Written by John Kruse, one of the leading experts on Bailiff Law, this consumer friendly guide is essential reading for anyone who comes into contact with a bailiff.
The book is easy to understand and clearly explains the rights
a bailiff has, and also what they cannot do when collecting debts and repossessing goods etc.
My parents decided to have some structual work done to the house, which was started in June last year, the company gave a verbal timescale of 5-7 weeks work.
We are now in Feb 08 and the work is still not completed, my mum has withheld a sum sum circa £1300.00 and told him she is no longer prepared to allow him to finish the work and she wll use the monies owed to get the work completed by someone else.
The rear of the premises has been left in a condition that its not safe to use I.E large holes, jaggered concrete and also interier work not completed or completed to a poor standard.
The builder in question has wrote a letter stating he must be given adequate time to resolve the issues and must settle the outstanding balance within 7 days.
Questions:
Is my mum within her rights to withhold payment?
The builder has been given since november last year to resolve the issues and has failed, can this be used as 'adequate time' to resolve them?
In the letter he is quoting from the consumer direct website that payment must be made and to give him reasonable time to complete the work. I can not find this information is it true?
Is he within his rights to demand payment within 7 days?
There is no problem with witholding some of the money untill the job is completed to a reasonable standard, don't pay in advance of work being done.
However, just a quick question... why has the job come to a halt? Is it because of non-payment? Misunderstandings are common between a builder and the client.
some links... this one to the trading standards website
No....the work ground to a halt because the builder never turned up to complete the work, or would only turn up at the last minute (sometimes on a Sunday afternoon). He would then promise to come round the following week to continue his work and they would not see him until the phoned to ask where he was.
Home Improvements
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