UK Landlord Forum / Life

Do private landlords make charges for repairing things tenants damage or if they want alterations such as changing light fittings etc? Especially if you do it yourself?

Just thinking ahead and if for example my tenant asked for something to be installed that is not part of the original let property would you charge a set fee, and do you have to make these fees visible from day one? Or for changing  light bulb, resetting the boiler if they did something stupid with it?

I assume letting agents do this, just wondered if private landlords did?

Thanks, Joe.

No.

Changing a light bulb? Really?

Do you mean supply and fit or just fit? Different kettle of fish.

I would say "change the light bulb yourself" and not charge for that advice. If I was asked how, then I could probably explain it to them... even a GU10, and they are absolutely horrible. Seriously - were GU10s designed by The French, or what?

I do thorough Check-Ins with Tenants... they really should have no excuse to not know how to go about things like resetting the boiler, checking the meters, draining an external tap for winter, accessing the loft, using the appliances etc. etc. ...I think that doing this on day 1 saves me a lot of hassle.

If a Tenant damages something then they pay for it. If something breaks and it can't be obviously attributed to the Tenant, then I pay for it. Sometimes, for an easy life, I just pay for it anyway.

You say "especially if you do it yourself"... So are you asking about two cases?
1. Do it yourself?
2. Tradesman?

1. Do it yourself - sadly not but usually because I am fixing something already provided.
2. Tradesman - usually not as they are fixing something already provided (not damaged by tenant)

If damaged by tenant they pay for the tradesman but usually helps to agree this (tell them don't ask) before the tradesman arrives.
Very least it's coming out of the deposit.

If it's something not provided then first always answer is No.
If not no then delay long enough and see if they really need it.

Shock horror.... I know

but there is a limitation of hassle clause in the contract (at least there is in my head).

If for some reason you are more benevolent than me then it would be unlikely you would charge for a DIY but explain to the tenant a tradesman fee will be chargeable.

Letting agents for sure will do this as they can screw the Landlord for the "admin fee"...

Even the inept can ask a friend to change the lightbulb...

Best of luck