How much access to give LL

surreybased

Hi,

We're in a rented house with an AST til July. During our time in the tenancy the previous LL had finanical difficulties and sold the house to the current LL.The current LL is hoping to move into the house when our tenancy ends. We have just received a request via the letting agents for a visit so that the LL can get his architect to draw up plans. The house needs some work and the LL plans to extend. We don't want to be unreasonable however our previous LL was always making requests for visits and we would really prefer to have the house to ourselves until tenancy end. The latest request is for the architect and LL and family to visit for most of the day - although most of that they say will be outside. I know we don't have to allow these visits and I don't want to be unreasonable but I feel that if we grant this there will be follow on's (to amend plans etc) and we're not really getting the enjoyment of the property. The current LL has visited 3 times since November. We're hoping to buy soon and have said we would move early if our property completes quickly as we do understand that the LL wants to move into the house.
What do you feel is reasonable?

poppysarah

Explain you feel very put upon already and that you are not willing to have your quiet enjoyment ruined.

In the garden all day? Noo they'll be wanting to brew up and use the loo etc.

Do you have an idea of your own completion date yet?

Don't feel pressured - you can always write and say no.

G_M

If you want to be able to leave your tenancy early if your own house purchase progresses it is in your interests to be on good terms with the LL! Otherwise, you buy a house but he holds you to your tenancy till July. Similarly, if your house purchase is delayed till August, you might want him to agree to let you stay an extra month!

So, be reasonable. Let him come, make them tea, but make it clear too that this is a one-off and you don't want repeat visits.

If you can create a friendly yet businesslike relationship with the LL he will understand your point of view just as you understand his.

Good luck.

Fire_Fox

surreybased wrote: »

Hi,
The current LL has visited 3 times since November. We're hoping to buy soon and have said we would move early if our property completes quickly as we do understand that the LL wants to move into the house.
What do you feel is reasonable?

G_M wrote: »

So, be reasonable. Let him come, make them tea, but make it clear too that this is a one-off and you don't want repeat visits.

If you can create a friendly yet businesslike relationship with the LL he will understand your point of view just as you understand his.

Good luck.

But it isn't a one off ....

G_M

Fire_Fox wrote: »

But it isn't a one off ....

I take back the term 'one-off'!

But I still reckon a 'get st*ff*d' attitude, whilst legal and understandable, is not in the OP's interests.

surreybased

Just remembered this would be the 5th visit. He has also made it clear that they is no chance of an extension to the house lease as they want the house back asap. We have said if we can leave early we would be prepared to do so. Also as he's submitting plans then the planning officer will have to do a site survey so they has to be another visit..I think it was the bait & switch approach we didn't like.The initial request was for a short visit which then turned into a request for an all day visit by 4 people.

Good point poppysarah, never thought about loo and tea breaks. My husband works from home and on calls all the time so it is a disruption to him.

Just wondered why they can't wait until they have the house back and then start planning etc.

Fire_Fox

Is this an amateur landlord? They don't want to wait because it slows the process down and Mrs. LL is probably getting the nesting urge! Unless you are served your two months notice to quit they will not be able to take back possession of the house in July but I wouldn't go out of way to remind them. I wouldn't want four people spending all day at my home either, I am sure you can find a way to point out your right to quiet enjoyment that is polite but firm.

Shakethedisease

But I still reckon a 'get st*ff*d' attitude, whilst legal and understandable, is not in the OP's interests.

The OP will probably never see them again once they move out.

Just wondered why they can't wait until they have the house back and then start planning etc.

While you're paying for the priviledge of calling it your home.. tell them to do just that. Then, if you do end up wanting to leave early they probably won't be able to get rid of you fast enough !

But if you can't be bothered with all the hassle then just write and politely tell them that it's just a bit too much of an inconveinience for you to accommodate a whole day of disruption and having complete strangers nosing round the place.

Catblue

surreybased wrote: »

Just remembered this would be the 5th visit. He has also made it clear that they is no chance of an extension to the house lease as they want the house back asap. We have said if we can leave early we would be prepared to do so. Also as he's submitting plans then the planning officer will have to do a site survey so they has to be another visit..I think it was the bait & switch approach we didn't like.The initial request was for a short visit which then turned into a request for an all day visit by 4 people.

Good point poppysarah, never thought about loo and tea breaks. My husband works from home and on calls all the time so it is a disruption to him.

Just wondered why they can't wait until they have the house back and then start planning etc.

There's your solution. Just write to the LL stating that your husband has already had disruption to his business on four separate occasions since November, due to the LL's visits.

Point out that you are entitled to quiet enjoyment as tenants and have been more than accommodating with the visits so far.

Unfortunately, the nature of your husband's business is such that he is unable to put his business on hold in order to accommodate a visit for four people for an entire day.

Be very polite but be firm that this is just not possible.