Damage caused by landlords contractors

ayrforce1

My landlord arranged for a removal company to uplift and store some of our furniture etc. whilst our home was being modernised. Several items were returned damaged, worst of all our 3 peice suite which is filthy, scuffed and torn in 2 places. They sent an upholsterer who told us that he would have to replace the entire back panel of a chair, using that to repair another part of the chair, but although he could probably match the colour he could not match the material. The suite is about 3 years old and cost around £2000. We have stated that this is not satisfactory and the removal company have replied that we should not expect to get much from their insurance. The other damaged items have been taken away by them for repair.
The contractors working in the house have left our bedroom carpet badly stained with water from a radiator which they removed , and the carpet is filthy with dust from the work done (rewiring, new central heating, plasterwork etc.). This will not hoover out as it is has been walked in .
The living room carpet has been left badly creased, and in an attempt to remove the creases they have overstretched the carpet to the point that it does not fit at other points. The creases still remain and they want another go at it.
I should add that we were advised in writing not to lift any carpets as the contractor would lift and relay any carpet required. This of course did not happen only the hall was lifted the rest were folded back.
To top it off we had to move into a hotel for a week, at our expense, as the house was in such a state.
Our main concern is the suite, which was in very good condition, how do we stand on that issue.
Many Thanks.

clutton_2

were you paying rent during the time that you were in the hotel ?

chappers

I would be back onto the removal company, they have a responsibility , probably through their insurers. if they cannot repair satisfactorily then they should replace.
The carpet however is probably a different matter, I assume it belongs to your LL ,it should be his responsibilty to clean it, either way something should be written into the inventory as an ammendment with regards to it.

DVardysShadow

As Lodger alludes, if the carpet is on the inventory, write to LL now and state damage and cause. Keep a copy.

theartfullodger

Point I'm trying to get at with...

Do you have a contract with the removers or does only the landlord have a contract (if so you should communicate with LL not removers..., I think...)

-(I assume the furniture belongs to ayrforce1... )

Is that OP stated....

My landlord arranged for a removal company to uplift and store some of our furniture etc.

and if it was the Landlord that arranged everything (and is paying) then the OP (ayrforce1) would, IMHO, be best advised to put everything through the Landlord (who will have legal responsibility... I think) rather than try and sort things out himself (ayrforce1) with the removers...

So, in ayrforce1's shoes I'd write LL a calm, sober, letter (keep copy) outlining my concerns & what I'd like (including payment for hotel) and invite LL's response.. then see him in court if he won't play ball...


btw ayrforce1, you're not in Scotland are you??

Cheers!

Lodger

clutton_2

lodger why do you ALWAYS advise the most extreme measure on day one of EVERY post you respond to ?

do you not understand the concept of discussion, communication and negotiation FIRST ??

DVardysShadow

clutton wrote: »

lodger why do you ALWAYS advise the most extreme measure on day one of EVERY post you respond to ?

do you not understand the concept of discussion, communication and negotiation FIRST ??

I take the thrust of this as being to direct it all to LL rather than remover, rather than the bit about taking it to court.

In this circumstance, it would be easy to end up discussing, communicating and negotiating with the wrong party [remover] and taking them to court after a long time, meanwhile ending up with the LL getting away with it.

clutton_2

i thought most LLs on here would know that whichever "agent" acting for the LL (irrespective of what the job is) - it is always the LL who is legally responsible

DVardysShadow

clutton wrote: »

i thought most LLs on here would know that whichever "agent" acting for the LL (irrespective of what the job is) - it is always the LL who is legally responsible

Yeah, but it is a T who has the problem.

tbs624

clutton wrote: »

lodger why do you ALWAYS advise the most extreme measure on day one of EVERY post you respond to ?

do you not understand the concept of discussion, communication and negotiation FIRST ??

theartfullodger wrote: »

....So, in ayrforce1's shoes I'd write LL a calm, sober, letter (keep copy) outlining my concerns & what I'd like (including payment for hotel) and invite LL's response.. then see him in court if he won't play ball...

My highlighting. AL's suggestion seems pretty mindful of "discussion, communication and negotiation" to me. State viewpoint, seek response, then pursue if necessary...LL engaged contractor, LL should sort.

Fire_Fox

clutton wrote: »

lodger why do you ALWAYS advise the most extreme measure on day one of EVERY post you respond to ?

do you not understand the concept of discussion, communication and negotiation FIRST ??

When emotions are running high as they appear to be in this case, it's often easier for many people to discuss/ communicate/ negotiate in writing. I find it cathartic to compose a long-winded and sarcastic letter of complaint, then edit heavily so as not to offend. :rotfl: I think a letter would also help the landlord negotiate with his contractors.