UK Landlord Forum / Life

We put our trust in letting agents to manage our house (bungalow) in Hampshire for the past 10 years. I currently rent and the other person who jointly owns travels a lot as part of his work.
The bungalow has a problematic conservatory, which the letting agents advised to fix in 2017 using their recommended contractor. He charged 4000 pounds to fix. Along with another 1000 pounds for soakaways. A year later conservatory is leaking badly, we pay out further 100s of pounds using recommended contractors by letting agents to fix the leaks. The contractor who took 5000 pounds said the beams and sheeting for roof was not included in roof fix. This is not what was on the drawing he originally showed us, which clearly indicated the roof would be part of the fix, he omitted the roof fixtures from the invoice which we missed at the time. I also thought back in 2018 we could do nothing about it and accepted the shoddy work done. I also suspect the agents of negligence or/and complicity with the contractors in ripping us off.
However, stupidly enough both myself and the other owner fall for the agents again last year where they got another contractor promising fixes. We paid out again nearly 4000 pounds, however the conservatory roof is leaking again, and they both the contractor and agent are absolving/exonerating themselves of all liability.
There are other instances were the letting agent have roped us into fixes that later seem extortionate and unnecessary. I believe the agents/contractors have ripped us off. The other owner is more sanguine and seems to think that we have to accept that the agents as they are  - as all letting agents are sharks. He says it would be difficult to manage the property ourselves (he travels and I live in Glasgow).
I have accepted to a degree the losses we have made, but I am angry that shoddy, deceptive agents and contractors get away Scot free. I would like to report them both. Also, afraid that we may not get anyone else to manage the house for us who could be somewhat honest.
Any advice on how to report agents/contractors suspected of malpractice. Could we get out of the contract with the agents easily, is it heard of for landlords to manage the house themselves when they are far removed from the property ? Would another agent be interested to take ovedr from current agents ?

If you want to pursue the contractors you can report them to Trading Standards.In most areas of the UK you have to do this through CAB. You can also start proceedings through the small claims court,details online.Neither of these guarantee that you will get redress.Going after the agents is usually a waste of time,but again you could at least help others by reporting to Ombudsman if appropriate,and give bad reviews.
There are some agents who do much better than others,but your situation is difficult.I would be thinking of selling up,or maybe having the conservatory removed if that is the main source of expense. Again though,you are at the mercy of the agents to get the work done properly.

Thank you

You don't have to use your agents preferred contractors. At least in my case the agent takes a cut and the work is more expensive than when I had obtained quotes from competing contractors and I've been disappointed with the work. I have found it better to find local contractors myself. Ask neighbours who they use and look for recommendations. Of course it's more convenient to have the agent do it but it's better if you build your own list of trustworthy contractors. It is harder to do this at a distance but worth the effort. Yes other agents will take over your property if you are disappointed with the current agent.

There are things it might be appropriate for an agent to do, most repairs might still be cheaper to the landlord even if the agent takes a (usually not actually legal) cut.
But major building work isn't something the agent is likely to be able to handle - particularly something that sounds like reworking a complete disaster.
If the work to fix a leak involves soakaways, that sounds like the guttering/drainage is completely messed up, which isn't a trivial issue.

Really appreciate replies. It does align with my thinking but good to get it corroborated . Thank you

I think you have to expect this type of practice with agents working with their own contractors.

I simply use my own contractors to do work for me, never use agent's ones, as you know quotes are going to be overpriced and unreliable.

Interesingly, you can gain quite a lot of knowledge if you engage with your own conractor on work they carry out at your property. I heard stories of sharp practice by local agents in my area, so it's good to get a head's up on this.

I'd suggest any future work needing to your property, you'll need to make the effort and find your own contractors. I have use check a trade, and go by the rating and reviews - I've never had a problem with workmanship/quotes by doing this.

Hope things work out for you.