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do I need to keep chasing to pay electrician?

5 replies

MacarenaFerreiro · 09/01/2019 08:25

We had some work done in the house in the first half of October. Electrical work was part of this, and the builder we were using recommended an electrician he'd worked with before. Great. Called him, explained what we needed done and asked about price. Conversation about how it would be roughly £600, but if they could reuse a certain part, it might be less. Fine. He texted me later that day to confirm the conversation, and that they'd be over the next day.

Work was done as promised on a Friday. That evening, texted the electrician to say thanks, and ask for the final price. He replied saying that they'd been able to reuse the part, and it would be £500. I asked whether he'd prefer bank transfer, cash or cheque and he said cash. No problem. So went to the bank on the Monday and got the cash.

And it's been sitting here ever since in a drawer in the lounge. I texted him on the day I went to the bank to say "cash here, let me know when you want to collect it". Nothing. Then a week later, another text to say that the money was here.

That was all the middle of October and we haven;t had a peep out of him since. Legally, it's not my job to keep chasing him up, is it? (We;re in Scotland but I doubt that makes any difference in this case)

OP posts:
prh47bridge · 09/01/2019 16:31

You are not under any obligation to keep chasing the electrician to collect the money. You are, of course, still liable for the debt if he finally gets round to collecting.

Sassparilla · 09/01/2019 21:13

We've had something similar and wonder how long we are liable for the debt. Is there a time limit on the monies owed?

RamblinRosie · 09/01/2019 21:50

I’ve had similar, good workman, lousy with admin. He’ll eventually follow up when he does his taxes.

One time, I’d moved house before I got the bill, 5 months later-I paid up immediately.

Personally, I’d chase him, eventually you’ll have to pay up. You want to keep on the right side of a good tradesman, you never know when you’ll need him again.

It’s the right thing to do.

Jon65 · 09/01/2019 22:44

A debt is not legally enforceable after 6 years from the last time you acknowledged it. It still remains a debt.

Jon65 · 09/01/2019 22:46

Our electrician also only bills us when he is doing his tax irrespective of when the work was carried out. It's very annoying.

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