Refusing to pay tradesmen

[Wifeoftrades]

DH is a tradesman and has finished job. The customer is refusing to pay and it's quite obvious now that this was always his intention. He has admitted that there is no problem with the work but he can't afford it and never could but it needed doing. DH is out ££££ on materials and paying his employees.

I'm just so sick of tradespeople being treated like this, you wouldn't believe how common it is. There is basically no chance of him ever seeing that money.

How would you like to go to work for a week and then have your company say that they've decided not to pay you? Please do not hire someone if you can't pay them.

You should be on the phone now chasing this debt, sit outsude the property and follow him or his wife to work/school etc if you have to. Check the land registry to see whose name is on the property and if it's joint add the wife's name to any action you're taking. I had carpets fitted recently which a third party had to pay. It was a local firm and they were paid before the caroet was fitted. Don't hesitate to report this to the police as fraudulent misrepresentation. I doubt they'll do anything but might give you advice. I think if you include the partner your dh might get a response. What sort of insurance does your dh have? Can you take put action jointly adding your name to any legal action as it's impacting on your family budget. I've reported someone for slamming if you know what that is. Come on palm a sailor spill the beans! What did you do. Look also at your household insurance to see if you're covered. I'm ill but still fighting!

Sounds like the thief is relying on your husband writing this off. Don't. Keep every shred of evidence. Start with the letter threatening court action, either download one or get a lawyer to prepare one for you.

Take it to court if you need to. It's not difficult, I've done it and won (against a landlord who basically stole 3 months of rent by banking a security cheque). It's worth using a lawyer to write the summary that you submit as they will present the case in the strongest way, but then you can represent yourself in court. You might not get every penny back but you'll get a legally enforceable judgment including a lien on his property if he won't pay up any other way.

And definitely don't harass the customer, hang around outside the property, try to undo the work etc. You need to look reasonable for the court case to succeed, and stalking the customer, entering the property or threatening them on the phone will just give them grounds against you.

Thanks everyone. Some of the suggestions sound satisfying but in reality, not being paid does not entitle you to act like a criminal and would in all likelihood reduce chances of payment further.

Just to clear up a couple of points-
A deposit was paid
Job was not for cash
All paperwork is in order and no avoiding of any tax

I know there are many people that have been stung by cowboy builders and to be honest I think they are the reason why trades can't ask for full payment up front. As some have pointed out, nobody would ever feel comfortable doing that. I certainly wouldn't. The final installment is usually reserved until the customer has inspected upon completion and is satisfied. It's sad that even when doing the absolute most to protect yourself, both the customer and contractor still have to take on some level of risk.

I do though.

My decorator Ive known for years and have looked at his books for him. He's entirely above board and pays all his tax.

The plumber, again, I know pays his tax. Not for the same reason.

My best friend is a tradie, and he's been fucked over in a similar way to OPs husband, again, he pays all his tax.

But it's ok to screw them over because some dont pay their tax. Punish the majority for the minority.

Yes some don't. My own biological father is one of them, and he's a dick too.

That doesn't mean they all don't.

Sounds like a good idea in theory but could backfire. Something I'd lije to do to thecscammers responsible for fraudulent misrepresentation the incident of slamming.