Arranging repairman access to property

[Andytizer]

Hi I am asking this question on behalf of family. My in-laws are renting a property out in London whilst living in Paris, making it very difficult to visit the property.

The tenants have asked for a replacement of the electrical cooker which broke at the beginning of the tenancy. A new electrical cooker has been delivered. However they refuse to take time off during the daytime weekdays to allow an electrician to come in to fit the new cooker. The tenants expect my in-laws to come to London and let the electrician into the property.

Can we tell the tenants that they will need to make an appointment during weekdays with the electrician- or will they have to find someone to let the electrician into the property?

[sparkie]

Sounds like they didn't appoint an EA. Do they have a friend who lives in London that could let the electrician in?

Since they live in Paris who is managing the property in London for them?

You can always ask the T's to take time off during the weekeday but maybe difficult if they have 9 to 6 hours during Mon to Fri like most people.

[bhaal]

It's the LL's responsibility to repair a cooker and so the TS should not have to take time off to deal with the repairs. Either your relatives will have to come to London or they will have to compensate the Ts for any lost holiday they have to take by being away from work.

[jjlandlord]

It's the LL's responsibility to repair a cooker.

I don't think LL has a statutory obligation to repair an electric cooker. He obviously could have a contractual obligation, though.

In any case, here it seems that the cooker provided by LL needs replacing so imo it is indeed LL's responsibility.

[PaulF]

It's the LL's responsibility to repair a cooker and so the TS should not have to take time off to deal with the repairs. Either your relatives will have to come to London or they will have to compensate the Ts for any lost holiday they have to take by being away from work.

The tenant should allow access to the landlord or his workmen during "reasonable" hours of the day; that would be 8.00 a.m. to about 6.00 p.m. It's unrealistic to expect otherwise and anyway you will need an electrician with a Part 'P' qualification to connect it. Tenants have to put themselves out if they want a repair carried out, otherwise they probably aren't too concerned how long it might take. It's for their benefit after all.

[mk1fan]

Agree with Paul-f on the view of access.

Although, if the T is happy for an agent of the LL to provide access then this should be route to take. A family friend or relation of the LL would suffice.

[leaseholdanswers]

While I agree with earlier posts- the tenant has a vested interest- I would not rely on that position. If the cooker is provided and requires replacement, then that burden falls on the landlord, fully. A tenant can simply say that I am not home and would be right; some are paid by the day or in a situation where a lost day is not practical or possible.

That is why there is a clause in a tenancy allowing the landlord access on notice to repair.

And there are many keen local companies that will supply and fit the cooker on a timescale that has a narrow window- they just cost more than say a big box retailer ( who for a premium will narrow it down as well and do weekend fittings).

Should the tenant have to accommodate a landlord to allow them to get the cheapest price?.

With letting comes great responsibility....

[sparkie]

With letting comes great responsibility....

i swear i have heard a similar quote in a movie before

[Andytizer]

Hi I just wanted to come back to thank everyone on this threat who responded, this has been some really useful information for me and my in-laws (who are getting a bit overwhelmed letting without an agency for the first time).

[Ericthelobster]

my in-laws (who are getting a bit overwhelmed letting without an agency for the first time).

I'm definitely not a fan of agents but I don't think it's really reasonable to expect to be able to manage a let property sucessfully if you are overseas, with no support from somebody on the ground.

[LesleyAnne]

Are you also aware of the tax implications of letting a property in the UK when you live overseas? Have they nominated someone to pay tax on their rental income whilst they are abroad?

I take it your parents have given the tenant a UK address for serving notices, otherwise, legally they cannot charge the tenant rent?

[mind the gap]

somebody on the ground.

Rather a harsh description of letting agents. Makes them sound like woodlice or something.

[mariner]

Questions here appear to be:
1 does LL have current keys to allow access?
If no, then requirement on T to provide access with due Notice to LL or agents. In this case electrician would be 'LL agent'
2 LL could appoint a UK resident relative to act as their agent
OK T could refuse entry ( quiet enjoment ) but he couldn't subs claim failure to repair.
Then there is Ts resp to 'act in a T like manner', they cannot report a problem and prevent access for rectification IMO.
Any owner/occupier would be expected to arrange access whether in person or via trusted neighbours

[islandgirl]

Rather a harsh description of letting agents. Makes them sound like woodlice or something.

And this description is inaccurate because....
answers on a postcard please

[Interlaken]

Bizarre! How do you actually 'break' an electric cooker? You would think if tenants had no cooker they would be keen to get one that works fitted.

Let's hope they don't break the bath.