Boiler repairs as landlord - am I being unreasonable?

franklee

Day 1: katepower's partner attends boiler.
Day 2: katepower attends boiler.
Day 5: Boiler man1 attends boiler, wouldn't touch it.
Day 7: Boiler man 2 attends boiler, wouldn't touch it.
Day 12: BG due to attend.

I make it 12 days before the issue is even initially looked at by an engineer prepared to deal with the fault (if the BG guy is). Not surprised the tenant is irate.

katepower wrote: »

I believe it is the make/model and general condition of the boiler - both have said that its not a boiler they are familiar with so wouldnt feel comfortable fixing as they wouldnt know what they were doing (apparently).

Surely for an unusual/old boiler you should ask the engineer if he deals with that type of boiler before making the booking.

katepower wrote: »

As of Tuesday when BG attend the issue should be fixed so hopefully I will not need to fit any other devices.

I bet that even if BG advise repair rather than replacement they won't have the parts on the van. Cue a week while they are on order.

Meanwhile I'd anticipate a repair vs replacement will need consideration and research boiler replacements now so as to speed up any decision.

Plus have you phoned the boiler manufacturer to see what they say? I'd be asking if they do repairs and at what price, will their engineer come with parts on the van, do they know of common faults it could be, what is the boiler's expected lifespan?

What comments were made at the last gas safety check and service? Was there any comments about the age of the boiler making replacement likely etc.

katepower

I have just had another call from the tenant to say that the hot water is now also intermittent in the shower itself and that she is very unhappy. I have no idea why this is as the shower is electric and completely seperate from the shower. I will have to use the LAs contractor as I have no idea where to go from here.

anselld

franklee wrote: »

Day 1: katepower's partner attends boiler.
Day 2: katepower attends boiler.
Day 5: Boiler man1 attends boiler, wouldn't touch it.
Day 7: Boiler man 2 attends boiler, wouldn't touch it.
Day 12: BG due to attend.

I make it 12 days before the issue is even initially looked at by an engineer prepared to deal with the fault (if the BG guy is). Not surprised the tenant is irate.



Surely for an unusual/old boiler you should ask the engineer if he deals with that type of boiler before making the booking.



I bet that even if BG advise repair rather than replacement they won't have the parts on the van. Cue a week while they are on order.

Meanwhile I'd anticipate a repair vs replacement will need consideration and research boiler replacements now so as to speed up any decision.

Plus have you phoned the boiler manufacturer to see what they say? I'd be asking if they do repairs and at what price, will their engineer come with parts on the van, do they know of common faults it could be, what is the boiler's expected lifespan?

What comments were made at the last gas safety check and service? Was there any comments about the age of the boiler making replacement likely etc.

All of which, with the possible exception of days 1 and 2, would be suffered by owner occupier in the same situation. Sometimes it isn't a quick fix!

Jagraf

anselld wrote: »

All of which, with the possible exception of days 1 and 2, would be suffered by owner occupier in the same situation. Sometimes it isn't a quick fix!

I thought you could have some kind of insurance with BG where they would come out the same day ?

Jagraf

katepower wrote: »

I have just had another call from the tenant to say that the hot water is now also intermittent in the shower itself and that she is very unhappy. I have no idea why this is as the shower is electric and completely seperate from the shower. I will have to use the LAs contractor as I have no idea where to go from here.

Do you think she is lying? If she is, I'm with you. If she's not, I understand her.

anselld

Jagraf wrote: »

I thought you could have some kind of insurance with BG where they would come out the same day ?

You can, but most owners don't... And we are yet to find out if BG can fix it anyway.

katepower

I have now sorted the insurance with bg, but cannot get anyone to the property til Tuesday. They only operate within business hours and the tenant can't/won't take the time off. Tuesday is the next available date I can have someone attend the property.

I have no idea if there is any substance to what she is saying. Obviously I will have it looked into by a contractor, but in the meantime I wonder if it will ever end.

Jagraf

katepower wrote: »

I have now sorted the insurance with bg, but cannot get anyone to the property til Tuesday. They only operate within business hours and the tenant can't/won't take the time off. Tuesday is the next available date I can have someone attend the property.

I have no idea if there is any substance to what she is saying. Obviously I will have it looked into by a contractor, but in the meantime I wonder if it will ever end.

I would say for the future and to put your mind at rest, have so,e back up plans. She might not be too bad but is maybe panicky about not being in control, if you convince her you are dealing with the issues she may calm down. She is your customer, you need to reassure her that you are on he case. Good luck.

Pete9501

anselld wrote: »

All of which, with the possible exception of days 1 and 2, would be suffered by owner occupier in the same situation. Sometimes it isn't a quick fix!

Except she is paying good money to live the house.

If the LL get rid of her what happens in a few months when the boiler breaks down again with the next tenant?

Pete

anselld

Pete9501 wrote: »

Except she is paying good money to live the house.

If the LL get rid of her what happens in a few months when the boiler breaks down again with the next tenant?

Pete

If and when it is correctly repaired, there is no reason it should keep failing.

It is not the best; D rated and probably circa 10+ years old, but it should be perfectly serviceable in the right hands.