Find the person who can authorise a change
The resident may control a loose internal shelf but not the window, entrance door, riser boxing or balcony. A landlord may approve expenditure while a freeholder controls the method. Write down the element, suspected owner and named decision-maker before booking. If responsibility is disputed, preserve the condition and wait rather than making an alteration that complicates a claim. Photographs should include adjoining surfaces and any asset label. The purpose is not to create legal advice; it is to ensure a handyman does not receive conflicting instructions from an occupier, agent and building manager during the appointment. One authorised contact also prevents delayed decisions while a room remains dismantled.

