What on earth am I paying this LA for??

owitemisermusa

Excuse me folks, but I would like to vent.....

Received a big shock. Charged for boiler repairs that I wasn't informed about. Apparently repairs carried out towards the end of the last tenancy!! So angry!

As if that wasn't enough, I look through the tenancy agreement (thanks to MSE and other online resources) and I discover silly omissions.

AST
- not dated on the front page!
- TDS deposit page unsigned by LA
- Tenant's signature unwitnessed
- no contact details for tenant when tenancy ends

Inventory
- can you believe that it's the same inventory used almost a year ago (and they have the audacity to charge all over again).
- Gas and electricity readings left blank
- Key list left blank
- Horror of horrors : LA wrote "total inventory not gone through" next to her signature!


I am weak.......


OMM

PasturesNew

You should pay them because comedians don't work for free.

owitemisermusa

PasturesNew wrote: »

You should pay them because comedians don't work for free.

:rotfl: :rotfl::rotfl:

C'mon PN, this is a serious thread!

:rotfl:

I feel much better now. It's good to vent.

I look forward to the day when I can dispense with the LA's "services".

Microstar_2

This is the reason I've never used a LA. 95% of them are just parasites, and incompetent ones at that. The other thing to watch (so I hear...) is adding on a big mark-up for repairs they've organised, so you might want to go through that boiler repair bill very carefully. I wouldn't be surprised if some backhanders aren't involved in certain cases.
The sooner these cowboys are regulated and licensed (or some such), the better!

lynzpower

totally agree, we had someone come and do our door when we were in rented accom. the chap was the LAs husbands brother :rolleyes:

Can you take them to small claims, or other court, for them to accept they have not done the job you were contracting them for and at least try to get your fees back.

and report them to arla for being so crap.

Can you not dispense of LA now, youve got tenants who are being kept, so what on eartyh do you need the parasites for. They are only good if they stop you worrying ( which they wont) or do something you cant do yourself ( from your post seems pretty clear you know more than they do )

clutton_2

read your contract with the LA and see if they have transgressed them ...

tbs624

lynzpower wrote: »

.....and report them to arla for being so crap.

" It is my belief that you have acted in contravention of S7969(z) which clearly states that you will deal fairly & courteously both with the tenants and the landlords who effectively pay your salaries and you will just not be so carp, okay?

I understand that penalties for failure to comply with this code include removal of company mobile phone with ridiculous ringtones, badged minicooper, all hairgel products and polyester suits, ties or scarves, and your right to use a calculator to work out huge fat over-inflated admin fees or to hold a nice big jingly set of keys "

tbs624

Seriously OMM - get shut of them. Either self manage or find a decent one,but trawl that small print & maybe give your contact info direct to the tenants to notify major repairs issues, having your own handyman available on a retainer if necessary.



So, who is going to write the book on 101 Uses for a Letting Agent?

owitemisermusa

Thanks guys. I've spoken to someone to sort out the inventory and AST agreement.

Still waiting for the invoice on the repairs and will take things from there.

I've cooled down somewhat, was very annoyed before I posted.

BTW, ridiculous terms include paying the LA for the rest of the tenancy (and for as long as this tenant remains in-situ) if I cancel.

I'll use this current tenancy to work out how to do this myself and get responsible people for the repairs/emergencies.

Imagine ifhad British Gas Homecare or summat, that would have been wasted money on the repairs!!

Oooooooooh, just had a thought, what if LA is a member of MSE and is reading this.........

moneysavinmonkey

owitemisermusa wrote: »

BTW, ridiculous terms include paying the LA for the rest of the tenancy (and for as long as this tenant remains in-situ) if I cancel..

I think there is currently an OFT test case against foxtons on these types of charges so maybe see if you can find any info on that...

owitemisermusa

Right, here's the description of repairs as detailed in the invoice:

Boiler leak, located fault on heating/hot water divertor valve. Supplied and fitted replacement divertor valve.

Can anyone give a rough estimate of how much this may cost (including labour) in fairly old Chaffoteux boiler?

Closest to actual charge may get a prize.

Thanks.

OMM