landlord/estate agent's access to flat when i have provided notice of moving out

BitterAndTwisted

Alas, many Letting Agents are ignorant of the law as there are no professional qualifications required to set up in business as one. I suspect a lot of agents rely on their tenants being ignorant of their rights as well.

Forget about Citizen's Advice as they won't give you any advice that you haven't already received on here and change the barrels of the locks right away and in the meantime WRITE to the agents expressing your desire to be reasonable about viewings but in view of the agent having let themselves in without your permission you will NOT allow any more unattended viewings whatsoever. Then, in your letter give them some reasonable appointment times like 7 to 9pm Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings, something like that.

rentinginlondon

Thank G_M & Bitter and twisted - managed to get the landlord's address (he wouldn't give it to me initially!) and recorded the delivery.

The landlord is now saying they can come whenever they like if i do not answer the phone!! about to head out to buy a new barrel for the lock.

Thanks once again - i am meant to be studying today wasted so much time on this

bitsandpieces

rentinginlondon wrote: »

Thank G_M & Bitter and twisted - managed to get the landlord's address (he wouldn't give it to me initially!) and recorded the delivery.

The landlord is now saying they can come whenever they like if i do not answer the phone!! about to head out to buy a new barrel for the lock.

Thanks once again - i am meant to be studying today wasted so much time on this

One thing to remember is that - while you're well within your rights, and I'd probably want to do similar if in your situation - the LL is likely to give you a bad reference. They may also try to mess you around with your deposit in retaliation (although - assuming it's protected - they shouldn't get away with unjustified deductions). If this isn't a problem for you, go for it!

By the way, you could decide not to mention to LL/agent that you're changing the locks. After all, it will cause them no problem at all unless they illegally try to enter your home - and, if they do, a wasted trip is the least they deserve:rotfl:

Zelie

If they do break in again or attempt to do so then it is perfectly reasonable of you to make a complaint to the police. And don't be fobbed off if the police try to say it's their property - the police often don't understand how civil and criminal law intersects and trying to break into your property (even with a key!) is most definitely a criminal offense!

rentinginlondon

Zelie

That is one thing I am concerned about, and I can not afford to lose my bond (part-time employed etc!) but on the other side. In terms of reference I am not bothered as some agencies not longer accept references - they want proof of payment and employment etc.

If they start to play that game with me, the landlord has made two extensions to the property without planning permission, and they appear illiegal - made two kitchens in flats without even a proper roof (just plastic material). I am not going to use this as "blackmail" material (not that type of person) I will just report him to the council!

The maintenace guy once mentioned that the bathrooms are not up to council standard and if there is an inspection we have to say we use the bathrooms in the hallway.....

PasturesNew

rentinginlondon wrote: »

...

You might remind him that gratuitously sniffing your abandoned panties in your absence isn't a legitimate reason for gaining entry.

The trouble when people let themselves in is that you have no trust any more. You probably have no insurance either. Who knows who has keys, who is letting themselves in or why ... or if stuff is touched/missing.

People have a habit of thinking they know everything and might, for example, move your vase off your table to stand on to have a peek in the loft.... except that's a Ming vase and the table is a cherished heirloom worth about £30k.

rentinginlondon

Pasturesnew - one of my concerns is that I am a therapist and my client's forms and personal details are filed in my flat. If someone decides to go looking through my files (not saying they will but have to be concerned about this) and perhaps see a friend, family member, etc details - i could be in serious trouble with my professional association - confidentiality issues as well as date protection act.

losgiganteskid

pyueck wrote: »

Legally there is no reason why you should have to let complete strangers walk round your house

Who's house !!

As a therapist - with clients forms and details have you been using the property for business ? the insurance may be iffy if you have !

rentinginlondon

No, i rent a room on an hourly basis in a therapy business - my filing is at home - this is acceptable!

I live in a studio - not really possible to see clients here!!

BitterAndTwisted

The OP has said they keep FILES in their home, not that they see clients there. You're putting 2 and 2 together and getting 5