I talked to my building maintenance guy about getting blinds installed on our windows. He said he would charge $20 per blind and at that time we had 6 blinds to install. However, later we decided to install only 4 and gave him a check of $80. However, he claimed that we had agreed on a price of $120 at $30/blind instead of $20!! This is not true. When I tried to explain to him the situation, he just returned the check of $80 and said that he did not want any money at all (obviously he was upset). I was confused and I said this is not right and you can take the $120 if you want, but he refused to take any money at that time and said we can talk tomorrow. What do I do? I don't want to get sucked into giving him more money and $30/blind is a lot!! We even called and left a message on his phone but he has not returned the call. He is a building maintenance man so I am concerned because we have to deal with him for as long as we live here.
Suggestions please!!
2007-01-07 07:43:29 · 11 answers · asked by Du S 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If you both agreed on the price before he started, then you golden. You owe no more than what you agreed. Unless you signed a contract for 6 and he only did 4 then you owe him for 6, according to the contract. If no contract, then explain to him why you change your mind on the last 2 blinds. Maybe you could not afford the last two.
2007-01-07 07:49:50 · answer #1 · answered by 1TON 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this is new to me , i am also a maintenance supervisior of a apartment comuity and if is during work hrs the company pays use for our service to do things for the residents as long its on a work order, now for after hrs , it would fall on a agreement between you and the guy , you are more or less paying for his wages their and he should not be angry or frustated at you , go see the manager and discuss the problem you are facing its just a simple , but touchy situation. 30.00 is high to put up blinds, i would of charged 15.00 , you did not mention do you live in a condo then that goes into a contract as now you pay insurance on your property
2007-01-07 17:39:00 · answer #2 · answered by gadget1961 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did he pay for the other two blinds, or did you buy the blinds yourself? If he payed for them, send him the $80 with a note telling him you will pay for the other two blinds if he wasn't able to return them. Otherwise, just send him the check for $80 again. He might have reconsidered cashing it by now, and anyway you owe it to him.
2007-01-07 15:55:13 · answer #3 · answered by Victoria1061 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As owner of a complex in which I employee a maintenance person, I see a direct conflict of interest with the maintenance person subcontracting to the residents of the complex to provide service outside of their regular employment. This person is employed to provide a particular set of maintenance services, when this person starts to hire himself out to the residents of the complex above and beyond his regular duties his position could become blurred to the point that he could in fact start charging residents for services that they should normally receive as part of their rent. And, by the same token, resident may start to expect service beyond what is normally provided.
The whole situation looks like a receipt for problems, I don’t know if this is common practice with your maintenance person, but I would certainly shy away from it in the future for just the reason you describe.
2007-01-07 17:49:24 · answer #4 · answered by lpgnh3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact your landlord and building manager. This seems like erratic behavior. He may be moody, unpredictable or judgment impaired. Or he may not be permitted to solicit side work from the residents. Be tactful, and in the future, get it in writing, even if it is only notes.
2007-01-07 17:43:00 · answer #5 · answered by Emee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell him you would send the check, for the agreed upon price to his boss, to give to him, unless he accepts it. That should shake him up. And, you shouldn't have to worry about further work, hire from the outside, or tell him and get it in writing and, have him sign it.
2007-01-07 16:08:31 · answer #6 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always always always get things in writing. At least you paid in check, so its easily traceable. If he doesn't want your money, either record him (on audio tape) or have him sign a paper stating he doesn't want money (with a neutral witness, preferably the landlord). This way, if he tries to bring you to small claims, you can destroy him.
2007-01-07 15:52:33 · answer #7 · answered by SLATE 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should give him what was originally agreed upon and put it in writing, that protects you and him. Don't forget to include that you are attempting to make good and pay him for his or her services in a nice way.
2007-01-07 16:31:29 · answer #8 · answered by Baker 300 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Talk to his Boss, you may find that he is already being paid for providing such services to the tennants!
2007-01-07 15:48:34 · answer #9 · answered by wyzrdofahs 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe by tomorrow it will all be better.
(Next time, make a written agreement that both can sign in each other's presence.)
2007-01-07 15:50:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋