landlord advice plse

[Frecklesandspecs]

I tried to write this in another place but wouldn't let me start a new thread.
Anyway, we have had a really stressful few months after last tenants moved out and left the house in a bad state. We have paid out about 3000 pounds in all to get it back in shape.
We have finally just had new tenants move in and they have said the shower is leaking !! Anyway said tenants are a couple and wife is at home all day but they do not want anyone going around in the daytime or while husband is not at home so not before 7pm on weekdays as they are Muslim which is understandable but the thing is it Will obviously be hard for us to get people in after 7pm or weekend unless we pay through the roof.
We had exact same situation with previous tenants and our maintance guy had been round a few times (on okaying it with tenant) to find the wife would not let him in.
I am just wondering where we stand on this and could use some advice please.

I think you are able to get access if you give them written notice. Also i think they have to be reasonable about providing access within reason to allow for repairs.

can she not go out whilst the repairs are being made?

would a female plumber be more acceptable?

That sounds unreasonable to me. Why can't she just agree to go out for a couple of hours, and either you or the managing agent can let the workman in? Or a female needs to be present, like you, or a female member of staff from the managing agent. So long as she is not alone with a man I don't see an issue.

Also going to pm you about something.

no, you are not able to gain access just giving notice.
you need expressed permission to enter their home and they can refuse.

yep, try to find female workpeople.

I cannot go myself as we live down south and the property is up north. I had thought about getting female workpeople but have no idea how to find them as we have always had the same guys. I guess I could suggest she go out while they are there. Our last tenant who had this issue was a student so he was able to be at home sometimes with his wife but this one works full time.
Anyone know any female plumbers up north?!