Landlord showing tenants around before notice period starts

StudentMoneySaver

Financial reasons mainly, if I had longer than 2 weeks until required to leave I probably would have changed them. I considered it originally but they stopped when they found their original tenant.

gozaimasu

I really sympathise with your case here, I have had some really horrible landlords and agencies who do things like this.

It just makes me so angry that people think they can get away with doing this. This thread has re-inspired me to write a letter of complaint to the National Landlords Association and to the local council's private housing department.

I was treated awfully at the last property I rented and was slapped in the face and told that none of the AST law was enforceable because I lived in an HMO property. I'm so unhappy at the grief they've caused me and as a result it's mucked up my potential to rent a new property from a private landlord because I always have to make sure to ask questions about entry to the property and randomly giving the keys out to workmen and just entering the property without any notice whatsoever.

It's such a horrible shame that landlord's are refusing to let to me because I ask these questions. I'm simply horrified that they would want to violate my privacy and rights to live in a rented property as my own home, just because they think that asking these questions makes me a problem tenant.

I cannot wait to buy my own property. I really wish I could just gather together enough funds to get a mortgage and then all my problems with disrespectful landlords would end.

It's even worse that they think they can get away with doing this to students. When I was a student a few years ago I had an agency who just gave out keys randomly to workmen and things without actually attending them whilst they did things in the property! Fair enough they gave us notice, usually via a telephone call, but they never once gave notice in writing.

Rosemary7391

This is awful. I really hope you can get on with your exams okay; if I were you I would just ignore the agency etc. until they're done. You could write to them and ask that they do not come to your home until after exams, if they need to contact you they can write. They might just ignore it, but it might help. If they keep coming, especially after you've asked them not too, it might be considered harassment (Landlord zone link: http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/harassment.htm) and thats a criminal offence, so the police might be able to help.

I'm a uni student doing exams as well at the moment, its stressful enough without all this carrying on. Try not to let it affect your exams (I know its easier said than done!). What uni is it in London? I've some friends at London unis, so I might be able to find out if there is any decent support available there for you

Wee_Willy_Harris

gozaimasu wrote: »

I really sympathise with your case here, I have had some really horrible landlords and agencies who do things like this.

It just makes me so angry that people think they can get away with doing this. This thread has re-inspired me to write a letter of complaint to the National Landlords Association and to the local council's private housing department.

I was treated awfully at the last property I rented and was slapped in the face and told that none of the AST law was enforceable because I lived in an HMO property. I'm so unhappy at the grief they've caused me and as a result it's mucked up my potential to rent a new property from a private landlord because I always have to make sure to ask questions about entry to the property and randomly giving the keys out to workmen and just entering the property without any notice whatsoever.

It's such a horrible shame that landlord's are refusing to let to me because I ask these questions. I'm simply horrified that they would want to violate my privacy and rights to live in a rented property as my own home, just because they think that asking these questions makes me a problem tenant.

I cannot wait to buy my own property. I really wish I could just gather together enough funds to get a mortgage and then all my problems with disrespectful landlords would end.

It's even worse that they think they can get away with doing this to students. When I was a student a few years ago I had an agency who just gave out keys randomly to workmen and things without actually attending them whilst they did things in the property! Fair enough they gave us notice, usually via a telephone call, but they never once gave notice in writing.

Then stop asking the questions. Your rights are enshrined, whatever answer the LL gives, so it doesn't matter what s/he says. In which case, why bother asking?

gozaimasu

Wee_Willy_Harris wrote: »

Then stop asking the questions. Your rights are enshrined, whatever answer the LL gives, so it doesn't matter what s/he says. In which case, why bother asking?

Yes the rights are clear, but when you try to enforce them at any point during a tenancy by mentioning that you're "not comfortable with them entering the flat, could you please give notice next time", then they can quite easily just serve you an S21 right there and then. LLs don't like you standing up for your rights and if you do, they get rid of you. It's a ruthless business renting, and I can't wait to own a property all to myself.

What I don't understand is why? Why would someone actually enjoy tormenting you by randomly popping round to the property when you've made it clear it makes you feel unsafe and uncomfortable?

Oh, and the reason for asking is because sometimes the contracts are unclear. I don't ask these questions at viewings, but rather once I've had a let agreed and I'm reading over the contract. Before I sign it, I want some clarification on the access rights if it isn't very clear. I don't see anything wrong with that?

Wee_Willy_Harris

gozaimasu wrote: »

Yes the rights are clear, but when you try to enforce them at any point during a tenancy by mentioning that you're "not comfortable with them entering the flat, could you please give notice next time", then they can quite easily just serve you an S21 right there and then. LLs don't like you standing up for your rights and if you do, they get rid of you. It's a ruthless business renting, and I can't wait to own a property all to myself.

What I don't understand is why? Why would someone actually enjoy tormenting you by randomly popping round to the property when you've made it clear it makes you feel unsafe and uncomfortable?

Oh, and the reason for asking is because sometimes the contracts are unclear. I don't ask these questions at viewings, but rather once I've had a let agreed and I'm reading over the contract. Before I sign it, I want some clarification on the access rights if it isn't very clear. I don't see anything wrong with that?

Sorry, please let me clarify... I was responding to your statement...

"It's such a horrible shame that landlord's are refusing to let to me because I ask these questions. I'm simply horrified that they would want to violate my privacy and rights to live in a rented property as my own home, just because they think that asking these questions makes me a problem tenant."

On reflection, maybe you are dealing with the wrong landlords.

Either way, regardless of what the TA says, you have certain rights protected by law. A quick read through boards like this or housing advise providers sites (Shelter etc) should provide you with all the info you need.

Having said that, it might be a better idea for you to have a chat with friends and family to see if they can recommend a LL they have had direct experience of.

StudentMoneySaver

Hello everyone.

I've made arrangements to move out this Sunday, I can't wait to get away from . these people. They've not attempted to gain access to the flat or contact us since last week but its still been a pain, too scared to leave the place on its own (I think its been empty for roughly 1 hour 30 minutes for the last week).

I just wanted some advice on cleaning the flat. Are there are really good multi purpose products that anyone would recommend to make light work of the final clean? Also, any tips on cleaning in general, places to look out for etc?

The notice they gave ends on a Saturday, should I send the keys to get their on the Friday? They claim to work 6 or 7 days a week but I'm not so sure. Is recorded delivery good enough or should I go for special delivery? And do I need to send anything in writing with the keys?

Thanks your for you help everyone. Only one more exam and a couple of days then I'm free from these people (I hope).

StudentMoneySaver

I forgot to ask. Does anyone have any advice about taking photographs of the flat? What do I focus on (if anything)?

Wee_Willy_Harris

StudentMoneySaver wrote: »

I forgot to ask. Does anyone have any advice about taking photographs of the flat? What do I focus on (if anything)?

The only advice I can give is that it's much easier to rectify taking too many photos than too few. With modern digital cameras and cheap memory/storage, there is a negligable cost implication, so I would photograph EVERYTHING, every square inch. If you don't need them, just delete them. Far easier than trying to regain access to take that one shot you need!

StudentMoneySaver

Thanks, that makes sense. I'll update when everything is in motion. I think I'll go back next wednesday and do the cleaning, the place will be empty so it shouldn't take too long. It only really needs a vacuum and wiping down of surfaces, as I understand I only have to return it to the condition it was when I moved in so any form of cleaning will mean it is in a better condition than when I moved in.