[paulswindows]

“Hi. Yesterday (16/08) the external window cleaner you employ slammed one of my bedroom windows closed using his telescopic pole which has caused damage to the handle on the window. It is now loose and wobbly and feels like it will break off before long. The handle is also what provides the clamping force to keep the window closed tightly and securely. I will look into into the full extent of the damage over the weekend. Hopefully one of the bolts fixing the handle to the frame has just sheared which should be easy to replace. If he has also damaged the frame though it could be a much more substantial repair. If I remember correctly this occurred between 8am and 9am. I remember hearing a loud crash but had not realised what it was as I was in my living room.”

…Never been accused of this before in 10 years as a window cleaner.  I never “slam”
windows shut, Just gently push them closed with my gardiner clx
It’s a big block of flats that I’ve been cleaning for years and this resident has contacted the management company (who pay me) and who in turn have contacted me for my response.
Of course I have public liability insurance but not sure if I should resort to using that and would greatly appreciate  any advice about this.
 

 

[NBwcs]

Its very annoying for you, and i doubt  you caused any damage but window handles are generally dirt cheap  ie under a tenner for alot of them so i wouldnt waste too much time worrying about it,ask them to send a pic of the handle then get googling. Its just 2 screws to fix it place. You wont have damaged the frame. So many chancers out there.

[CleanClear]

Of course I have public liability insurance but not sure if I should resort to using that

Your Public Liability Insurance would not generally cover you for this unless you have a specific inclusion to insure damage to properties you are working on.

[AuRavelling79]

The only way you could have damaged the window handle is if the customer left the handle in a position so that the catch would "catch" on the frame edge. That is negligent. Especially if he knows that the windows are cleaned on a regular basis. To be able to shut the window fast then it must have been loose on it's hinges.

If the catch was previously sound and in the wrong position when you pressed the window closed it would stop you closing it completely.

I would look at the "damage" and be ready to defend my case.

However, if the repair is in tens of pounds and the contract hundreds, paid on time and an otherwise good customer (the management company) I might offer a goodwill gesture to "keep the peace".

[dazmond]

Go round and take a look...window handles are easily replaceable if it's a standard UPVC window....cost around a fiver for a new one

[colin bird]

It's always the window cleaners fault !!

[NBwcs]

It's always the window cleaners fault !!

On a slightly different note, one of my custys is a retired copper, and we got talking one day and he told me that one of the 1st lines of enquiry following a break in was to ask who the window cleaner was. (he's in his late seventies so this would be a while ago), but we do seem to be 1st in line  for blame for everything.