If the construction was built to all applicable standards and codes (which often, at least in my country, explicitly demand switches in specific places/orientations), then it's a matter of the tenant not understanding how to operate their built in appliances.
If the switching is "funky", then the landlord's agent should have either in presenting the rental or orienting the renter explained all that - or the building manager.
The contractor should get paid whatever their call-out fee is - especially if the fee schedule is known and accepted by landlord/agent.
It seems that it was premature to call a contractor though. The agent should assume that responsibility.
Is there a building manager on-site? This is who we usually call, to help out with issues - including pre-screening whether or not expensive help needs to be contracted.
A building manager should have been able to resolve the issue immediately.
If there is no building manager and the agent does not actively support tenant's needs/issues, then the agent or landlord should eat the expense.
