Unreliable Workman

[zebo]

This is a question in anticipation of a potential problem! We called a gas engineer to look at a boiler in a flat we have recently bought, we got his details through the Gassafe website. He was unable to start the boiler and as there was no handbook, he said he would look it up at home then come back to try and fix it. He never got back in touch, never returned calls and never acknowledged emails or messages and eventually days later, we got someone else to do the work. So far we haven't heard from Man 1, but would he be able to charge us for the initial visit? Had he got back in touch and said I can't do it, I would have had no problem but as he hasn't been back in touch I would be reluctant to pay him. What do the legal-eagles think?

[Samuraisan]

Don't give him a penny.

[Jackdaw33]

He can charge you, but you don't have to pay him. He has not provided a service.

[ladybirder]

That is disgraceful behaviour by Man 1 zebo and I wouldn't pay him. When I had to call someone to a gas boiler recently and he couldn't make it work he called up the manufacturer on his phone and talked it through with them for about 40 minutes until they diagnosed the fault between them. And I've seen that happen twice before when they are unable to find the fault. The manufacturers must employ staff to support the repair guys I suppose.

[Peter Pedant]

non starter

if he does try to charge - refuse and tell him to sue

you were gonna pay for a service and not a visit, so no charge