Tenant requesting discount: Boiler broken

LifeasMe

jbainbridge wrote: »

With the best will in the world - I wouldn't consider it 'fixed' if they have been out to it 7 times every 2 or 3 days!?! For someone who is working the disruption will have been huge. It should have been resolved on the first visit - maybe on the second visit if a part needed to be ordered.

I totally agree, but what more can I do? They say it is 'fixed', it works for a few days, then stops again.

I have asked if I should just replace it and been told no.

JencParker

Guest101 wrote: »

The choice is yours, just to give the tenant perspective:

They have had to have 5 occassions with strangers in their home, probably concerned about possessions etc.

They are concerned that as winter sets in, their boiler keeps breaking down.

You cannot avoid repairing the boiler, sooner or later, the council would deem you property uninhabitable if it wasnt repaired (ie in the next couple months as weather gets colder)

How would YOU feel if you had to have your home boiler repaired 7 times? Would you be complaining to BG? - lets be fair most people would be.

No you dont have to give them a dicount, but a cursory discount would mean you get to keep what sounds like relatively good tenants.

3 side points:
What damage did they cause which you repaired?
How much was the rent short?
and most importantly: did you protect their deposit and provide them the prescribed information?

I have to agree with this but would also add, while lack of heating may not be an issue until the winter sets in, I would not be happy with a lack of hot water. Whilst I appreciate that you are not ignoring it, if the problem has not been resolved after 7 visits, then it is still not repaired.

JencParker

LifeasMe wrote: »

I totally agree, but what more can I do? They say it is 'fixed', it works for a few days, then stops again.

I have asked if I should just replace it and been told no.

By whom? Surely, as the owner of the property that decision is your?

Guest101

Innys1 wrote: »

Consider yourself lucky OP.

On another recent post, a landlord's tenants had chosen to take time off while repairs were being done to the house, even though the landlord was there as well. They then had the gall to ask the landlord to pay for their time off work.........

I think you have done your best to have the boiler repaired and need to think about replacing it. Sounds like it's beyond saving.

Not to go off topic too much, but the tenants had every right to be there when there are strangers in their home. The LL had 5 visits i believe, so yes the tenants shouldve asked for a discount.

Why dont i meet you down the local pub and then come house sit for you whilst work is done, you know me as well as the tenants knew their landlord.

Some people are clearly biased against tenants, seeing them as 'lower class'

Innys1

Oh, and one other thing.

I never undertake any financial transaction with relatives, friends or acquaintances. Far too much of a risk.

Perhaps you should consider doing something similar in future, OP?

Guest101

LifeasMe wrote: »

I totally agree, but what more can I do? They say it is 'fixed', it works for a few days, then stops again.

I have asked if I should just replace it and been told no.

Time to get boiler replaced.
The damage you mentioned is beyond the fair wear and tear desciription, so I would expect them to repair it / pay for it

As an alternative you could write off some of that damage against the discount they are after?

mixedwrestling

No way should you need to give the tenants a discount - you're doing all you can and seem like a good landlord. The only way a tenant should get a discount in this situation is if you are being negligent, which you are not.

theartfullodger

The wise landlord who wishes to hold onto "good" tenants who will be more likely to look after the place will make an early gesture (eg £xx off rent till sorted..). The foolish landlord won't & will suffer the consequences.

The wise tenant on finding they have a foolish landlord will not look after the place, move elsewhere, explain to viewing prospective tenants (if they allow them at all..) what a numpty a**e'ole the landlord is ... causing wasted fees to landlord & void.

As the merkins say, "go figure"...

Being a landlord is a "people" business & treating people with respect, decency & giving more than you absolutely legally have to (in most parts of life..) pays dividends: It is the decent, British, thing to do.

Be a patriot! Behave decently!

Guest101

mixedwrestling wrote: »

You're an idiot.

Thanks for your inciteful comment. Your opinion is noted, and promptly ignored.

Reported.

Thanks for visiting MSE Forums.

LifeasMe

JencParker wrote: »

By whom? Surely, as the owner of the property that decision is your?

British Gas engineers...they keep saying it's not necessary. This is probably another thread topic, should I just tell them to replace it!