Rented Accomodation - Letting agents conning me.

[Rach4018]

I have jsut moved out of a flat, after the inventory they have decided some very minor works need doing, the inventory report came with a letter to say they have instructed contractors to do the work. I rang the letting agent to ask how much the costs were and they said they didn't know until they got the invoice. I said should you not have got quotes to get the best prices seeing as its my money and they said no. I thought i was entitled to three quotes for each eice of work being carried or to at least be given an estimation of the cost. What are my rights?

[galatea]

I have experience as both a landlord and a tenant and from this experience operate as follows:

When moving into a property, I inspect it with the agent and agree the condition (if not possible, I send in a report of any problems).  When leaving I arrange to be with agent when they inspect the property and agree any damage/rectification required (which I have not already addressed while living there) and request the opportunity to put it right myself, to an agreed standard. 

As a landlord, when a tenant leaves without doing this, I instruct my agents to use my preferred providers of whatever service is required and deduct the costs from the deposit. No discussion.

You may be able to take heart from the view that the landlord is out to make a profit and may therefore be less likely to use expensive workmen!

[Rach4018]

Incase anyone elses has this problem i thought i'd tell you what i've found. I have looked up some info, basically if the work being done is major then three quotes must be supplied. The landlord must not profit from any of the work carried out. And invoices for the work have to be supplied at the tenants request.