[jemlis]

Hi!
Could anyone please give me some advice on the following...

I run a small domestic cleaning service and a neighbour knocked on my door and asked if I could clean up next door, turns out the tennents have left lots of debt and mess.  I went round and quoted a price, the owners mum said fine,  the letting agent was there and gave me a key.  Up to this point I assumed the property owner was going to pay me but now after speaking to her mum and asking her about payment she said see the letting agent.  The LA didnt seem keen on parting with any money and even suggested the owners mum should perhaps hire a carpet cleaner and do it herself???

I'm worried I'm not going to get paid and wondered if I should get something signed before I do any work?

Any advice would be greatly appriciated as I dont usually deal with this stuff, my clients pay me on the day I do the work with no hassle- dead easy!

Many Thanks

Emma

[dhnjj]

Hi Emma

I make it clear from the start that my agreement is with the letting agency not the landlord.  I have in the past entered into contracts with the landlords and found it too much hassle ringing round chasing payment. Always best to get something in writing beforehand though

Regards

Dave 

[Les]

How much are you charging ?

If it's not going to change your life I'd suggest walking away from it.

You may find that by saying that's your intention, you might get a little more respect.

If you want to go ahead on the vague promise of payment, be prepared to be spending some time chasing payment.

Good luck

Les

[The Great One]

Hi

Whoever has asked you to do the job should pay.

Possible the tenants have done a runner, without paying last months rent? If that's the case, the landlord will have to cough up the cash.

If the LA gives the work, get a work order before commencing.

Regards

Martin

[cml]

Hi,

Was the neighbour the landlord?

If the mother is not the owner or part owner of the property it could be said that she merely acts as a agent for the owner.  Here we are not sure who was doing the talking and giving instructions.  The mother may have agreed thinking it was part of the service provided by the LA and the LA may have agreed thinking she acts on behalf of the owner.  Should the LA still manage the property I would send the bill to the LA and insist on payment.  Should they no longer manage the property (and what you actually walked into was the LA handing the property back to the owner) you may have to chase the owner. 

I would be very surprise if the LA was attempting to hand back the property without first ensuring that it was left in a reasonable state, so I would go for  the LA.

Good Luck!