Is my landlord being unreasonable?

donnalou

Thanks for your replies everyone.
My problem is still leaving the window company here alone for 3 days.
I'll have a word with him.

On another subject, He as asked us to get the Septic Tank emptied before we move. I'm sure it is polite to do so. Although there was no mention of it in our tenancy agreement. I think we will anyway but can we refuse to?

Donna

sooz

Was the septic tank emptied before you moved in?

If you do agree to letting them do the windows, I'd certainly move stuff out to the new place first, just because of the dust. Your OH will be in & out decorating, so the place isn't totally empty. Make sure he draws the curtains & leaves a timed light on when he leaves at night.

Take pictures of the area just around the windows, & carpets before & after the work if you LL is not supervising. You don't want to be charged for damage the window fitters may do.

tbs624

I agree with Sooz ,any obligation you have depends on whether the tank had been emptied prior to you moving in.

Why not suggest (firmly )to him that he covers the cost of the septic tank being emptied as a goodwill gesture? You are presumably paying your full rent up until you move out: it's one thing expecting a T to put up with the inconvenience/dust etc if they are the ones who will benefit but this is different.You have enough on in the last week prior to any house move without this on top, and the dust *does* get everywhere, despite them clearing up at the end of each day.

I suspect his urgency on the windows is to do with the EPC requirements - he wants to bunk up his rating before new tenants come in after the Oct 1 deadline.

You have some bargaining power here, so use it ...:D

On the security issue, get the fitters to confirm which rooms they are doing on which days and then you at least know where to pile stuff before securing dust sheets. Any chance of fixing a webcam up or getting a neighbour/friend to pop in now and again?

pinkshoes

Although your landlord has given plenty of notice, this isn't exactly access for an emergency, and you are entitled to quiet enjoyment of your home until the very end of your tenancy agreement.

The window fitting will no doubt be very dusty, and I certainly wouldn't be happy having a team of window fitters in my home without me there! Will your landlord be there all day supervising them? (I doubt it!).

Could you not notify the LL that you'll stay in one weekend when you're NOT working, and they're welcome to come then, and in return they pay for the septic tank to be emptied?

Mutton_Geoff

It doesn't sound like she has any financial incentive for the last month, just the landlord using up the deposit in lieu of rent (ie not a very professional landlord). I'd just sort out the issues with him/her, ie you're worried about the security of the items whilst you are not there. Generally most firms are going to be 100% trustworthy and I presume you're insured? You're going to be moving a week later anyway, so I tend to be co-operative and box up the things you're worried about and leave the box in the corner. Whilst many opportunist thieves like to pilfer, I doubt anyone would open and/or remove a sealed box.

going2die_rich

donnalou wrote: »

he said they need 3 days. I've not paid the rent this month we agreed it'll be easier than giving us back the deposit at the end.

If we move stuff to the new house, I'll be worried about leaving stuff in an empty house.

It's probably me just being a worrier

Perhaps leave your valuables at your parents? grandparents?

Bungarm2001

I can't believe this thread. :mad:

There is absolutely no way that a team of window fitters are going to be even slightly interested in stealing or damaging your property.

Far from you being worried about leaving them there 'unsupervised' THEY will be more worried that because they ARE on their own that they will get blamed if anything is damaged or stolen...!!

True, you don't know these guys, or how trustworthy they are, but similarly, they don't know you or what you might take as an opportunity to make something out of the situation.

Make sure your LL is well aware of your concerns, then let the guys get on with their job, and no, I don't think your LL is being in the slightest bit unreasonable about the windows. Think he might have left it a bit late about the septic tank tho...thats another matter entirely.

vigesimal

It seems like the LLs on this forum think your LL is being reasonable.

As someone who doesn't have a vested interest (neither a LL or tenant) I think your LL has a bl@@dy cheek. He could (and should wait until the week after) when he has his property back in his possession. Why should you have all the muck and worry about strangers going unsupervised in your home! Tell him to wait another week.

vigesimal

It might be best if you ring your insurers and ask if you will be able to claim if something does go missing if you allow workmen the unsupervised, free run, of your home.

EagerLearner

I would say that at the end of the tenancy, any landlord would expect to have to spend minimum 3 days inspecting the property, making any repairs, airing it, showing people round etc?

We had works carried out in our old property during 3 whole weeks before we'd moved out, involving dust, unsupervised work etc, as we were put between a rock and a hard place by the landlady. I guess in comparison 3 days seems ok but your landlord seems reasonable and so do you.

Can you say you will meet the landlord half way - they could have the workers attend 1.5 days before you leave - by then your stuff will be out (so no dust etc) and he/she only has 1.5 days of unoccupied property... assuming they already have a tenant lined up.

Good luck either way & enjoy your new place. Make sure in your new property the deposit is protected by the Tenanst Deposit Scheme...