Landland problems - HELP!!

anxiousbabe

My landlord is giving me a hard time and it is causing me great stress!

I have ended the lease and gave 6 weeks notice (instead of the 4 weeks as req'd in the contract) to my landlord to allow her to additional time to source for suitable tenants. Now that the lease is coming to an end, my landlord is panicking and arranging for multiple viewings on multiple days (i.e. 3-4 days/wk).

Initially I was willing to help her and show prospective tenants around the house but when I explained that my schedule is busy and I cannot make the viewings, she kicks up a fuss!! :eek: I feel very aggrieved as I do not understand why firstly she cannot do the viewings herself; secondly the purpose of giving her additional 2 weeks notice is to allow her more time especially since I was visiting my sister in France for 3 weeks but she did not do any viewing and waited until when I am back.

It was out of goodwill that I helped her to do viewings but now it appears that she expects this rather than thinking that I was simply doing her a favor.

My deposit is still with her and I am afraid she will play hard ball when the time comes to return me my deposit. Please help with suggestions on how I can protect my deposit.

G_M

Is the deposit lodged in an authorised scheme?

You do not have to allow viewings at all if you don't want to. It is up to you to decide if you want viewings, when you want viewings and who you do/don't want in the house at the time of viewings.

ie LL cannot just let herself in when you are out unless you have agreed. If you fear this may happen you can change the locks.

However as you say it's best to be reasonable and agree to occassional viewings at pre-arranged times when you can be there.

anxiousbabe

yes deposit is in authorized scheme.

I think I have been very reasonable as I have done viewings on 6 days for her over the past 2 weeks. I suggested to her that she can do the viewings herself as long as she gives me notice but what she does is to give my number out to any prospective tenants and ask them to contact me to view.

BitterAndTwisted

Put your foot down: you are not your landlady's employee! You have been very reasonable indeed and she's not only taking you for granted, she's now taking the pee. Give her a choice: either she accompanies prospective tenants if you're happy for them to take place if you're not there or there are no viewings at all until you vacate.

anxiousbabe

thank you bitterandtwisted - I am just worried that when I say no to her, she will in turn make it difficult for me when it comes to returning my deposit.

BitterAndTwisted

Deposits cannot be retained purely because it suits the landlord or be withheld out of some sort of revenge! There is an arbitration process where the landlord has to justify retaining any of your money for replacing items missing or making good any damage where the tenant and landlord cannot agree between them.

Your best strategy right now is to ensure you get the property back to exactly the same condition it was at the outset, save reasonable wear and tear. This is assuming there was a check-in inventory noting the condition in the first place. If not, no deductions whatsoever.

G_M

anxiousbabe wrote: »

thank you bitterandtwisted - I am just worried that when I say no to her, she will in turn make it difficult for me when it comes to returning my deposit.

That is why I asked you if the deposit was in a scheme. It is. Therefore do as B&T says above.

If prospective tenants ring you, I would simply either say you cannot help, or give them all the same time ie 'next Saturday at 12.00' and if more than one comes, great, you minimise the disruption to your life. Better still, say 'Saturday week' - longer to 'gather' multiple viewings, and why should you rush?

Personally I'd not be happy the LL showing them round in my absence - but that's an option that's up to you.