See below; my question is, am I liable for the electrician I did not arrange? I am happy to contribute the rate my electrician quoted me, and the tenants will pay the outstanding balance.
On the 23rd of December, I received a message at 10:30 from a tenant. The downstairs ring main was tripping the RCD. I told them to unplug everything and see if it would reset. In the meantime, I called the local electrician to find out his availability.
At 11:15, the tenant messaged the RCD was still tripping. I got a confirmed call-out for tomorrow morning from the electrician; I also called two other electricians in an attempt to get one of them out today. The first electrician explained that he could confirm tomorrow but might be able to get there late in the afternoon.
11:30 I messaged the tenant again to go over what was arranged and to confirm everything had been unplugged and fused spurs had been switched off.
The tenant explained the food in the fridge would spoil.
12:20, the tenant messaged that their neighbour could arrange an emergency electrician. I was still on the phone with an electrician. I messaged them back, stating an electrician had already been booked, and due to conflict, I do not pay for tradespeople I have not requested.
12:28 tenant messaged they are out tomorrow; I messaged them again, explaining I could come down to give the electrician access. I also asked who they had arranged.
12:54 tenant messaged their electricians arrived, also explaining that I should have emergency electricians on call for occasions like this; it was explained that the electrics had been off since 8:00.
13:32 tenant message the job was finished £120. the fault was behind the dishwasher.
At 13:49, my electrician messaged to say he was on his way, which I then cancelled.
