Landlord entering our rented property when we are out - is it allowed?

tootsmyboots

I genuinely dont know thw answer to this question and my contract is filed away upstairs so i could check later if necessary.

Now I get on really well with our landlord. But today I was asked if it was ok if they opened the front door tomorrow and placed an item ready for a workman inside the hallway as they have a key.

I said no as I did not feel comfortable with someone coming in when I am out. I asked them to leave the item in the shed instead. Was I wrong? Should my landlord be able to unlock our house and put something inside?

I must say I was asked very politely and I declined equally politely and suggested the shed. I have never rented before but was taken aback at the thought of someone mentioning letting themselves in. It makes me wonder if they let themselves in other times. I really like the landlord but I like to have some privacy too.

Thanks, hope someone can help to save me a treck up two flights of stairs to the spare room!

TMB

Fire_Fox

"The tenant has the right to quiet enjoyment of the property for the duration of the tenancy along with the legal right to live in property as if it was their own home. This means that they have the right to a peaceful existence without undue disturbance. Harassment is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and may result in the landlord being fined, or even imprisoned in extreme cases. Harassment can take the form of:

• Entering the property without permission.
• Changing the locks without giving the tenant warning or new keys.
• Cutting off utilities such as gas water and electricity.
• Tampering with mail or possessions.
• Verbal or physical abuse or threats.
• Enter the tenant's home whilst the they are out."

http://www.themovechannel.com/guides...tenant_rights/

Apologies for the repetition those who have seen the above before!!

tootsmyboots

Thanks, I suspected that was the case but couldnt be sure. I did say I didnt feel comfortable with someone coming in my "home" when I was not there. It just surprised me to be asked. To be fair, they did ask and didnt seem offended when I said no. I still didnt like it though!

Fire_Fox

I don't see anything wrong with asking in that situation. If you are genuinely concerned that they will enter your home in your absence then you can change the barrel of the lock fairly cheaply, just change it back when you leave.

Eton_Rifle

It seems to me that both you and your landlord have acted entirely appropriately and there's nothing to worry about.

FATBALLZ

They are allowed, as is any guest, with your permission. If you don't give your permission they aren't allowed in.

staggered

You probably felt a bit awkward saying no, but you didn't do anything wrong!

As far as I know, if there's a dire emergency (a flood or a fire or a gas leak) landlords are allowed to enter without giving you any notice.

They're also allowed to inspect the property, at reasonable intervals, but only if they've given you appropriate notice.

Other than that, you're entitled to "quiet enjoyment" of the property and you don't have to let them in.

I wouldn't over-react and change the locks - it sounds like you have a decent relationship with your landlord and you wouldn't want to jeopardise that. I don't think either of you did anything wrong so don't worry about it.

CloudCuckooLand

Might depend on how badly you wish to have the work carried out by the workman...

G_M

staggered wrote: »

They're also allowed to inspect the property, at reasonable intervals, but only if they've given you appropriate notice and received your consent.

Other than that, you're entitled to "quiet enjoyment" of the property and you don't have to let them in.

You can refuse even if your contract says otherwise.

tootsmyboots

It;s ok, the item has been left in the outbuilding as I requested. I was just taken aback by them asking if they could open the door and leave something inside while I was out. I get on really really well with them and they have been really helpful so far. I dont want to change the lock, was just surprised to be asked - by the way it is a non-essential item, a decorative item for the garden which is to be put back together by a workman! Thanks everyone for answers. This is my first time renting. Going very smoothly and I am happy here.