UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi, a new consumer unit has been pout into my rented house by an unqualified electrician; he's actually a domestic appliance engineer. It's not working correctly and so I complained to estate agent, who then sent out 2 sub-contractors working for the original property management company. These 2 couldn't show proof of membership to a competent persons scheme either so I turned them away after allowing them to assess the previous guys work.

The estate agent has now sent a letter saying they will give keys to a contractor and they will let themselves into the property if I happen to be out.

So my questions are:
Do I have a right to be informed of contractor details before they have access to the property - I'd like to check they are members before they come and bodge further.
Also, I don't want anyone in the house without someone I know and trust being present, is that reasonable?

As a tenant you have a right of "Quiet Enjoyment". Nobody may enter your home without your permission (except in an emergency). You can even change the locks to enforce this if need be, provided that you don't cause any damage in the process, your replacements are of a reasonable standard and  you restore the originals when you leave.

I'm not aware of a specific right to see the credentials of a contractor as such, but the right to refuse entry to anyone whose credentials are not satisfactory would effectively amount to the same thing.

If you believe that your landlord is not complying with the Part P regulations for electrical installations, you may wish to inform your local council.

Quote from: hattiehats on March 27, 2018, 01:10:16 PMThe estate agent has now sent a letter saying they will give keys to a contractor and they will let themselves into the property if I happen to be out.

Respectfully, but firmly, inform them that they categorically do not have your permission to do this. Then come back to us with their response. You obviously want the work restoring to proper working order, so they can hopefully send someone qualified around with your knowledge, and agreement and presence - this is not rocket science to arrange, they are just pushing thing with you because you're being troublesome (to them).