Letting agent asking me to arrange repairs myself

user67340348

I've recently moved into a new flat and requested a couple of repairs with my letting agent.

One of which was handled quite swiftly, the other not so much. The woman handling my request has passed me the details of the appliance that needs fixing (serial number etc) and asked me to arrange a repairman to come out from the manufacturer.

She said she's tried contacting them but had no luck.

Am I right in thinking this isn't acceptable from a letting agent? Im pretty sure it's not my job to be chasing things like this.

It's also the 2nd time someone from the agency has done something like this... the other occasion wasn't related to repairs, but still another staff member fobbing me off with a contact number when really I felt like it should have been them sorting it out.

lookstraightahead

When I was renting my landlord gave me the number for all his mending people so I just did it directly and they charged my landlord.

so long as any fees are paid, isn't it better if you are in control? You'll probably get it done more quickly.

AskAsk

i would say try to sort it out yourself if you can as this will be faster than waiting for the agent to get round to it.

giraffe69

I'd seek to sort it myself for the reasons already given and when I've got the money back/bill paid I would write to the Landlord to suggest his letting agents are not earning their fee/doing their job.

user1977

It can be more convenient as at least you're then directly arranging when any visits are happening.

Marvel1

Better for you, BUT get it in writing from agent they are happy for rent to be deducted to cover the bill that you pay for the repairs.

user67340348

Thanks for the tips, I'll try and arrange it myself then. Its the manufacturer that I need to contact so hopefully they wont be any hassle with sorting payments!

Pixie5740

user19860331 said:

I've recently moved into a new flat and requested a couple of repairs with my letting agent.

One of which was handled quite swiftly, the other not so much. The woman handling my request has passed me the details of the appliance that needs fixing (serial number etc) and asked me to arrange a repairman to come out from the manufacturer.

She said she's tried contacting them but had no luck.

Am I right in thinking this isn't acceptable from a letting agent? Im pretty sure it's not my job to be chasing things like this.

It's also the 2nd time someone from the agency has done something like this... the other occasion wasn't related to repairs, but still another staff member fobbing me off with a contact number when really I felt like it should have been them sorting it out.

Is the appliance built-in or freestanding? If freestanding does your tenancy agreement say that the landlord is responsible for repairing or replacing it? 

If the landlord is responsible for the appliance then the letting agent is being a lazy cow. Now doubt they landlord is paying the agency for a fully managed service and palming this on to you is not what the agency is being paid to do. 

theartfullodger

You can choose to assist the poor overworked agent & landlord fix their repairs for items they are responsible if you wish.  

However, if the item is landlord responsibility it is up to landlord/agent to get it fixed.  Not to dump the problem on the tenant, unless the tenant wishes this to happen.

Perhaps landlord/agent would pay you for your time & other expenses.

There have been occasions when I've needed to make a 1,000+ mile round trip to get something sorted. No complaints.

Artful: Landlord since 2000.

Best wishes to all.

Norman_Castle

Try contacting the manufacturer yourself, this will make agreeing appointments easier. If there are any problems arranging this bat it back to the agent telling them its their job. If the agent avoids this contact the landlord.

Thrugelmir

user19860331 said:

She said she's tried contacting them but had no luck.

Am I right in thinking this isn't acceptable from a letting agent? Im pretty sure it's not my job to be chasing things like this.

If she contacts them then presumably she'll need to contact you to confirm that the appointment is ok. If not then it will have to be rearranged. Then you'll be complaining about yet another delay.