LL dictating specific Contractors

sharpee

Our tenancy ends in 10 days and our LL now tells us he wants us to use his preferred cleaners. The thing is we've already arranged to have the carpets cleaned using a company we've previously used to fit in when we can get time off work.

Can our LL tell us who we get to clean the property?

abaxas

sharpee wrote: »

Our tenancy ends in 10 days and our LL now tells us he wants us to use his preferred cleaners. The thing is we've already arranged to have the carpets cleaned using a company we've previously used to fit in when we can get time off work.

Can our LL tell us who we get to clean the property?

Of course, if he/she pays for it.

DVardysShadow

sharpee wrote: »

... Can our LL tell us who we get to clean the property?

Of course he can tell you. He just did, it seems.

And you can ignore him.

McKneff

You still rent the property, you can choose who you want to professionaly clean the place.

The ll is trying it on, take pictures before and after.

G_M

Your responsibilty is to leave the property as you found it, less fair wear and tear.

If it was super clean when you moved in (and described as such in the check-in inventory), you should leave it super clean when you move out.

How you achieve that is up to you. You can use the LL's cleaners, or employ your own, or do the cleaning yourself. It is the end result that matters, not how it is acieved.

If the tenancy agreement states you must use professional cleaners, this clause is unenforsible.

Make sure you have photos so that if the LL claims it is not as claen after you leave as when you arrived, you have evidence that it was.

sharpee

I did think that thanks guys.

However he has come back tous today stating:



As stated, I regret that the third party that will undertake theInventory and Check Out will not be able to do that before the last day of yourtenancy. I will let you know when they can do it so that you have anopportunity to attend.

As stated, we insist that we pre-agree the use of any specialistcleaners – particularly carpet cleaners. It is essential that process iscarried out properly as the use of incorrect machinery or high-soap or harshchemicals can inflict lasting damage. If you use your own contractor we cannotbe sure that our property is being correctly treated. That is uppermost in ourmind and is an obligation placed upon you under the tenancy agreement. Inaddition we will not be bound to accept work done where we have not beenconsulted in advance, and given our agreement.

That stated, this should not be the subject of any contentionbetween us. We will be happy for you to use XXXX Me Limited. The contact is XXXXXXXXXX on: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Now I have grave concerns about the Check out inspection not being carried out on the last day of our Tenancy as the LA are currently showing new tenants round.

Plus we move out in 9 days, we have alreadyinstructed a Professional carpet cleaner (who we use in our previous 2 rentalproperties). We did call the above company who need at least 2 weeks notice andcouldn't carry out the work till the end of the month (after our Tenancy). Ohand they are twice the price than the people we have booked! Oh and there is nothing in our Contract stating we have to use a particular company!
What do we do? It was my Husbands Sister’s Weddingtoday and our LL’s email has put a real downer on the day, plus taken the shineon our lovely new home we have just bought.:(

sharpee

And I would like to point out the house will be left immaculate we are good tenants, always reported issues promtly, paid our rent on time and are genuine good people!

princeofpounds

Relax. You don't need a reference seeing as you have bought a home, so you should be fine.

The advice given to you above is correct, you do not need to use specific contractors.

The worst that is likely to happen is that the landlord would try to retain your deposit. You would then raise a dispute with the deposit protection scheme, or go to small claims court in some instances, and you would win.

However, if your contractors do actually damage the carpets you would be liable. Of course, given that you have used them before, and it doesn't sound like the carpets are particularly unusual, then I doubt there would be any problems.

The landlord cannot take money off you unless a) you have caused damage and b) they can prove it to a reasonable standard.

Given that they have no evidence of condition on entry, and you will be taking lots of dated photos of condition on exit showing how wonderful it all is.

So basically you don't have to DO anything. Just be prepared for some paperwork at the end if the landlords try to be spiteful.

GDB2222

"We did call the above company who need at least 2 weeks notice andcouldn't carry out the work till the end of the month (after our Tenancy). Ohand they are twice the price than the people we have booked! "

Just tell the LL this. He can then say that he will wait to get the job done/will pay the price difference, etc. At least explain and give him the choice.

sharpee

I know but I know he is going to a pain in the bum. It is the comment

They are not bound to accept work done where they have not been consulted?!!!! !!!!!!!! I'm sorry but I am really angry at the moment.


we insist that we pre-agree the use of any specialist cleaners – particularly carpet cleaners. It is essential that process is carried out properly as the use of incorrect machinery or high-soap or harsh chemicals can inflict lasting damage. If you use your own contractor we cannot be sure that our property is being correctly treated. That is uppermost in our mind and is an obligation placed upon you under the tenancy agreement. In addition we will not be bound to accept work done where we have not been consulted in advance, and given our agreement.


So we have tried calling our LL didn't answer, never does avoids talking to us and alway communicated to us through email. So we've dropped him an email stating his preferred Contracts need more notice and can't do it before the end of our Tenancy and we will be using our prefereed company and sent him the details.

But really does he have to agree who we use?

DVardysShadow

Dear <Landlord>

In response to your letter of <date>, we would remind you that the tenancy agreement contains no stipulation as to the cleaning contractor to be used.

We note your concerns regarding the care of the property and we are satisfied with the capabilities of our chosen contractor. We would also point out that you have only raised the matter with us after we have engaged our contractor and too late for us to book yours before the end of our tenancy. We are not prepared to change at this point.

However, if you still do not wish us to use our contractor, we are prepared to agree to this provided you absolve us from all responsibility for carpet cleaning. We will pay our contractor's reasonable cancellation charges and forward any surplus from our agreed price to yourselves. If you wish to exercise this option, please confirm in writing at the latest by <day before contractor is due>

Yours sincerely

sharpee