Tenant got a heat pump installed without consent

[Kimmers4334]

I am in two minds about this because it’s an upgrade to the property, but it’s a pretty significant and permanent thing that I’m now responsible for.

So as not to dripfeed, the tenant asked if they could have an appointment to see if the property would qualify for any upgrades. I agreed but was very clear that I’d want to see plans/recommendations before I agreed to having anything installed. I heard nothing further and then the letting agent sent me a certificate for work I know nothing about. There is a good chance I would’ve agreed to the heat pump, but that would depend on me having all the information. On principle I am pretty annoyed that the tenant, letting agent and installation company didn’t actually seek permission to go ahead at any point.
What would you do in this situation, complain to someone (letting agent? Installation company?), see it as breach of contract by the tenant, or just let it go as it does benefit the property?

I would let it go, if they have invested they are more likely to want to stay longer term and that benefits you. If you don't want the ongoing responsibility ask them to remove it and make good when they leave.

Who is paying for it?

Are they expecting you to?

What company installed it? Are they legit?

Are they otherwise a good tennant?

Who signed off on it?

I would want proof that all work has been done correctly, and in accordance with any regulations. Did it need Building Regs approval for example?
If it's been done incorrectly, not only could it prove expensive to correct, it could cause problems if you want to sell the property at some point.

I think if the work is done to a standard you would have agreed with anyway, I'd let it go - but - you don't want to imply consent for future works. I'd make clear to the tenant and the letting agent that you wish they'd respected your request to be informed in advance and that in future, you won't be so lenient and to please stick to the process of informing you first before work is done, and you won't withhold consent unreasonably.

You could also say that until you've inspected the installation and paperwork, you reserve your rights to claim against both the tenant and the letting agent for any issues resulting from the installation of the heat pump since they installed it without your consent. That would protect you if they hired some cowboy who did a shit job that needs to be remediated.

Presumably they paid for it and are responsible for it while they're there. And they wouldn't have got it if they were planning on leaving soon. So I think you should probably leave it on this occasion.

I mean do tell them all firmly that next time anything like this comes up, you must be consulted. And get them to confirm in writing. But as this is done now it's not like it would be beneficial for you to have it ripped out.

They paid for it, therefore they are responsible while living there same with any white goods etc. i would tell them they should of consulted you first though and next time you want it in writing. Congratulations on your free upgrade though!

I would see it as a breach of contract by the tenant. Evict them and change to a different letting company. If you let it go you will have problems next time they want to do something without permission and it's more important to uphold your rights over your property. Do not return the tenant's deposit until you have had independent professional advice as to whether any further work is needed on the property - you have no idea whether any corners were cut or things done badly and if the work done wasn't up to scratch it might be reasonable to use the tenants deposit to put things right (subject to the Arbitration of the DPS depending how serious the problems found might be).

Christ don’t do this. This is why people hate landlords.

Did the letting agent know anything about this before they were sent the certificate.

I’d start with a fact finding mission with them. You pay them after all.

I would also question if it has been part of a government scheme, if so which one. Ask for the paperwork. I find it unlikely that any scheme would not require permission or involvement from the building owner. But I don’t know enough about them to be sure.

Find out the extent of internal works. Hear pumps require a hot water tank, in older houses they also require most of the radiators to be upgraded and made bigger. It isn’t as simple as just plugging it in unless the house is fairly new.

Ultimately if the work has been signed off and has certificates then it was probably done correctly. The tenant has probably spent £5k atleast on this and it will last a long time and ultimately probably increase the value of the property moving forwards. I’d probably let it side.

Presuming they've got it through the govt grants?

Just oversee it from now on and become familiar. Works best with solar panels, doesn't it? There's groups on FB especially about Octopus heat pumps and they give info on the best rates/tariffs and troubleshooting.
If your tenant isn't clued up i would worry they'd think it's expensive or accidentally misuse the settings and then there will be damp/mould!

Also ask what other upgrades they've done I.e. the govt were pushing free loft and cav wall insulation. News stories this year has come out on how a load of cowboy companies were doing it

They got a government grant so I don’t think they paid anything.

The company seems legit but I didn’t look much further into them at the time as I thought I would see what their recommendations are first.

Someone asked if they are otherwise a good tenant. Not the best, the house is never clean and their animals have destroyed the flooring and doors. If there has been any damage during installation or anything needs making good, I don’t think it would occur to them to mention it

I think this is too big to let go. I would formally complain to the letting agent and installation company, neither should have let this happen and it's a serious failure on their part. As for the tenants, well maybe now the house is upgraded they need a rent rise (only half kidding!). I'd have a stearn word for sure. Whether I did anything would depend on if they're good tenants otherwise and if they can provide documentation to show everything was done properly by legitimate companies. If you weren't aware and didn't sign anything, who owns the warranty and right for legal action should anything go wrong? This is quite bad tbh

Oh well if they're not great tenants I'd get rid as I'd be wary they'd do more stuff without my knowledge

I would definitely be complaining to the letting agent - where's your boiler gone! As presumably they rip it out to install a tank if you didn't already have a combi?

The eco4 scheme? Id have taken full advantage and was surprised to read it covers rental properties. So the tenant has made your property better for free. Id say nothing tbh. Is there solar being installed, it usually comes hamd in hand.

In light of that - I would evict, and look at withholding deposit until after inspection and how to remove it if you dont want it

They dont have permission to do the work they have done, they're not good tennants.

I’d book a property inspection asap, because heat pumps usually require bigger radiators, so there may be some cosmetic repair needed. I’d also want to understand the settings - if people try to use it like a boiler with heating on timers or manually on/off your house will end up cold and damp. They could also end up paying more for heating than previously - heat pumps use fewer units of electricity to produce heat, but gas is cheaper so unless you also have solar panels or a cheap overnight power rate it can end up the same or more on your bills.

I’d also want to know what they’d done with the boiler (we sold ours for a few hundred pounds when we had it replaced with a heat pump).

For the eco4 grant they’re supposed to have the written permission of the landlord.

Heat pump today.... extension without planning permission let alone your permission tomorrow..... i agree with PP this is too big to let go. You were clear you wanted the information the tenant was gathering before you would decide to give the go ahead or not so there's no room for confusion here. In all honesty I don't know how these things work but can you issue a formal written warning or something? I think it definitely needs addressed and something put in writing that similar is not to ever happen again.

Depending on who knew what and when, I'm not sure if it's fair to blame the heat pump company or the estate agent for not informing you. It could be the heat pump company were told you had consented and the estate agent only found out about any of it after the fact. I'd be wanting to clarify this though and confirm who indeed knew what and when. The tenant however has zero excuses

This is my thinking, I don’t think the tenant has done anything maliciously and the company knows they don’t own the house. I think seeking permission and providing information lies more with the letting agent and installation company. I’m yet to hear back so I have no idea who signed off or who has the paperwork. If the tenant did sign then I’m not sure if it’s them or the company who acted without permission. I doubt it was the letting agent as they would know they don’t have the authority (but never good to assume)

I would see it like this too, there will be a next time ,I can't believe they didn't ask you first!

I feel like the tenant was massively out of order, tenants have been evicted for making improvements without permission. and if you don't complain to them they will feel like they are able to do anything else without even consulting you.
Also I think as they installed the heat pump without your permission they are responsible for the maintenance for it while they live there.

And on what grounds? Breach of tenancy terms is not a mandatory ground and you wouldn't have a cat in hells chance of getting a possession order for this breach.

I would check that it is actually beneficial as heat pumps if the houses isn't set up correctly can actually end up costing more money that a traditional boiler, they use a lot of electricity. You need to have good insulation and the right type of rads/underfloor heating as far as I know. My mum is thinking of doing it but was told she would really need to upgrade some other things in the house to make it worth while. Have you got solar panels for electricity or anything like that?