okay, you don’t care, but it’s not your property. The landlord has a legal obligation to keep the place safe and in good working order; you should be grateful they’re doing it.

Original poster
Willow79 · 07/12/2020 18:13

I am handing the notice in in 2 weeks.

They are attaching a note to every email about these repairs saying it is permitted. But if they are non essential surely I can just refuse?

Yes I understand the gas etc was essential. But there are 3 more visits lined up. That makes 7 visits in 1 and a half months.

OP posts:
Lindy2 · 07/12/2020 18:13

The part for the hob might seem optional but the landlord might not be able to be issued the gas safety certificate if that part isn't working. I've had to have very daft things like tiny clips that don't really do anything on a hob replaced before a certificate could be issued for a perfectly safe, working cooker.

It is better to have a landlord who maintains the property rather than one that ignores needed repairs. Hopefully it will be completed soon so you get a bit more peace and quiet.

Bumble84 · 07/12/2020 18:13

Most tenants would be happy their landlord was actually fixing things for them.

Needmoresleep · 07/12/2020 18:15

Yes you absolutely can refuse. As above. Say you are isolating as you are meeting vulnerable family members at Christmas.

Original poster
Willow79 · 07/12/2020 18:16

Why can people not see how disruptive this is when I am working from home and can't leave the room?

They are selective about what they fix. I have asked them to fix 3 things in the last year and each time the owner refused. The windows are crap and the room is freezing. Cant wait to leave.

OP posts:
Needmoresleep · 07/12/2020 18:16

The landlord needs to make best efforts, but if you say no in writing using COVID, there is nothing he can do.

Original poster
Willow79 · 07/12/2020 18:17

@Needmoresleep well I actually am seeing a vulnerable relative at Christmas.

So this wouldnt be a lie. Good idea.

OP posts:
flaviaritt · 07/12/2020 18:17

I’d just say anything further will have to be looked at when your tenancy has ended. You are in a very busy period with work and don’t have capacity to oversee tradesmen at the moment.

Clearly the LL wants to get a new tenant in immediately and have it ready (understandable) but you don’t have to oblige.

Original poster
Willow79 · 07/12/2020 18:21

They don't know I am leaving yet @flaviaritt.

Work is completely manic and will continue to be due to my line of work until Christmas. I actually will need to isolate to see my vulnerable family member so this is actually the ideal reason.

If they come back saying they must enter to get their certificate then ok - but no more visits after that.

OP posts:
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