Can i claim

[white van ma]

I am having my council flat upgraded by a load of cowboys who have made a mess in every room, damaged the lino ripped the wall paper made a right mess by not covering the flats contents up (btw we are not alone with this problem) they said it would take 19 working days, it is still not finished after 35 working days. I have spent over £1000 decorating the flat last year & they say they will not help me with getting it re decorated i am disabled so i cannot do it i also cannot afford to get it done is there a anyone who can help me to get this sorted out i have tried asking City West who owns the flats & they refuse to do anything regarding costs.

[Nosha123]

I am no legal expert.. but would imagine that if they have caused damage to your belongings and flat then yes they are liable.. both them and the people who contracted them in (the Council??)
Who is paying them??? I'm assuming its the council... If of course you contracted them in then the Council will not help.
You need to immediately draft a letter and send it registered post to their offices.. and cc the Council. Stating the damage caused and the time it has taken...
Keep it factual.... and brief.... and ask for a written response within 14 days.
Good Luck

[Davethedog]

Contact the people who you rent from, tell them and ask for an inspection and advice.
do this today. Get a contact name and E-mail them and send a hard copy.

This should start the process and they will get the money from the builders if this doesn't work contact the CAB.

Get this done A.S.A.P the longer it go's the further the cowboys can say it wasn't them.

[bednobs]

i know this is not an answer but what were you doing spending 1000 on improving a property that dosen't belong to you?

[Davethedog]

Its his home mate, he intends to live thier for a good number of years I lived in a council flat for about 16 years and we decorated it a few times.

Just because your renting doesn't mean you cant't "make it nice"

[redcrx]

ask for details of their insurers and contact them about the damage caused

[bednobs]

i get your point but still don't understand the logic in spending a grand of your own money to improve someone elses property

[karenmac60]

Not sure about this one, I live in a council house and had new heating installed last year. The contracters made a lot of mess but I had been told by the council beforehand that they were not responsible for redecorating costs, even if the workers had to rip up laminate flooring. They did a lot of properties in the area and because council had given a verbal disclaimer over the phone, no one had any recourse.

[Eve]

Were you given a notice about the works? If so, did that make any mention about the kind of issues you have mentioned above.

Can I ask what you spent so much on in redecorating? Was it more decorative such as wallpaper and paint or things like a new furniture or adaptations with your disability?

Another thing that springs to mind, although I have no idea how the system works, but would the council have any issue with you having spent so much on decorating if you are in social housing etc... just so you don't end up causing any problems there.

Have you taken photographs and kept a written record of everything and got receipts for items damaged etc...?