How to approach LL about his bodge job employees....

Seasonofthewitch83 · 2023-05-24T10:15:17+00:00

We have rented a property for a few years now, generally no issues. When little repair jobs have come up, he always sends two handymen who I *think* may actually be relatives. Pretty much every job that they have been asked to do, it always seems like a shit temporary fix and soon broken/not working again. Its nothing major so we've just lived with it, and I have been afraid to push it in case its used as an excuse to up the rent. But now really, theres probably about 5 or 6 little things that need fixing. The yearly rent review has just happened and the LL wants to come round for the first inspection but he is bringing the useless handymen with him. I suppose I dont really know how to handle it, or should I just let their shit handywork speak for itself? Is it worth me emailing him and saying we would prefer he used someone else?

SunnySaturdayMorning · 24/05/2023 11:30

No, you shouldn’t email him. You don’t get a day in who he uses; it’s his property, his money and his choice.

If you have a preference for someone else doing it then you pay for it yourself (though of course with permission from the landlord before any work is done).

Original poster

Seasonofthewitch83 · 24/05/2023 11:34

SunnySaturdayMorning · 24/05/2023 11:30

No, you shouldn’t email him. You don’t get a day in who he uses; it’s his property, his money and his choice.

If you have a preference for someone else doing it then you pay for it yourself (though of course with permission from the landlord before any work is done).

I dont think he realises that his money is not being spent very affectively because presumably he is paying for someone to come round and NOT fix his property properly.....

OP posts:

Original poster

Seasonofthewitch83 · 24/05/2023 11:35

SunnySaturdayMorning · 24/05/2023 11:30

No, you shouldn’t email him. You don’t get a day in who he uses; it’s his property, his money and his choice.

If you have a preference for someone else doing it then you pay for it yourself (though of course with permission from the landlord before any work is done).

I also presume you mean I check the LL is ok with the work being done by a contractor I approach myself and agree the price that HE should pay. Tenants are not responsible for paying for upkeep of a property that does not belong to them.....

OP posts:

mondaytosunday · 24/05/2023 11:36

Yea I'd not so subtly point out things. Like 'oh this tap that was fixed last month is already leaking again' and 'the door still doesn't close properly'. Let their shoddy work speak for itself.
I'm a landlord and would want to know!

SunnySaturdayMorning · 24/05/2023 11:39

Seasonofthewitch83 · 24/05/2023 11:35

I also presume you mean I check the LL is ok with the work being done by a contractor I approach myself and agree the price that HE should pay. Tenants are not responsible for paying for upkeep of a property that does not belong to them.....

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Landlord chooses the contractor. You don’t approach them yourself and send landlord the bill.

If you want a specific person the LL isn’t interested in paying for then you pay. Otherwise it’s the landlords choice because it’s their money.

MaggieFS · 24/05/2023 12:08

mondaytosunday · 24/05/2023 11:36

Yea I'd not so subtly point out things. Like 'oh this tap that was fixed last month is already leaking again' and 'the door still doesn't close properly'. Let their shoddy work speak for itself.
I'm a landlord and would want to know!

I agree with this. Keep it factual, non emotional and neutral. You aren't blaming anyone or casting aspersions on workmanship, you are simply pointing out the state of things like a considerate tenant would.

JeandeServiette · 24/05/2023 12:11

SunnySaturdayMorning · 24/05/2023 11:30

No, you shouldn’t email him. You don’t get a day in who he uses; it’s his property, his money and his choice.

If you have a preference for someone else doing it then you pay for it yourself (though of course with permission from the landlord before any work is done).

I'd want to know if the work wasn't being done well, though.

It is mad to say "the landlord chooses, so accept the bridge job or pay yourself". Especially when the LL might not be aware.

Palmasailor · 24/05/2023 12:18

I think we need a bit more info about what has been bodged and probably some pictures

Ariela · 24/05/2023 12:31

Definitely be there. I'd act pleased the workman is there eg ' Oh good, hope you've got your tools, the leaky tap you fixed only lasted a day and has dripped a little ever since' 'I'm hoping you can finish fixing this door that still doesn't shut properly' and etc

Original poster

Seasonofthewitch83 · 24/05/2023 12:55

Palmasailor · 24/05/2023 12:18

I think we need a bit more info about what has been bodged and probably some pictures

Window was not closing properly - they 'fixed' it and a week later was not closing again - we managed to get it shut and now we just dont open it.

Garden fence blew down in the wind - they 'fixed' it but they didnt do it properly, its fallen down again. Weve managed to temporarily wedge it back up.

Bathroom sink was chipped (not by is, on move in) they came in and replaced it but they stuck a not watersealed piece of wood round the sink which looks terrible and now water damaged. It looked better before with the chip!

OP posts:

Palmasailor · 24/05/2023 13:02

Seasonofthewitch83 · 24/05/2023 12:55

Window was not closing properly - they 'fixed' it and a week later was not closing again - we managed to get it shut and now we just dont open it.

Garden fence blew down in the wind - they 'fixed' it but they didnt do it properly, its fallen down again. Weve managed to temporarily wedge it back up.

Bathroom sink was chipped (not by is, on move in) they came in and replaced it but they stuck a not watersealed piece of wood round the sink which looks terrible and now water damaged. It looked better before with the chip!

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We’ll the window and the fence are safety and security issues so you can rightly kick off and demand action.

the other two are just a louse up - I suggest you notify and say you won’t accept any consequential damage / deductions from your deposit because his guys loused up and it’s not properly fixed.

powerrangers · 24/05/2023 13:05

SunnySaturdayMorning · 24/05/2023 11:30

No, you shouldn’t email him. You don’t get a day in who he uses; it’s his property, his money and his choice.

If you have a preference for someone else doing it then you pay for it yourself (though of course with permission from the landlord before any work is done).

You seem vehemently opposed to the OP giving feedback. The OP isn't demanding anything. Just wants the LL to know his shit his choice of contractors is. Why do you feel this is wrong?

uglybettty · 24/05/2023 13:09

These threads always bring out the 'rent haters' who think renters shouldn't be able to complain because 'it's the landlords money'. You absolutely can bring up the issues you have with the bodged jobs with the work that's been done. It isn't just the landlords money. It's the, presumably thousands, of £'s you pay a year to live in a habitable, safe house. A landlord cutting corners to save a bit of money and failing to fix things to a good enough standard is in breach of tenancy laws and can be reported to environmental health. Remind your LL of their responsibilities as well as yours. Him not knowing the issues aren't fully resolved isn't good enough, he should always be inspecting after fixing.

TwoBlueFish · 24/05/2023 13:28

I would just keep reporting so when the fence blew down again he would know they did a shot bodge job. At the moment he thinks they are fixing everything properly so of course he keeps using the same people.

Original poster

Seasonofthewitch83 · 24/05/2023 13:30

TwoBlueFish · 24/05/2023 13:28

I would just keep reporting so when the fence blew down again he would know they did a shot bodge job. At the moment he thinks they are fixing everything properly so of course he keeps using the same people.

I wish I had now. This is the issue with renting - you become too afraid to keep asking for things in case you get evicted.......

OP posts:

Thesunwillcomeoutverysoon · 24/05/2023 13:33

I feel your pain op.. Botch jobs include a drawer front hanging off in the kitchen. Big screw holding it on shut now...
Switch for shower not a bathroom one. Official sparky replaced that some time later..
New carpets mentioned.. Been there 8 years. Still waiting. Previous tenants also 8 years. Same carpets..
Listed building - took a chisel to 1 window so much it rattles..
The Chuckle Brothers would have been a welcome sight...

weemouse · 24/05/2023 13:36

Make a list of the jobs, with dates, that these workmen have been and "fixed" these things, and another list below it, with the dates these issues have re-arisen, and point out why they are not still fixed.
Email it so you have a chain of record.

jackstini · 24/05/2023 13:37

I'm a landlord and would want to know so I'm not throwing good money after bad

They are not mindreaders though so you should have told them when the fence blew down again or window wouldn't close

For now, just point everything out when he comes round. In future tell him asap when things break

Fwiw if a tenant comes to me with an issue and says they have a quote to fix it; if it saves me time and it's a reputable company then I go ahead and pay the company and get it done

MrsMoastyToasty · 24/05/2023 13:37

I think you should put in terms of "protecting his investment in the property" - most people are concerned about the resale value of houses, even if they have no immediate plans to sell- and perhaps make subtle hints about reporting to environmental health at the council.

Original poster

Seasonofthewitch83 · 24/05/2023 13:38

jackstini · 24/05/2023 13:37

I'm a landlord and would want to know so I'm not throwing good money after bad

They are not mindreaders though so you should have told them when the fence blew down again or window wouldn't close

For now, just point everything out when he comes round. In future tell him asap when things break

Fwiw if a tenant comes to me with an issue and says they have a quote to fix it; if it saves me time and it's a reputable company then I go ahead and pay the company and get it done

Thank you - the LL hasnt inspected the property yet because of lockdown so will be interested to get his take on their work.
We told him as soon as the fence fell down again but its been months.....

OP posts:

good96 · 24/05/2023 21:09

I am a landlord and I use reputable contractors- I also check in with the tenant a few weeks down the line to make sure there are no further issues. Yes whilst I agree that it is the LL’s decision who they use ultimately feedback is important too - luckily my contractors send photos of the work completed and then I pay them once satisfied.
In your case OP, the window lock and the fence are definitely the priority as this is security issues but the other cosmetic issues whilst be good to be repaired might not necessarily be a priority.
General wear and tear would be factored in when it comes to you leaving the property and therefore they can’t remove the costs of this from deposits.

WuTangGran · 24/05/2023 21:23

I’d make a list of each defect and the dates of repairs to each one, and go through it with the LL and show him the status of each at the time of his visit.