Is landlord responsible for saftey catches?

paddy's_mum

Seems a perfectly reasonable request from a conscientious grandma to me. I'd say that £130 for your peace of mind is probably worth it!

theartfullodger

If this is 1st request of any nature from an otherwise wonderful tenant (no complaints, pays on time, place immaculate) then I'd pay & go ahead - chances are catches will make the place more attractive to more renters in future..

If this is the 73rd request of pain in a&rse tenants who never pay on time, have rowdy all-note parties and keep 3 incontinent rotties with personality disorders then get it done (to avoid the court embarrassment..) and issue S21 and proceed with eviction in due time..

Given agent needs you to ask dumb questions like this on MSE when they should be able to advise you (I assume thay are charging you shedloads..) they should perhaps consider going on a course - a radical idea I grant, but knowledge & expertise can help one's work...


Cheers!

Tiddlywinks

Does the £130 include the fitting costs? If so, then that is very reasonable.

As has already been said, the cost can be offset in your accounts (hoping you do have such) and undertaking the work will ensure that it is done properly and carefully and will keep the tenant happy.

Why quibble over this? Are your margins that tight?

Lance

Did granny not consider this when taking top floor flat? Did granny not see the windows? I wonder if granny would be concerned enough to pay for restrictors to be fitted or at least half. If you are doing this then perhaps let granny know you are doing her a favour to protect her grandchildren rather than fulfilling a rightful demand that may be followed by other demands if successful.

mustrum_ridcully

Lance wrote: »

Did granny not consider this when taking top floor flat? Did granny not see the windows? I wonder if granny would be concerned enough to pay for restrictors to be fitted or at least half. If you are doing this then perhaps let granny know you are doing her a favour to protect her grandchildren rather than fulfilling a rightful demand that may be followed by other demands if successful.

Good to see that the "customer is always right" attitude is alive and well in Britain!

The ambulance chasers would probably have a field day if a grandchild did fall out of the window after the LL had been requested to fit safety catches and failed to do so.

thegirlintheattic

I would say agree but ask her to pay all or some of the bill, in the end of the day, many people would rent without and you'll be out of pocket. Your tenant is the one who gets the primary benefit.

G_M

Just to add to my post, much does also depend on the existing tenant relationship as others have said.

If you DO agree, yes, make clear it's a favour not a right, otherwise you'll be getting requests for stair gates, socket protectors, child-proof cupboard catches................

SAMMYE_2

Of course the landlord should pay as we are obviously all millionaires!!

OP should just tell the tenant that if they want to pay for them to be fitted then they have permission to go ahead (in my opinion).

Eton_Rifle

Just out of interest, did the letting agency arrange the quote (thereby giving the tenant the impression she has the upper hand) or was it the tenant herself?

mustrum_ridcully

thegirlintheattic wrote: »

I would say agree but ask her to pay all or some of the bill, in the end of the day, many people would rent without and you'll be out of pocket. Your tenant is the one who gets the primary benefit.

However unless the tenant removes the safety catches on vacating the property the LL would be able to use them as a selling feature to potential tenants who have children...

That £130 (though I'm positive it could be done for less) could make the difference between happy tenants staying on for a long time and a steady income or a void period with no income.

If the tenants are a total pain in the backside then the OP should let them do it so long as they pay. Refusing permission carries a risk if something does go wrong (esp. if LL insurance policy won't pay out).