WWYD - tenant went ahead without our permission

[birdladyfromhomealone]

New tenant first month in, tells us the back door is not easy to lock.
For security we agreed to his request to call a locksmith.
He told us he had called three and gave the price.
We agreed the one who charged £65 per hour- estimated £95 to fix.
One month later our tenant has emailed to say they came out but couldnt fix the lock as the PVC door was warped.
Attached an invoice for £398 for complete new locking mechanism.
He has paid on the day and wants repayment.

I think if it was me I'd probably cough up it would have a value of sorts to the tenant that you are a good landlord.

Most of said LL's are the spawn of Satan to most tenants.

Don't you just hate that term "Landlord"

So bloody medieval, Victorian and class ridden:(

But when the tenant offered to sort it, you should have declined. I think you are being too nice and that's when problems start.

I don't know why you bothered asking then if you only want to be agreed with.

It's irrelevant they offered by not overseeing the work you leave yourself wide open to disputed bills, bad feelings and poor workmanship.

Birdlady
Have you got he receipt yet from the tenant, and spoken with the locksmith?

Hmmm. Tricky. I see the pro tenant point of view, but I see yours as well.

The trouble is that the estimated fix cost was 95. I assume you would have been happy with anything up to 120 given that estimate. The trouble is that this is far away from the estimation. If I was the tenant, I would have phoned you instantly to confirm it was ok.