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

Linda Price

18:11 PM, 29th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Porky at 29/03/2020 - 17:53
Thank you for spotting this. That wording will certainly help me with my reply to her. I felt I’d done everything in a more than reasonable time frame, but just wasn’t sure if there was a definite obligation, although, to get another plumber in would surely negate my insurance policy 🙁
She is unfortunately a very demanding tenant, but one who will cause me trouble given the slightest excuse, so I need to tread very carefully.

David Lawrenson

18:20 PM, 29th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Under the current difficult conditions I would say you have responded and acted with incredible speed.

With many plumbing depots closed, the next issue might be getting the parts.

Luke P

23:19 PM, 29th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Linda Price at 29/03/2020 - 16:23
Says nothing of the sort. Not specifically anyway…

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/70/section/11

Porky

0:18 AM, 30th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Luke P at 29/03/2020 - 23:19
Yes you are correct Luke P. Linda and her tenant seem to have picked up on an interpretation of section 11 by an organisation called thinkmoney.co.uk . Link below.
This makes it even more of a reason for Linda to not be intimidated by her Tenant who thinks she has one over on her.
Give her both barrels Linda.

https://www.thinkmoney.co.uk/news-advice/broken-boiler-in-rented-house-your-rights-0-8494-0.htm1

___ baldelectrician

3:05 AM, 30th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by David Lawrenson at 29/03/2020 - 18:20
Some of my wholesalers are closed but I have mobile numbers of the managers / reps who deal with me.
I can call them out if I wish out of hours but it has to be for a good reason (such as a fire in a commercial premises where I need a new 3 phase DB NOW).
I have not had to do this in years but I know I can call them if needed.
As we are in a lock down situation I have 5 consumer units in the van now and will use them sooner or later.

Wholesalers are now doing click and collect / phone and deliver same day (I have been in the game for years and don't fluff them about- pay my bills and don't do a lot of returns, I also steer clear from Screwfix / Toolstaion for electrical stuff as they are less useful)
This way I get someone at the end of the phone who will have product knowledge and can get stuff which is not run of the mill- I may pay slightly more for that but it keeps my customers happy.

Getting back to the original poster-
The tenant is taking the urine and you have been quick in dealing, open and honest.
I would advise communicating by email and cc'ing the tenant in when you email the engineer / repair company then the tenant cannot complain you have not kept them in the loop
I sometimes suggest to my landlords we do this as it creates a trail of the landlord making best efforts should the tenant try and throw some manure.

David Lawrenson

9:44 AM, 30th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by ___ baldelectrician at 30/03/2020 - 03:05
Very well said, Bald Electrician.

I always make a point of paying any supplier / trades people within 24 hours - and give each of them a lot of my work, because this repays itself manifold when the chips are down and everyone is desperate for their services.

David Lawrenson
LettingFocus.com
Landlord Advice

Ray Davison

10:04 AM, 30th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by David Lawrenson at 30/03/2020 - 09:44
I always make a point of paying any supplier / trades people within 24 hour

Me too, loyalty works both ways

Linda Price

11:33 AM, 30th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by David Lawrenson at 30/03/2020 - 09:44
I agree and also pay anyone who works for me very quickly, my problem in this case is that the boiler is under an insurance policy and if I got someone else out to look, would I then invalidate the policy? I felt they had responded reasonably to fit me in on the next working day, but after the tenant pointed out that it was an “emergency “ it then left me in doubt if these boiler cover policies were adequate? After all the helpful advice, I think that it is, and it is my tenant who has unreasonable expectations as to what we can do. I always explain that even though I’m a landlord, I don’t get a magic wand in my started kit and I have to rely on the ability, and help of others at certain times, just like everyone else :-/ Thanks again for everyone who has contributed, its much appreciated in this sometimes lonely job of being a landlord. Thank goodness for 118 🙂

Ray Davison

11:53 AM, 30th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Linda Price at 30/03/2020 - 11:33In this instance it was only hot water not CH as well, so a kettle will get them hot water to wash in. And if they have an electric shower (Recommended in a BTL even if they may not be as nice to use), even better.
As Porky mentions, a few electric radiators in stock to deliver to Tenants is a good idea to cover any wait for CH to be attended to.

Linda Price

13:58 PM, 30th March 2020, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Ray Davison at 30/03/2020 - 11:53
I had already mentioned that a kettle could be used to have a warm wash and wash dishes, but your idea of keeping a stock of electric heaters is a great one 🙂 thanks.

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