UK Landlord Forum / Life

A tenant left mid way through his tenancy and some patching up to the paintwork was needed.
I asked my estate agents who are acting on my behalf to get someone in to do the work I outlined.

First I was to get a quote for the works I had outlined before giving the go ahead and i mentioned for him to quote for any works he thought may be neeccssary also.

I have had work done similar and it cost around £100

I never received any quotes, but today received a bill for £750 with the work undertaken without my consent. The decorator had repainted the whole flat including areas i did not request. All that was needed was a little patching up.

What leg do i have to stand on to dispute this? I feel I have been taken for a ride by the decorator and my agent has acted negligently.

Regards, LxndLxrd

Did you put anything in writing regarding your need for sight of quotes before the agent acted..? Most agents will simply authorise work and use their own tradesmen, they'll say you gave them the go ahead and expect you to pay up when it's done.. personally I think they're wrong on this but it's how they operate..

You'd need to tell us more for an educated opinion, but at the worst you have a nice newly painted property to rent out, it's tax deductible and you're a little bit wiser... agents often work both sides, and allowing them to decide who does the work is naïve at best..

£750 for a full flat, including paint is not too bad though.. if it's been done well with doors and woodwork, ceilings and walls.. two coats on everything.. even if it's a small flat..

tell us a bit more for more valid opinions...

I think you should not pay the £750, and also demand the Decorator returns the property to as it was before, taking all the paint back off, free of charge too.

Alternatively, check your terms of business - full management often means just that. The Agent probably thought you'd be grateful... what a turn-up for the books this is. They can't win. If you have what you claim here in writing you're onto discounted paint and labour... happy days... if the next thing you tell us is that it was all verbal, you might be taking the proverbial.

I used to set a limit on what they could authorise without my agreement,to cover for emergencies if I was away.20 years ago it was around £100.I agree that if the whole flat has been done well,that is not a bad price.If it really only needed a spot of paint,they have got a nerve.That said,don't expect an apology or refund.If you want to stay with them,you need something in writing for the future.If it just a tiny bit of paint,I would do that myself anyway,and have not used any tradesmen chosen by agents for years.I was ripped off over a roof "repair" to the tune of 2k,never again.