Need help with subcontracting question

[wifetobe]

Hello, everyone. I have a question....my husband was doing some work for another lawn service as a subcontractor. He decided along the way that one of the properties was too far out of his way and let the other companies owner know he wouldn't be taking care of it anymore. It had been 10 days since his last mowing and was told not to worry, he would take care of it. Now it's been a few weeks and the people are complaining that the lawn hasn't been mowed. The other guy says they're sueing him???? Anyway, this turd owes my husband over $400 for past work and is now refusing to pay him. My husband NEVER signed anything with this guy and let him know in sufficient time that he would be discontinuing service for this particular property. My question is.....what recourse do we have? Small claims court or is there another way? This guy's a real jerk and won't budge!

Thanks!

[Mac_Cool]

What reason did he give for refusing to pay?

Next time, draw up a contract.

[wifetobe]

He says my husband left the property unmowed for 2 weeks. It was 10 days and the guy was notified. The money he owes him is from about 3 properties, that being one of them.

[Mac_Cool]

I think the guy has a point. Your husband waited ten days and then decided not to mow it, so yeah, it would probably stretch to two weeks before he could get someone out to mow it. By refusing to mow and not honoring the verbal agreement, your husband upset the customer and damaged the guy's reputation... and apparently is causing him to be sued for not honoring his contract with that customer. In my opinion your husband is at fault and I would also withhold payment until the situation was sorted out, especially since there was no written agreement.

[Kelster]

Never Subcontract, IMHO.. I've done it and I'm telling ya it's more trouble than it's worth. You're the first one he calls when he's in a bind and the last one he pays when he gets a check. Small claims would only help you if you had a signed contract and you let the general contractor know you wouldn't be doing the property anymore in writing, with proof and that means you'd have to have sent the notice by certified mail. Walk away from subs, take your hit on this one and don't look back. As for him owing you $400.00 I'd say write it off. If you keep down this road he'll always owe you money and you'll find yourself wishing for the days when he only owed you $400. Good Luck, and remember: non Illegitimati Carborundorum (don't let the bas&#@! wear you down)