Repairman arrives and Tenant not at home

Plumbers had agreed with tenants on a particular day and time to attend the repair job but tenants were not at home and not contactable. The repairman is claiming for a out call charge. Who would be paying this? Tenant or owner?

 

I know generally my trades would bring a key if time has been agreed with tenant as things come up and the tenant not being there could be justified. Not being prepared for.that isn't really justifiable though, seems to be laziness by plumber in not picking up a key

 

If a time teed up between tenant and repairer, and tenant doesn't show then tenant should pay the call out. We don't have any qualms forwarding an invoice to a tenant.

Situation probably could have been avoided or mitigated a bit though - did the tradey have the tenants number to call (perhaps they were on their way home from somewhere?) or call the PM for alternative arrangements? The PM could have met them there to let them in, or provided a key, etc.

There's always more options than just "oh well they didnt answer the door, please give me $77"

 

Can you be certain that the tradie turned up at the agreed time?
Most don't.
The days are long gone when someone, usually mum, was home all day, but most tradies still work on the belief they can turn up a couple of hours late.
Marg

 

they said they even called the tenants mobile numbers but didn't respond. I am still waiting to see the PM's response.

 

If a PM involved, why did they not liaise with the plumber Regarding access?
Surely the plumber should have contacted the PM for a key if the tenant not home?
Marg

 

Lol why didn't the plumber contact the agent or you or swing past and pick up a key & why put responsibility on tenant. Tenant don't care. Tenant just want to rent and live life.

Keep life simple for tenant.... a good tenant doesn't need to wait around for a plumber and a bad one... well same goes (but your best interest).

 

PM has invoiced me (landlord) 2 call out claims made due to the tenants not being available at 2 separate jobs ( 2 different trades person) within the last 2 weeks. In the first place i questioned the PM as to why he had invoiced me and deducted from my portion of the rental money. The PM then agreed that they will invoice the tenant and reimburse me what was deducted. Few minutes later he tells me that the tenant threatens to vacate and would like to contact me directly. Each invoice is 140 dollars
what is your expert advice as to how i should proceed.

 

Did the plumber turn up at the correct time?

They are renowned for being horribly late and no phone call to tell the customer.

If the plumber did turn up on time and the tenant had left the house; it is on the tenant to pay the call-out fee..

 

1. How can I know if they came in time?
2. I don't have the tenants contact details.
3. Is it correct for me to directly contact tenants even if I know how to reach them as I have a PM for that
4. assuming the plumber had been on time after arrangement with tenant- what can i do if they refuse to pay and threaten to vacate

 

surely this is an issue for the PM? the tradies they use should know to collect a key from the agent's office rather than just leave if the tenant is not home. i would not contact a tenant directly, that is only going to end up in an argument if they are threatening to vacate over the issue.

 

But how will I know that

 

I'd stand firm. If they vacate it wouldn't bother me at all. It could be an idle threat, or they could have done it on purpose & don't like getting called out.

 

You are right. I have not heard from my PM for today. Don't know what the outcome had been

 

Sack the PM
A good PM would have managed this better and not let it get to this stage.

Example dialogue:

PM: The plumber will arrive between xxx time and xxx time. Does this suit you?
Tenant: Yes
PM: Can i have your permission to provide your number to the plumber?
Tenant: Yes
PM: Please be advised that if you are not home during this period the plumber is there, a call out fee of $XX will be payable by you. We are able to reschedule, but will require XX hours notice, otherwise the fee will be payable.
Tenant: Ok
PM: If anything does arise, please contact myself so we can make alternative arrangements.

 

Call their bluff and hold them to account. They arranged a time, twice, and did not give access, twice. Firmly on them, though everyone likes to blame everyone and have no personal accountability.

 

You as the owner are liable to the tradie. you can try to recover the money from the tenant but the tenant is not directly liable as they did not contract with the tradie.

 

This happened to me. the time and date was agreed with all parties, tenant sweared they were home all day and plumber never came , plumber sweared that they knocked very hard several times (at the correct address). Not sure who was liable but i told them to work it out as im not paying for it.