Repairs during Covid-19?

Repairs during Covid-19?

16:27 PM, 23rd March 2020, About 4 years ago 42

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Anyone know what is a landlords legal position if a tenant asks for a repair eg dripping tap, boiler problem etc during this pandemic?

I know that Local Authority repair teams for their stock social housing have been told they cannot go into residential properties.

If one can even find a tradesman is there a difference if the tenant and/or family are self isolating or not?

Either because they are in one of the vulnerable groups or have the virus?

Many thanks

Judith


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Comments

Rob Crawford

17:50 PM, 23rd March 2020, About 4 years ago

I think common sense must prevail! If the tenant is self isolating as a means of prevention then they could vacate the property and still stay isolated whilst the trade men work. If they are self isolating because they are infected or if the tenant is high risk and cannot vacate, I feel the landlord has reasonable grounds to defer any maintenance or repairs. If the contractor has PPE and is happy to work in an infected environment, that's the contractors call.

Rob Crawford

20:40 PM, 23rd March 2020, About 4 years ago

.....but only if essential!

David Lester

9:07 AM, 24th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Can anyone give guidance on legal requirements, i.e. Gas Certificate? One of our properties is due for the annual inspection this week, neither the Gas Engineer or I know what to do, I do not want to expose either the Engineer or Tenant, however likewise do not want to break the law. Appreciate your assistance.

Porky

9:09 AM, 24th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Hang about this is not for forum members to give conflicting advise on surely. This has to be directed at someone in authority. Why not contact the local council as they must have the government advise issued to them directly.?

David Lester

9:11 AM, 24th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Porky at 24/03/2020 - 09:09
Was your reply directed to me or the question above?

Ray Davison

9:13 AM, 24th March 2020, About 4 years ago

I think part of your question helped with the answer. Dripping tap, live with it! Boiler issue, that's a bit more subjective however gas and electric infrastructure workers are classed as key workers so as long as you can get someone to go and take sensible precautions, that can be done.

Annie Landlord

9:16 AM, 24th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Robert Jenrick
@RobertJenrick
·
11h
Advice for the housing, construction & building maintenance industries:
If you can work from home, do so.
If you are working on site, you can continue to do so. But follow Public Health England guidance on social distancing.
Outside of work, remember to #StayHomeSaveLives

Ray Davison

9:24 AM, 24th March 2020, About 4 years ago

"building maintenance industries: If you can work from home, do so."

mmm......... It would be interesting to hear how he proposes they do that!

Martin

9:40 AM, 24th March 2020, About 4 years ago

British Gas as of last Friday were still carrying out gas safeties and breakdown cover.
I am quite friendly with one of the engineers in my area who covers some of my properties.
Engineers have been instructed to self isolate if they had any symptoms and the engineers out in the field spoke directly with tenants who were self isolating to make common sense decisions.
I have a tenant who's child is running a temperature, back door was left open for the engineer and no one entered the kitchen while he serviced the boiler and hob, he wore gloves whilst working. - Common sense decision!
They are key workers and as previously mentioned - dripping tap - live with it, but no heating or hot water can have serious implications.

David Lester

9:43 AM, 24th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Martin at 24/03/2020 - 09:40
Thanks for your feedback, spoken to Letting Agent and they are of the same opinion as you.

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