Am I being unreasonable?

~shoozy~

So I moved into a new rented apartment 6 weeks ago, which, after moving in, I realised had extensive damage but they are slowly making arrangements to rectify.

However in the 6 weeks I've been living here I have had workmen/engineers in at least once a week and I am waiting for the last (hopefully!) engineer to come out this week.

Today I've received a letter stating that the LA want to do an inspection next week and although it'll only take 10 minutes they cannot specify a time so the expectation is that I take yet another day off to wait in for people.

Is this excessive?

Can I ask the LA to do their inspection while the workmen are there? Partly so they can see the hassle and partly because it makes life a bit easier for me.

TBagpuss

I don't see why not. Or alternatively give them 2 or three times / dates when you are available.

What does your contract say about inspections?

G_M

Contact them and discuss/negotiate a specific time. Then write a leter to confirm.

If they refuse to negotiate or to specify a time, then tell them you the inspection cannot take place as you canot take a whole day off work. Again, write to confirm (and change the locks).

But any reasonable LL /agent, faced with a reasonable tenant with a reasonable request, will reach a reasonable solution!

agrinnall

Is this a standard periodic inspection, or is to to check that the work has been done correctly / establish what more needs to be done? If it's the latter then it seems perfectly reasonable to request that they come while the workmen are there so that they can discuss any issues directly with them.

DT12

Can't the landlord take the time to wait around for an inspector to visit, save you taking time off work? Or are you reluctant to allow them access when you are not there (entirely reasonable). In which case your suggestion of coming when the workmen are there seems reasonable, or as suggested you could indicate times when you would be in the house and they could come then.

rebeccatom

Can you not just tell him that you have had a lot of time off due to these issues and he will have to come in the evening or whenever you are home. If you don't ask you don't get.

brightonman123

Set some times convenient for YOU, and also ask about reduction in the rent for disruption.. I don't think the property should have been let, in such a bad condition!

~shoozy~

I've just spoken to them and they seem to do block bookings of inspections regardless of when your tenancy started, and say they can cancel the inspection for next week but can't rearrange just now.

Tenancy agreement just mentions regular inspections; I didn't realise they'd be as often or as soon as this.
I've mentioned that the spare room is piled with boxes I've had to move because of the work being done. They say that's fine and that the purpose is to identify any maintenance issues.

It's been a battle to get the issues sorted so far, I don't believe they're going looking for more!

G_M

~shoozy~ wrote: »

I've just spoken to them and they seem to do block bookings of inspections regardless of when your tenancy started, and say they can cancel the inspection for next week but can't rearrange just now.

.....They say that's fine and that the purpose is to identify any maintenance issues.

It's been a battle to get the issues sorted so far, I don't believe they're going looking for more!

So inspection cancelled and no time needed off work? Great!

But sounds to me like you'd be better off having an inspection, and getting the opportunity to list (as always, confimed afterwards in writing!) of improvements/repairs required.

~shoozy~

Haha exactly what I was thinking! I phoned them back and now they're agreeing to do the inspection after I finish work which is great. It seems it all depends on who you speak to.

I make sure all issues get followed up with an email, to cover myself.

I listed a load of issues on the inventory when I moved in, should I have a copy of the amended version, or the original? Sorry it's probably a stupid question but the LA are useless so I want to make sure I've got it right before I start chasing.

G_M

I assume you signed the original marked with your amendments?

I would have made a copy before returning it, or asked for a copy. So that you can refer to it later.

However, in the event of a dispute later over damage/loss costs which you cannot resolve amicably, the LL will need to produce your signed version with presumably the amendments so that's OK.