Tenant Waiting in for builders

Leeadi

I've been asking around for advice and several people I know have recommended this forum.

I'm a tenant, renting through an estate agent. Recently I've had a problem with a window in the main bedroom. Despite not being able to sleep, I waited in for the builder the estate agent sent round, but he did not show! After complaining to the estate agent they were pretty flippant and suggested it was out of their hands and the building company are a law unto themselves. I pointed out my agreement was with them and they should do something to sort the problem.

Within an hour builder at the house! He does a temporary fix and asks me to call him in a few days to see if it is any better. It isn't, so he tells me when he's coming round to fix, I agreed, but again, no show. So I have lost 2 days work due to him not showing, I only get paid for the work I do! So I have to return to the agent again, but after last time I'm prepared to be fobbed off! I have made out an invoice for them for my lost earnings, is there any point?

Any advice would be appreciated forum people, I've already been told how wonderful you all are...no pressure 😉

tbs624

Welcome as a newbie poster.

Have you written ( copy kept by you) about the maintenance/repair that is needed?

Your agreement is with the LL - the LA is ..erm..the agent of the LL.

Do you have contact details for the LL him/herself?

Some LLs have little idea how their LA "manages" the property.

What is the actual issue with the window?

Leeadi

Thanks for the reply.

Firstly, the problem we have with the window is when it's even the slightest bit breezy (and we live on a hill by the beach so it's nearly always windy) as the wind blows through the window it makes a noise so loud it's unbelievable. Apparently the window is not fixed correctly at the top.

The landlord does know about the issue, they told me to go through the agent, I have also told them how bad they have been!

The agent has written confirmation of the issue, I keep copies of anything I send. I have another letter to take to them in the morning, along with written evidence of my loss of earnings.

alexann12

I'd write to the agent or go and see them. It is not your responsibility to chase up builders etc Worse still you've lost 2 days work and that is unacceptable. If you're on good terms with your employers, ask them to write a letter to the agent explaining how this matter is now affecting your work attendance. Then say to the agent ''without a job, you get no rent from me so it'd be easier to fix the window''

Or you could pay another builder to do the job and take it out of your rent but keep receipts, paperwork etc because the agent will no doubt give you grief for non payment of rent. But save this as a last resort. Carry on pestering the agent. You are well within your rights to.

G_M

alexann12 wrote: »

Or you could pay another builder to do the job and take it out of your rent but keep receipts, paperwork etc because the agent will no doubt give you grief for non payment of rent. But save this as a last resort. Carry on pestering the agent. You are well within your rights to.

Yes..... and NO!

If you go down this road you must do it right. There is a (somewhat long-winded) process. Followit step by step:

Tenants doing repairs