Discussion
A bit of a odd story but basically in summer 2007 a gardener came to do some work at our house, well quite a lot of work that he did about half of and then disappeared into thin air. We did try and contact him a few times but he never returned any calls. This morning he shoved a bill for the quoted (but not completed) work through the door. My first feeling on this was to tell him to feck off. Now my feeling is that he did some of the work and maybe I should pay him some of the bill but I wasnt 100% happy with the work he did and we have had to pay someone else to complete the work. I will throw this open to the PH experts, what do you think we should do?
I think I'd be ignoring the bill.
After all you can prove that someone else did the work can't you?
You made all reasonable steps to contact him it is his fault he didn't get back in touch.
I would guess he is now short of cash and is trying it on with customers that he couldn't be bothered finishing jobs for.
After all you can prove that someone else did the work can't you?
You made all reasonable steps to contact him it is his fault he didn't get back in touch.
I would guess he is now short of cash and is trying it on with customers that he couldn't be bothered finishing jobs for.
Quick call to Citizens advice?
A Few things I see
1) He quoted and started a job he did/could not finish, not your fault as you were ready to pay on completion of the job quoted.
2) You had to get someone in to complete his half done job and had paid them in full. So you've already paid for a job you asked for.
3) You had given him ample opportunity to rectify the problem, which he did not do.
4) He is billing you for something which he cannot prove he done, but you can prove someone else did.
5) Why should you feel bad that he done a half assed job which he didnt complete? You are not the guilty one, you are the victim in all this.
Suggest you file this letter and look out for all receipts. If he tries contacting you again or threatens anything (Debt Collectors or Court), then you'll have a nice tidy file with all documentation. Maybe contact the contractor who had to finish his job, tell him the situation and ask if he would kindly testify if this ever had to go to court?
Hope this resolves easily for you, and remember, you are not the criminal, you are the victim, do not pay a penny.
A Few things I see
1) He quoted and started a job he did/could not finish, not your fault as you were ready to pay on completion of the job quoted.
2) You had to get someone in to complete his half done job and had paid them in full. So you've already paid for a job you asked for.
3) You had given him ample opportunity to rectify the problem, which he did not do.
4) He is billing you for something which he cannot prove he done, but you can prove someone else did.
5) Why should you feel bad that he done a half assed job which he didnt complete? You are not the guilty one, you are the victim in all this.
Suggest you file this letter and look out for all receipts. If he tries contacting you again or threatens anything (Debt Collectors or Court), then you'll have a nice tidy file with all documentation. Maybe contact the contractor who had to finish his job, tell him the situation and ask if he would kindly testify if this ever had to go to court?
Hope this resolves easily for you, and remember, you are not the criminal, you are the victim, do not pay a penny.
You are under an obligation to pay him a reasonable amount for the work done. Now, what is reasonable will take into account the rectification work you had to undertake (and the costs) etc.
It seems like you are going to make him an offer, when you do so give him the reasons why it is the amount it is and note that you incurred costs and inconvenience and everything else for his breach of contract which you deduct from the bill. Obviously put this in writing and send it recorded delivery, that way you have a paper trail you can show to a court should it become necessary.
As to three years, he has six years to make a claim in court.
It seems like you are going to make him an offer, when you do so give him the reasons why it is the amount it is and note that you incurred costs and inconvenience and everything else for his breach of contract which you deduct from the bill. Obviously put this in writing and send it recorded delivery, that way you have a paper trail you can show to a court should it become necessary.
As to three years, he has six years to make a claim in court.
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