UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi
Relatively new landlord here. The property is fully managed by an agent as we're not in the country. First tenant of 2yrs was brilliant and we managed directly with no issues. Was persuaded to go fully managed with new tenants since we never met them. They've been in 7 months now. We get regular issues. Most of them seem to disappear, light switches not working then they are, toilet flush not working then it is and been checked non problems. Radiator leaking, so we paid £75 to get someone to go in and tighten the nut!  Recently we had a photo of blocked drains. Tenants waited 2 days to report and agent took another week to send someone in. The washing machine then flooded due to blockage. Man has now been in and resolved saying it was debris and cooking fat that has 'built up over time'. Our agents say we're responsible for the charge. I disagree.  Where do we stand?
Thank you!

Unless you can show it was caused by a specific someone's actions, you're a bit stuck. I took a one free shot per tenancy approach. It could have been anyone's issue that happened to go bad when the tenant was living there, a build up from previous occupants for example. But after the free one, it must the be tenant, and I'd re-charge them for the issue.

Same, by the way, with call outs for things that aren't broken. It's no a hotel. Tenants have to behave in a tenant like manner and at least try.

Thanks for that advice.  You're probably right but I just feel aggrieved we have to pay for their mess. In my mind after 7 months, fat blockage has to be their responsibility but I guess we swallow this one. It could be a lot worse!

I think your agent should be more on your side in a case like this.You pay the fees, they are just lazy. They should visit first before calling someone out,  given the track record of the tenants.  They should also write to the tenant and explain that the landlord will pay if there is a genuine problem not caused by them. If it is down to their actions or stupidity they will get a bill. They are slobs.

Quote from: Moorly on April 10, 2025, 09:00:31 PMYou're probably right but I just feel aggrieved we have to pay for their mess.

But you haven't established that, and you have no way of doing so. It's just how you feel. After a cleaning, if they remain on as Tenants and it happens again, then it will clearly be their mess.