tenant is refusing to be at the flat for the washing machine to be fixed

MoneySeeker1

ellielivvydaphne wrote: »

Is it really my responsibility to be at the flat for the tradesman?

As it's your washing machine and not hers then yes. Maybe the need is urgent to have the washing done (ie can't wait till Saturday) and, in that case you could offer her reimbursement for going to a laundrette. Of course, if there isn't a suitable laundrette nearby then that's a whole different problem.

I would struggle to take time off for someone else's business, as well as for my own business and my own property and expect a lot of other people would too.

crispy_chris

Just tell her she'll have to wait until Saturday. Other than that, it's not really your problem.

oystercatcher

Just wondering if the can't wait til Saturday is because something like uniform is trapped in the machine ?

Apart from that I think tenant is being very unreasonable. I've often had to wait a lot longer than a week to have a washing machine repaired , not fun but part of life!

cajef

bouicca21 wrote: »

Why can’t she wait until Saturday?

Only she can answer that, maybe there is wet washing in the machine that she cannot get out.

ellielivvydaphne

This is what the tenancy agreement says:

The Landlord agrees with the Tenant:
6.1 to keep in repair the structure and exterior of the Property (including drains gutters and external pipes) and to keep in repair and proper working order the installations (if any) in the Property for the supply of water gas and electricity and for sanitation (including basins sinks and sanitary conveniences but not the fixtures, fittings, and appliances for making use of water gas or electricity) and for space heating and heating water provided that the Landlord is not required.

Does this mean we're not actually required to repair the appliances?

I'm sorry if this is a very naive question but I feel so out of my depth! The flat actually belongs to my sister who lives in Germany. She's having health problems and I'm trying to not bother her with problems as she already has more important things to deal with.

I'm trying to deal with her tenant for her and wouldn't want to agree to costs that she doesn't really have to! In other words, do more harm out of ignorance when trying to do good...

Really appreciate all the help!

Sammypooler

As a renter this is why I hate landlords.

You need to invest in a key safe.

I’m so annoyed in this post.

lisyloo

Sammypooler wrote: »

As a renter this is why I hate landlords.

You need to invest in a key safe.

I’m so annoyed in this post.

I don't think a key safe is the issue.
Having someone unknown in the house with free access to valuables and knicker drawer is likely to be of concern to the tenant.

The first thing that should be done is for the tenant to be advised to read the booklet for any user troubleshooting.

Next I’d be looking for a tradesperson that’s a little more flexible with their hours.

TBagpuss

I would read that as saying that it isn't the landlord's responsibility to ix the washing machine as it is an appliances for making use of water gas or electricity BUT if the flat was rented out on the basis that t included a working washing machine you probably still have to ensure that there is a wroking washing machine there.

However, in this instnace, I think that telling the tenant that you can arrange for the workman to collect a key and go in unesctorted tomorrow, or to go on Wednesday when the tenant is there, would be reasonable.

anselld

TBagpuss wrote: »

BUT if the flat was rented out on the basis that t included a working washing machine you probably still have to ensure that there is a wroking washing machine there.

No. You don't HAVE to do any more than stated in the contract. It is not the L responsibility to repair. Landlord may choose to repair as goodwill, but goodwill may evaporate if T gets stroppy about access.

anselld

ellielivvydaphne wrote: »

Does this mean we're not actually required to repair the appliances?

Yes that is what it means.