Boiler repairs as landlord - am I being unreasonable?

Jagraf

I have been a landlord, at the moment we are tenants.

My landlord is fabulous. He works away often and has a plumber and an electrician locally. If anything goes wrong, I can either phone or text him directly, or if he can't be contacted, I have the number for the plumber and the electrician, who I can contact direct and they are out within a day. Having something like this in place may be easier for you?

Your tenant doesn't really need to know your business, whether you work locally or away, or how difficult it might be logistically to get things done. She just wants it sorted. Remember, they are your customer.

PS - I hope your boiler check is up to date :eek:

G_M

katepower wrote: »

They have then said the T wants to leave the property and I have said that if this is what T wishes then Im sure something can be arranged.

I would jump at this - though not too obviously. Agree to let the tenant end the tenancy early provided they cover your agent re-letting costs (ie whatever the agent will charge you for a new tenancy).

You'll be well-rid and hopefully next tenant will be more reasonable.

Personally I think giving notice for one dispute of this nature is a bit over the top.

I agree prince, but there is previous history....

katepower

Unfortunately I am 'fully managed'. After the tenant calling out a repair technician twice, once for 'reception issues' because she hadnt plugged the cable into the tv properly, then again a few days later when SHE pulled the curtain pole away from the wall and it needed fixing. I got billed for both of these; since then I have said that I will take care of maintenance issues myself.

BG are attending on Tuesday, no feedback as of yet as to whether this is acceptable or not so we shall see.

I think for future tenants I shall be using internet based agents to find a tenant then managing the property myself as i will be out of my training period by then so will be able to attend to issues personally as they arise.

Jagraf

I've always preferred keeping those letting managers at arms length, whether as a tenant or a landlord

Cautious_Optimist

Jagraf wrote: »

I've always preferred keeping those letting managers at arms length,

So why pay them?

Jagraf

Cautious_Optimist wrote: »

So why pay them?

I don't ...

Cautious_Optimist

katepower wrote: »

Unfortunately I am 'fully managed'. After the tenant calling out a repair technician twice, once for 'reception issues' because she hadnt plugged the cable into the tv properly, then again a few days later when SHE pulled the curtain pole away from the wall and it needed fixing. I got billed for both of these; since then I have said that I will take care of maintenance issues myself.

BG are attending on Tuesday, no feedback as of yet as to whether this is acceptable or not so we shall see.

I think for future tenants I shall be using internet based agents to find a tenant then managing the property myself as i will be out of my training period by then so will be able to attend to issues personally as they arise.

The behaviour and expectations of your tenants may derive from their previous experiences.
They may be coming from accommodation where everything was managed quickly and the LL very "hands on".

How well do you know your tenant? What's their background?

Are you sure the learning curve of becoming a successful LL is worth your time and effort?

My girlfriend has had problems with her LL. Having looked into the issues further, I can see that being a LL is really all about dealing with people. If you're not a "people person", then it's probably not for you.

My girlfriend's LL is probably a LL because he can't do anything else.
He doesn't engage with me and that leads to suspicion on my part.

Cautious_Optimist

ognum wrote: »

It haven't read your previous messages about this tenant but there are needy tenants who like to be in constant contact, it seems you may have one.

It always amazes me that a tenant can live in a house for a year and have little contact about issues, another tenant then moves in and they contact constantly.

Would you describe yourself as a "people person"?

anselld

katepower wrote: »

Unfortunately I am 'fully managed'. After the tenant calling out a repair technician twice, once for 'reception issues' because she hadnt plugged the cable into the tv properly, then again a few days later when SHE pulled the curtain pole away from the wall and it needed fixing. I got billed for both of these; since then I have said that I will take care of maintenance issues myself.

Got billed by who? If the T calls out a technician themselves without authorisation then they pay. If the agent calls a technician and bills you without even querying the nature of the problem then you put them straight or sack them.

If you have now effectively sacked the agent from management (sounds like they deserve it) then you should only be paying them for a lesser service, ie rent collection only.

I would agree with GM to accept the early surrender and then sack off your agent before re-letting.

theartfullodger

Cautious_Optimist wrote: »

... Having looked into the issues further, I can see that being a LL is really all about dealing with people. .... ...

Indeed: Probably explains RLA's new communication course..
https://www.rla.org.uk/landlord/courses/achieving-positive-relationships-in-lettings.shtml

Managing your properties isn't just about knowing your legal rights, it's also about managing the relationship between you and your tenants. Being a great landlord or agent is far easier if you have the communication skills that allow you to effectively manage your business and get the job done whilst keeping a harmonious relationship with your customers.