what are my rights re; new tenants viewing my flat?

twitchyjohn

hi there. i couldn't find a relevant topic using the search function so here goes;

i'm a short term tenant and i'm leaving my current address at the end of this month. i have given 2 months notice to my landlady. on friday her estate agent called to say they had prospective tenants wanting to view my flat in 2 hours time. i had work so i said no and for them to arrange a time for this week instead. my landlady calls me and is going up the wall, accusing me of trying to thwart her plans. ridiculous.
all i want is;

1. to be given adequate notice (24 hrs?)
and
2. to be present when the viewing is conducted. (after all, they are strangers who are walking around my home.)

my contract says i must provide access at 'a reasonable time' which is fine by me, but it's a bit vague.
can anyone help me to know the specifics of my rights here please.
e.g. what is 'reasonable time' and who gets to decide?

many thanks in advance.

tbs624

You have given your LL plenty of notice of your intentions to leave (usually only 1 month for a tenant).

Until the expiry of that notice period the property remains your home and if the LL would like potential new tenants to view it then she should be asking when they could come, not telling you.

You can of course insist that viewings take place only when you are present. Viewings are not an emergency - a LL cannot just demand access at a time that is unreasonable to you.

You may find it simplest to say "I am happy to offer viewing time on some Mon and Thurs eves between 6 and 8pm and on a couple of Saturday afternoons". Or you could just refuse to allow viewings full stop.

If you show yourself to be reasonable, it will work against her if she starts trying to use the viewings issue to delay the return of your deposit and you have to pursue her for repayment(she can't make deductions for this). Whatever you decide confirm it in writing to her.

poppysarah

2 hrs is well unreasonable.

Stick to your guns and don't be bullied.

twitchyjohn

thank you for your response guys. it's good to know i'm not being unreasonable.
it's not like i'm refusing to allow a viewing or anything, y'know?

ClareEmily

poppysarah wrote: »

2 hrs is well unreasonable.

Stick to your guns and don't be bullied.

I agree, if people are keen on the property then they will come back at a convenient time for you.

Give your LL a list of times which are more ideal, and yes it is only fair that they give you at least 24 hours notice.

Bloody cheeky.

twitchyjohn

thanks again for this. i'm off to get self-righteous on her, YEEE-HAAW!!

ruggedtoast

Part of being a landlord is that tenants move out and you have to accept the possibility of a void while you get new ones. The tenants right to quiet enjoyment doesne end when theyve given notice.

The problem with all the muppets whove leapt on the rental bandwagon lately is that they can barely afford the mortgage in the first place let alone a month or two without tenants.

HGLTsuperstar

Sounds like my ex-LL (see my threads about her). They should give at least 24hrs notice and if it's not doable then that's their problem not yours.
To put your mind at rest, do what I did and put a fresh Yale lock (about a tenner from B&Q) on to stop any viewings when you're not there.
Don't mention it to LL but remember to take it down and leave original lock in place on day you leave.

pinkshoes

I would put it in writing to your landlady the dates and times you will allow her to show potential new tenants around, and that you must be given 24 hours notice when she wants access on one of these dates.

I would also point out in the letter (sent recorded delivery and first class of course!) that you are entitled to quiet enjoyment of your property until the end of your tenancy, and only have to give access in emergencies, so you are being very kind allowing her to show tenants round.

Of course, perhaps if she was willing to half your rent for the last month for the inconvenience...

poppysarah

Plus don't forget to leave a big notice up when you go out saying "If you are reading this then my landlord is ignoring my right to quiet enjoyment of my property and will no doubt do the same to you"