Landlord wants entry, has given notice but I'm not happy with date

cdmonline

My landlord's agent has given me several days notice to enter my property to inspect it before I leave in a few weeks time - quoting a clause in the contract that apparently givems them this right. The date he's given is incovenient for me and I've told him so. I've given him a date a couple of weeks hence that I'm happy for him to come in. The relationship between me and the landlord (the agent mostly but the landlord effectively by proxy) is shot to sh*t and is now very acrymonious (lots of maintenance problems that were not addressed in a timely manner over the duration of the tenancy). I'm pretty sure they are going to 'find fault' and withhold my deposit. My last month's rent has not been paid. This was due to a bank error initially but I'm now reluctant to hand over the money as I fully expect to loose my deposit. I will be emigrating shortly. What are my rights with regards to refusing him entry on the date he insists on coming? I received an e-mail that stated that they intend to enter the premises if I'm out using spare keys that they have. I'm in the middle of packing and there are boxes everywhere as well as partly deconstructed furniture all over the place. I have an urgent deadline to get everything packed in order to meet the delivery date of the container that's coming to take everything away so any delay could be quite serious. - C

Shakethedisease

received an e-mail that stated that they intend to enter the premises if I'm out using spare keys that they have.

Email back saying this is not acceptable to you and that you will let them know when it is convenient for you. But they just can't enter whenever they like using spare keys whatever the tenancy agreement says. Uk tenancy law say's that you are entitled to 'quiet enjoyment' of your home while you are still under contract.

However, not paying the rent is something completely different altogether !

Someone else will be along shortly with far more knowledge of this issue than me.

Jowo_2

Notify them that you are not giving any permission for entry before you leave, that you are legally entitled to peaceful enjoyment of the property and that you will take the landlord to court if they do this or harass you in anyway.

Change the lock - it's simple, quick and cheap to do this. Change it back to the original when you leave or give the new keys and old lock back to the landlord.

You are surely already aware that witholding rent in lieu of the deposit is extremely poor practice (as it leaves nothing for the landlord to use against any damage), that not facilitating entry is a breach of your tenancy agreement and is a reason why landlords serve notice on tenants. However, as you are going overseas and the tenancy is ending anyway, legal redress by the landlord is virtually impossible and you are not going to be affected by this.

eco-friendly_2

My last month's rent has not been paid. This was due to a bank error

I will be emigrating shortly.

:rolleyes:

clutton_2

if you do not let the landlord in to do an inspection in your presence how can you be sure you will get a fair assessment of the condition of the property - you will be shooting your self in the foot if you do this.

bowie_cornwall

They can only inspect at a time that suites you.

Check out this site for beating letting agents

beattheagent.blogsopt. com

cdmonline

clutton wrote: »

if you do not let the landlord in to do an inspection in your presence how can you be sure you will get a fair assessment of the condition of the property - you will be shooting your self in the foot if you do this.

I'm not refusing entry - just on the date in question as it is not convenient to me. I've already told the LL when would be a good time to come and do the inspection. The question I'm trying to get to the bottom of here is whether the LL has the right to dictate when he will enter the property regardless of the inconvenience to me. - C

ClareEmily

We used to be sent 3 monthly house inspection letters with a date and approx time on them, and stated in there was if we were not in they would use the pass key...which they did, we never had the chance to change the date or time.

Probably because every 3 months they had a number of properties to check not just ours.

If they know you are leaving soon, they will expect packing boxes?

woody01

This is all suspect and looks like you are doing a 'moonlight flit' with the landlords cash.

I don't know whether the landlord is any good but i am bloody glad you aren't my tenant.

cdmonline

Thank you for your judgment. Truly amazing how, without the full facts, you've managed to convict and sentence me already. - C

RobertoMoir

dcmonline - to be fair, it looks like you and the landlord are in competition to see who can inconvenience the other the most. Now maybe you feel that "they started it" but that really isn't justification for joining in.