UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hello, I recently had a gas boiler replaced in my leasehold flat that I let out. In discussions with the installers afterwards, I found out that they drilled a new flue hole through the external wall. This hadn't been planned - the possibility that this would be necessary hadn't been discussed beforehand - I think it's because the boiler is in quite a tight space. From the outside, the old flue hole appears open - the boiler installers didn't fill it in, and this needs to be done. My lease says not to make external alterations without the freeholder's permission.

What would seem best to do? Ask the boiler installers to repair the hole? Would it seem best to contact the freeholder before or after the works are completed, or leave them alone if it's not very noticeable in the end? Would the installers be liable for any of this that is considered damage to the freeholder's property rather than me?

My lease seems to say that I indemnify the freeholder from damage due to negligence by "any persons at the Premises expressly or impliedly within the Tenant's authority and under the Tenant's control", but I'm not sure how that affects things here.

Thanks very much for any useful perspectives that you can give.