Money owed from tradesman

utab007

anselld wrote: »

Well that is up to you, but you got into this mess by letting your Tenant undertake your Landlord repair responsibilities. Most Landlords would not allow this under any circumstances.

Things can only get worse if you continue to involve the T beyond what is necessary.

Stop using text and email. Start using pen and paper.

OK let me explain. The company(tenants) that have in a region of 100 properties they rent out. So they have in house team that assist you with repairs and I think they also organise own repairs with tradesmen directly. I have a good relationship with them and that's why I trusted them to do the proper checks. A previous recommendation worked out very well. After what has happened the relationship probably isn't as good now but what can you do.

As the bulk of the communication was done through them they're involved whether they like it or not. If I need them to provide evidence what else can I do.

It's the digital age. Communication via pen and paper just takes much longer. Are you saying the courts won't accept email and texts as evidence?

utab007

Btw, thanks to everyone for their advice. This is a great forum. Please keep it coming...

anselld

So the company(tenants) are actually your managing agents? What does your contract state about responsibilities to carry out repairs?

Courts will accept electronic communication under certain circumstances, but Letter Before Action and any follow-up should be on paper.

00ec25

you haven't answered the question did you pay him or his company?

utab007 wrote: »

OK, I guess small claims is the best option. Another option may possibly be insurance. It's a long shot but he may possibly have insurance. How can I check this? The tenant (company) may hold some details.

you can't claim off his insurance, you can win a legal case and leave him to claim off it if he needs to do that to source the money to pay you with

utab007 wrote: »

Please advise on the steps taking the details into account.

use google. for example you would have found this:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/small-claims-court

utab007 wrote: »

It's the digital age. Communication via pen and paper just takes much longer. Are you saying the courts won't accept email and texts as evidence?

electronic communication is admissible, but with certain caveats, again google will show you

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/threads/can-emails-be-used-as-evidence-in-court.341031/

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/threads/is-a-mobile-phone-text-message-admissable-evidence.226878/

utab007

Sorry, I paid him. But I can see an active Ltd company for him online, so perhaps he puts some jobs through the company

Thanks for responses OOec25

patel007

Try the company, or write it off as at times takes up too much of your time
ATB

utab007

I think prefer to pay someone who knows what they're doing. If there is any solicitors here interested with experience in this area please private message me.

anselld

utab007 wrote: »

I think prefer to pay someone who knows what they're doing.

Clearly not! ;-)

utab007

if it goes to trial will the court be based local to me. I understand there is a court fee which depends on amount claimed. Will I incur further fees if it goes to trial. I don't think it will go to trial but good to know just in case

00ec25

utab007 wrote: »

if it goes to trial will the court be based local to me. I understand there is a court fee which depends on amount claimed. Will I incur further fees if it goes to trial. I don't think it will go to trial but good to know just in case

stop being lazy, read the article I linked to earlier for the answer is in there

patently it will only go to trial if you start the court action yourself, and you will start it if he does not voluntarily pay as that is then your best option

utab007 wrote: »

Sorry, I paid him. But I can see an active Ltd company for him online, so perhaps he puts some jobs through the company

if you paid him then you cannot sue the company, since they are not one and the same.

you need to be sure you are suing the right person!