Hi, thanks!
It happened during planned works whilst he was out. These left his house in such a state that it looked like he was burgled. It doesn't seem like he could have protected his belongings from this.
I'm not sure how it works if he was to hold the workmen responsible. I've read at shelter's website that the landlord is responsible for any damages to the belongings of the tenant as a result of maintenance works carried out by them or people working from them.
My friend has contacted Shelter and some lawyers, and it seems like it will be a case of his word against his landlady's. It will come down to proof. He took some pictures of the state of his apartment after the "burglary", and the guy who did the work will be there tomorrow when the landlady does and inspection. Does anyone have advice on what to ask them? And how to go about either finding an agreement with the landlady or getting proof?
Thanks a lot!