Hi. Wanted some advice on what to do when a former landlord charges exaggerated amounts after moving out. I received a large bill with various amounts but will focus only on the electric repairs part.
When I moved in, the previous tenant offered to leave 4 ceiling lamps, which I accepted. When doing the move in paperwork, it was marked as 4 lamps owned by new tenant (me).
When I moved out, I left these lamps as I didn’t need them and thought they’d be better than holes. The handover was to the landlord (no new tenant yet). We marked in the paperwork that 4 lamps were left.
Besides those lamps, one bathroom spot was dysfunctional due to the electric system (changing the bulb had no effect, maybe a transformer was the cause).
→ I just received from the landlord a bill of 1300 CHF for electric repairs incl. removal of lamps, but no details.
My questions would be:
Do you see any angle by which this amount sounds valid? I presume removal of lamps is on me, but still that’s a large amount.
The lamps? You assume well. There should a clause somewhere in the contract that you’re responsible to return the apartment in the same condition you received it (without lamps or holes in the ceiling). The previous tenant got out of this liability when you accepted the lamps.
About the spot light in the bathroom, AFAIK you were entitled to get that repair cost-free when you lived in the apartment. A repair after you left may be seen as “repair to be able to rent again”.
Are the 1’300 CHF too much? To be honest, even at 150 CHF/hour it’s 8.5 hours of work. It feels a bit high. But, leaving the lamps installed and not reporting the broken light opened the door for the charges.
No idea about how to contest the charges besides asking for the invoice of the work
I’d certainly ask for the electrician’s invoice, it appears to be high. I’d also join the tenant’s association, their advice and support is invaluable.
1300 assuming including tax? So 1200… or around 6-8 hours of work.
1 hour travel to your flat
1 hour to uninstall 3x lights
1 hour travel to the recycling center to dispose of electrical waste
3 hours to troubleshoot broken fitting and replace wire in the wall
1 hour travel back home
Dont pay until you get a full itemization of the costs. And you should not be paying for the bathroom repairs if it appears that it is the responsibility of the landlord. Contest the bill if necessary and threaten legal action where necessary.
