UK Landlord Forum / Life

Have a leak in ceiling in one of the bedrooms. Contacted roofer the very next day after being notified by tenant of small leak. We got the roof newly covered (flat roof) with this roofer 2-4 years ago. With a 20 year guarantee. Earlier this year we notified of a small leak, after weeks-almost a month a half they turn up to inspect and they report its got nothing to do with the flat roof, but the render around the chimney stack had cracks and this was the problem. Fast forward weeks for them to come back and repair it (at an additional cost). Weeks again to get photos to show they did the repair.  And then weeks and to this day still have not received their invoice for it, despite multiple requests so we can pay them.

In the meantime, this new leak has appeared, looks like a different area, but near the vicinity of the chimney area, but not the same location, could be related.

Its been 3 weeks now, and feel we (3 property owners in SOF) have been more than patient. He (the roofer said they would visit last week, excuse was "extremely busy" but did not respond to dates the property manager & tenant were available to provide access)

What are our options now.  Do we contact the insurance broker and ask them if there is recourse / action via the insurance for the roofer not responding, and the damage caused to the ceiling, walls due to slow/no response?

Obviously we have been tactful and diplomatic as it s the roofer with 20 year guarantee and don't want to rock the boat. And no else has been on the roof.

How have other Landlord's handled this with problem roofers and trades not coming back?

Any advice, information appreciated

This is so common with trades of all kinds.  Getting people to honour guarantees is well- nigh impossible if they ignore you.  You could report to trading standards ( who will do nothing) likewise any trade associations they belong to (who will do nothing) The threat of a bad review locally could be more effective. I am not sure why you are so concerned about offending them, have you never met any roofers?  You will be very low down on their list of priorities.

The most important thing is to prevent further damage, so try to get someone else in. Then make a small claims to recover the costs from the other people.   

Yes, that's the problem. Seems like guarantees are worthless if they don't reply or honour them

One of the owners wants to continue trying the roofer with the 20-year guarantee

If we make threats then the roofer may never reply and the guarantee is gone

The guarantee is worthless and your roofer will be immune the threats.

You posted this on Landlord Zone as well,  and got the same opinion that I gave.  You seem to think that roofers are easily offended.  They are not, they receive a lot of abuse and threats. It sounds as if the guarantee has gone already,  from the day you paid them. 

Let the guy who wants to keep trying to - with some deadline so no more serious damage is done.

ok, you both make good points.

Thank you heavykarma and jpkeates. Your replies are valued and much appreciated!