Quiet Enjoyment?

MagicCats

Hi All,

I'm seeking some advice on what falls under 'Quiet Enjoyment' To cut a long story short I'm renting at the moment (moving in June) and the letting agent has arranged for some exterior window painting to be done.

There has been little communication throughout and I've either not been notified of times when the workforce would be arriving, expected to put up with them working on a Sunday and also the agent thinks it is appropriate for the trades people to start their working day at 16:00 - 17:00

I tried to tackle him on that last point only to be told "if I want them to start at 17:00, then I'll get them to start then, to get the job done"

This seems crazy to me starting work outside working hours at a time when my partner and I should be winding down - not having painters peeping through our windows......

So my question is whether this is acceptable, or does it breech any statutory tenants rights?

G_M

It is an unusual start time - my guess is these are painters working for a company by day and doing some extra self-employed out of hours. Probobly at non-company rates.

Whatever. Yes, if it imposes on you, and you object, it could be deemed to infring ;quiet enjoyment', but to be honest at least you have a LL who is maintaining your home. Is it worth rocking the boat (relationship)? How long will it continue? A few days?

If you really want to object, do so in writing to the LL at the address for the serving of notices on your tenancy agreement and cc the agent.

Then turn away the contractors when they arrive.

And wait for the arguements to start. Don't expect a good reference when you move, and don't be surprised if your tenancy is not renewed.

Humphrey10

Just close your curtains if you don't like them seeing in. They are only going to be there a few days, surely?

MagicCats

G_M wrote: »

It is an unusual start time - my guess is these are painters working for a company by day and doing some extra self-employed out of hours. Probobly at non-company rates.

Whatever. Yes, if it imposes on you, and you object, it could be deemed to infring ;quiet enjoyment', but to be honest at least you have a LL who is maintaining your home. Is it worth rocking the boat (relationship)? How long will it continue? A few days?

If you really want to object, do so in writing to the LL at the address for the serving of notices on your tenancy agreement and cc the agent.

Then turn away the contractors when they arrive.

And wait for the arguements to start. Don't expect a good reference when you move, and don't be surprised if your tenancy is not renewed.

Fair points. I've been here 5 years and always had a good relationship. Whenever I could help out with repairs or access I've done so. I've also assisted the owner by attending residents meetings (it's a flat in a converted house)

However now I've decided to buy my own home and move on I feel they think they can do what they want without penalty. Throughout this process my neighbours considerations have been noted, yet I've been expected to just accept the plans wholesale.

What actually happened was this:

Received a call to ask if their suggested date for starting works was OK. Whilst not ideal as it was a Saturday, and second last day of my holiday, I was keen to help the work progress and was told it would take one day and so agreed.

Painters arrived on the Saturday and informed me they'd actually be here 3-4 days including the Sunday. They were late and the joiner who was arranged didn't even turn up so both my neighbour and I had got up early for nothing.

Despite 'being up against it' and pushed for time meaning they needed to 'work' the weekend they worked for just an hour and left. They returned on the Sunday and worked for only three hours. Confusing as if they were so busy meaning my windows were a priority you'd have thought they'd have worked longer.

On the Monday they arranged to arrive at 17:00 to start but didn't arrive. They never called to say so, and I had no idea when they'd next be here.

I called my LL and he got in touch with them and they promised to arrive Tuesday. Due to incliment weather they didn't arrive and then decided to right off Wednesday as well. They suggested coming again at 17:00 on Thursday. However again they never arrived and didn't call to explain or rearrange.

On Friday at 13:00 I received a call asking if they could come at 17:00 which I had to refuse as I was out of town. Further to this my neighbour didn't want any work carried out on the Easter weekend and I told them so.

Today they arrived at 09:30 without warning waking me up and proceeded to start painting, including windows that do not belong to this property. I know you cannot change the weather, but not calling to update of plans is not fair. They also required someone to be here to open and close windows to allow them full access to the window sills.

As I say I've always made a point of giving access to tradesmen, letting agent etc. Even if it has been short notice, or meant taking time off I've done so. I have some local contacts in various trades meaning where possible I've saved my landlord money by arranging repairs direct. Being handy I've done a fair few myself!

So with that stated its not like I've been unreasonable. However the letting agent's attitude today has severely annoyed me. I wouldn't mind if the work was carried out for 4-5 days 08:00 - 17:00 as long as I was a) informed when the workforce can and cannot attend, and b) not have people here in the evening purely because someone wants a job done cheap.........

In addition to this my roof terrace has been unusable now for over a year due to the decking being removed to find a leak. I've also had builders here for almost three weeks in January instead of the five days I was told it would take. All of this I've accepted and worked with as I know it can be difficult being a landlord, and repairs are necessary. The interior decor of three rooms is in poor repair due to damp and water damage, and my bathroom is full of mould. Again though I've tried to be reasonable about the timescale for repair, and allowing tradesmen access to assess.

I'm just at the point now I want to do everything in writing and by the letter of the law.

G_M

Then as advised

a) put your post above in writing to the LL and cc the agent
b) send the contractors away next time they arrive without an agreed appointment

As you are moving soon, and buying a property, you will not need a reference.

MagicCats

G_M wrote: »

Then as advised

a) put your post above in writing to the LL and cc the agent
b) send the contractors away next time they arrive without an agreed appointment

As you are moving soon, and buying a property, you will not need a reference.

Thanks for your input