Tenants changed the lock. Who pays?

need_an_answer

I believe it to be a LL responsibility if the lock was not forced or damaged.

I am assuming that you are unhappy with the price that you have been charged?

I also believe that the tenants probably should have attempted to call you first,however what would you have realistically done?
Would you have set about finding a cheaper quote or perhaps just said go with the first reputable google one you find.

I suspect you may have said the latter unless you are a proactive LL who has a trusted tradesman list to hand to cover all eventualities
(I admit I have a list as a LL but it doesn't include a locksmith,so I'm probably forced to admit that in a similar situation my reaction would have bee go with google)

The bill is higher than you want,but that is the nature of the game unless you are really prepared so I think it's possibly a case of pay and perhaps make sure you have a trusted contact going forward who can assist at whatever time.

Perhaps it might also be good practice to make sure going forward what tenants are expected to do by way of fault reporting and engaging trades.

A letter with your contact details going forward may be a good idea if you are happy to be on a 24hr call out.

AdrianC

amalis wrote: »

On the bill they sent only £160 is the lock itself

So we're not just talking about a simple Yale, are we?

£235 for an emergency call-out, plus labour to get in and to replace the lock. What time of day? Where in the country?

amalis

it is a simple Yale.
We replaced it 5 years ago when we were living there.


Its in London

AdrianC

amalis wrote: »

it is a simple Yale.

Wow.
Then, yes, that's a royal mickey-take.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/yale-630089001702-night-latch-grey-60mm-backset/42344

sevenhills

amalis wrote: »

it is a simple Yale.
We replaced it 5 years ago when we were living there.

Ring the locksmith and ask why it was replaced, it could be the tenants were locked out at midnight, ask them what time it was replaced; lost key?
But otherwise, its the LL that pays.

Ozzuk

Emergency anything is always higher cost - you need someone to stop whatever they are doing and come to you. I'd be annoyed they didn't call you to arrange, but for them the priority was getting in the house. (assuming they were locked out, not in).

You could get a few emergency quotes and see if the cost varies massively, then decide if you want to take it further. You'll likely have to put it down to cost of running a business though.

Some good news though, I would think its tax-deductible (check).

amalis

If something breaks in your house- you can replace it with an item from Ikea or from Harrods , and the price will be very different.
That's why I am upset.
But I understand now that I have to pick up the bill

Ozzuk

amalis wrote: »

If something breaks in your house- you can replace it with an item from Ikea or from Harrods , and the price will be very different.
That's why I am upset.
But I understand now that I have to pick up the bill

Totally agree..but focus on the 'emergency' part. Same for emergency plumber replacing a 50p washer, or gas engineer or electrician - the callout is a premium service, could have cost them another job for instance.

If you don't have something worded in your contract to recover this cost I think you're stuck with it.

silvercar

Offer to pay half.

They should have called you first.

saajan_12

Step 1: Is replacing the lock the LL's responsibility?
-> No if it was due to the tenant's actions e.g. not oiling, lost key, accidental damage, failure to report visible problem.. Otherwise Yes.

Step 2: What should the cost to the LL be?
-> The LL should have had the chance to get it repaired, at the cost of the LL's choice of service provider to buy and replace the lock, as an emergency job. So there should be some 'emergency call out fee' on top of parts + labour, but if the LL could have found a cheaper person than the £395 then that should be all he pays.

So, get a quote (or 3) and pay the average to the tenant. Any difference is due to their mistake of not calling the LL and taking it upon themselves to repair.