We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
Can I refuse further viewings on rental?
fc123
Posts: 6,573 Forumite
I will try to be brief (:o).
We have rented a very neglected property for the past 3 years and, though OH has already moved back to the house we own, DD and I have stayed on as she had school issues. We leave end June.
When we took the property on in 07, we were the 40th viewing and offered a lower rent due to the overall condition which was refused by the 80 something landlady. The then LA had lost interest and I did my own viewing (as rogue builders were in it at the time) so I was aware of all the issues with the place. As the old LA ws also a regular customer of ours we got some inside info that the elderly LL would not do repairs, the ones being done were only done as she could not let the place and we did manage to get the bathroom sorted prior to moving in.
Therefore, we rented the place with our eyes wide open, do bits ourselves (we have laid new flooring, bought new appliances (the fridge supplied didn't work and she refused to buy a new one), push slipped tiles on roof back after a storm, swept chimney as we have a coal fire, painted walls , mastic'd kitchen and so on). Most of the windows leak during rain so when a storm comes in off the sea I lay towels along the ledges to mop up the rain. The damp I deal with by opening windows in all weathers and those little absorb pots from Robert Dyas.
Big issues with safety are; it has had no valid gas cert for 2 years as the lever to shut the gas off is rusted and needs replacing.
The coal bunker is a huge concrete thing and is falling off the wall in chunks..about to keel over.
Large patio doors come off runners in DD room upstairs and can fall inwards but we know not to yank it now...as OH had to repair it as best as.
Slabs outside are loose so you need to know where to step so you don't fall off a 4' drop...no fencing.
We had a flood from split pipes in oct 08 (fortunately, I was in so stopped it spreading with towels until plumber came) and we have old lead pipes.
The whole ceiling in the hallway is flaking, brown stained and chipping from the damage and, though someone came in to quote and I have nagged new LA (old one went bust) about the repair (as it looks grim) nothing has ever been done.
There are a lot of cracked panes (old leaded metal windows covered in rust inside and out) as the house has some movement.
Most windows in sun room painted shut (so can't be used when hot) and it's too cold in winter so we shift sofa into an inner parlour room with coal fire.
Plus lots of other 'old neglected house' issues to long to mention.
The exterior is dire and I nearly got knocked out by a 15' beam over the door that just came away...fortunately, it was held up with a live wire to the outside light and OH was down so bolted it back on.
The house is in a nice location @ 1250 pcm incl gardner (who hasn't been for 5 months...I pay the £50 fee in the rent and LL is meant to pay him...I don't think he's been paid) but garden is huge and very overgrown, and is a 1 bed with an additional room downstairs to use as a 2nd. A small ante room (too damp to use) goes off it.
My problem is LA have put it on RM and it is completely misprepresented.
Advertised as 2/3 beds, fitted kitchen (:rotfl:) and so on so my life has been a total nightmare this week with 14 families tromping about and then looking horrified. I had a block viewing and some familes had kids...this house, esp garden is not particularly safe for under 12's.
The house cannot be kept warm so when they asked me for the bill est, I couldn't lie about what we paid incl coal + we were still shuffling around in arrans and sheepskin, sleeping under 3 quilts all winter. When it got really bad we just went home to our own place for the weekends.
LA then 'phones me for yet another veiwing (and I work from home so it is a real PITA) and I have insisted they change the descrip on RM to something more honest, take some pics of the kitchen etc and make people aware that is uninsulated with broken panes and lots of rust (that will not be repaired...I did try when we moved in).....and so they have agreed to send someone half hour before so I can go through it all over again.
I already did this with a bright young thing last week yet they just want to get people in to see if they can get a deal.
I spoke to a lot of viewers durning the viewing as some were curious as to what I do for a living and they had zero idea the property was so neglected and felt misled by the LA as it was wasting their time as well as mine. One was really keen for the same reasons I like it here but the bills and CT (band f) were too high for her.
Can I refuse viewings until they update RM? I don't mind doing viewings at all but I can't spend the next 5 weeks having strangers tramp about, interrupt my day every other day and leave disapointed. If the descrip was more honest, then at least I know a viewer is serious. At the moment it just looks like a bargain and so they keep on coming.
Rant over...:)
We have rented a very neglected property for the past 3 years and, though OH has already moved back to the house we own, DD and I have stayed on as she had school issues. We leave end June.
When we took the property on in 07, we were the 40th viewing and offered a lower rent due to the overall condition which was refused by the 80 something landlady. The then LA had lost interest and I did my own viewing (as rogue builders were in it at the time) so I was aware of all the issues with the place. As the old LA ws also a regular customer of ours we got some inside info that the elderly LL would not do repairs, the ones being done were only done as she could not let the place and we did manage to get the bathroom sorted prior to moving in.
Therefore, we rented the place with our eyes wide open, do bits ourselves (we have laid new flooring, bought new appliances (the fridge supplied didn't work and she refused to buy a new one), push slipped tiles on roof back after a storm, swept chimney as we have a coal fire, painted walls , mastic'd kitchen and so on). Most of the windows leak during rain so when a storm comes in off the sea I lay towels along the ledges to mop up the rain. The damp I deal with by opening windows in all weathers and those little absorb pots from Robert Dyas.
Big issues with safety are; it has had no valid gas cert for 2 years as the lever to shut the gas off is rusted and needs replacing.
The coal bunker is a huge concrete thing and is falling off the wall in chunks..about to keel over.
Large patio doors come off runners in DD room upstairs and can fall inwards but we know not to yank it now...as OH had to repair it as best as.
Slabs outside are loose so you need to know where to step so you don't fall off a 4' drop...no fencing.
We had a flood from split pipes in oct 08 (fortunately, I was in so stopped it spreading with towels until plumber came) and we have old lead pipes.
The whole ceiling in the hallway is flaking, brown stained and chipping from the damage and, though someone came in to quote and I have nagged new LA (old one went bust) about the repair (as it looks grim) nothing has ever been done.
There are a lot of cracked panes (old leaded metal windows covered in rust inside and out) as the house has some movement.
Most windows in sun room painted shut (so can't be used when hot) and it's too cold in winter so we shift sofa into an inner parlour room with coal fire.
Plus lots of other 'old neglected house' issues to long to mention.
The exterior is dire and I nearly got knocked out by a 15' beam over the door that just came away...fortunately, it was held up with a live wire to the outside light and OH was down so bolted it back on.
The house is in a nice location @ 1250 pcm incl gardner (who hasn't been for 5 months...I pay the £50 fee in the rent and LL is meant to pay him...I don't think he's been paid) but garden is huge and very overgrown, and is a 1 bed with an additional room downstairs to use as a 2nd. A small ante room (too damp to use) goes off it.
My problem is LA have put it on RM and it is completely misprepresented.
Advertised as 2/3 beds, fitted kitchen (:rotfl:) and so on so my life has been a total nightmare this week with 14 families tromping about and then looking horrified. I had a block viewing and some familes had kids...this house, esp garden is not particularly safe for under 12's.
The house cannot be kept warm so when they asked me for the bill est, I couldn't lie about what we paid incl coal + we were still shuffling around in arrans and sheepskin, sleeping under 3 quilts all winter. When it got really bad we just went home to our own place for the weekends.
LA then 'phones me for yet another veiwing (and I work from home so it is a real PITA) and I have insisted they change the descrip on RM to something more honest, take some pics of the kitchen etc and make people aware that is uninsulated with broken panes and lots of rust (that will not be repaired...I did try when we moved in).....and so they have agreed to send someone half hour before so I can go through it all over again.
I already did this with a bright young thing last week yet they just want to get people in to see if they can get a deal.
I spoke to a lot of viewers durning the viewing as some were curious as to what I do for a living and they had zero idea the property was so neglected and felt misled by the LA as it was wasting their time as well as mine. One was really keen for the same reasons I like it here but the bills and CT (band f) were too high for her.
Can I refuse viewings until they update RM? I don't mind doing viewings at all but I can't spend the next 5 weeks having strangers tramp about, interrupt my day every other day and leave disapointed. If the descrip was more honest, then at least I know a viewer is serious. At the moment it just looks like a bargain and so they keep on coming.
Rant over...:)
0
Comments
-
I don't think you can refuse viewings, but you dont have to be there when they do them. I dont mean to be rude but I can't believe you pay £1250 a month for a house like that! is there a reason why the rent is so much with the property being so dilapidated?0
-
Because of where it is. A smart 3 bed down the road (late 60's build in good order) rents for 1750pcm and has same footprint (but no garden) but is configured better.marywooyeah wrote: »I don't think you can refuse viewings, but you dont have to be there when they do them. I dont mean to be rude but I can't believe you pay £1250 a month for a house like that! is there a reason why the rent is so much with the property being so dilapidated?
I didn't think I was odd until this week, but I may be a bit eccentric afterall as I love it for the position and how it feels. DD is 16 and hates it though her room is the one upstairs and we laid a white wooden floor over the rotting carpet (we asked to take it up, LL said no), painted it white and with an iron double and huge carved mirror, it looks great plus it is large and has amazing views.0 -
Short answer to you maga post is.... Yes, yes you can. Access is entirely at YOUR discretion and don't be fobbed off with the letting agents "24 hour notice" whine, that's little more than good practice. If you so desire, you can refuse ALL viewings and ALL access until the day your tenancy ends.
There, from that position....... negotiate!
I just wish you'd posted that 2 years ago!0 -
As Fc works from home, then that is not only her home but her work place..making not being there extremely difficult.
FC - You have the right to quiet enjoyment despite what it says in your contract and viewings need to have at least 24 hours written notice...you can refuse them as is your right (statute law overrides anything in the tenancy) but it may be better to allow some viewings but maybe only at a time and day to suit you especially as you work from home and the disruption viewings cause.
*Hoping I have got the right...Clutton? Firefox? Have I?We made it! All three boys have graduated, it's been hard work but it shows there is a possibility of a chance of normal (ish) life after a diagnosis (or two) of ASD. It's not been the easiest route but I am so glad I ignored everything and everyone and did my own therapies with them.
Eldests' EDS diagnosis 4.5.10, mine 13.1.11 eekk - now having fun and games as a wheelchair user.0 -
Wee_Willy_Harris wrote: »Short answer to you maga post is.... Yes, yes you can. Access is entirely at YOUR discretion and don't be fobbed off with the letting agents "24 hour notice" whine, that's little more than good practice. If you so desire, you can refuse ALL viewings and ALL access until the day your tenancy ends.
There, from that position....... negotiate!
I just wish you'd posted that 2 years ago!
I have had tips on some stuff but, TBH, written down it sounds awful but I have loved living here even when freezing looking at huge bills and will really miss the lifestyle.
The gas cert I did try to use it as a bargaining tool (I would report her) to try to get the ceiling done but nothing. I only heard from Surecare today about it they have refused to issue another one due to the lever.0 -
No gas cert is very, very naughty. Very naughty indeed. There is action you could (should) take, but that's very much up to you. You may not wish to so close to leaving, but the option remains.
I do understand about the house. Mine's not dissimilar (Old cottage, sea views, wood burner, open fire in main bedroom, stream at the bottom of the garden, not a flat/level wall in the place!) But it is water and draught proof!!!
When did you move into the property and did you pay a deposit?0 -
As Fc works from home, then that is not only her home but her work place..making not being there extremely difficult.
FC - You have the right to quiet enjoyment despite what it says in your contract and viewings need to have at least 24 hours written notice...you can refuse them as is your right (statute law overrides anything in the tenancy) but it may be better to allow some viewings but maybe only at a time and day to suit you especially as you work from home and the disruption viewings cause.
*Hoping I have got the right...Clutton? Firefox? Have I?
The whole working from home thing is a PITA .........just the 3 mannequins standing tall shocked people as I leave them undressed unless taking pics.
I am thinking the same as you. Once a week at a time to suit me and a block veiwing so this weeks interested parties can all come in one day.
We were LL on our own home for 3 years so I am zenned up on the legal bits.
If I am honest, I am so busy and just haven't had the headspace for pestering LA every week for repairs...and after a while, you don't notice the staining on the ceiling..it becomes part of the house IYSWIM?
I figured the CH is safe and we have no CO so, if I smell gas, we will just leave the house and 'phone Transco.0 -
There is no need to appologise for your home. You are entitled to enjoy it in peace until the end of your tennancy agreement. Tell agent you will accept no more viewings :A"A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Ride hard or stay home :iloveyou:0 -
Wee_Willy_Harris wrote: »No gas cert is very, very naughty. Very naughty indeed. There is action you could (should) take, but that's very much up to you. You may not wish to so close to leaving, but the option remains.
I do understand about the house. Mine's not dissimilar (Old cottage, sea views, wood burner, open fire in main bedroom, stream at the bottom of the garden, not a flat/level wall in the place!) But it is water and draught proof!!!
When did you move into the property and did you pay a deposit?
You got it
I couldn't afford to live on this street (which is the nicest street I have ever lived on in my whole 47 yrs) if the house was all super spec. Opposite (smaller garden, not straight onto the sea like us) is 4 bed semi which rented in 4 days for 2250 same agent...lovely inside though and bigger.
Deposit is 6 weeks rent (and it is protected) and LA want us to leave the wooden (well..laminate
) floors down , esp sunlounge as orig floor is ancient lino stuff covered in old glue. I have suggested a price of £200 for the floor as it is a big room 30 x 14 I think but I have said we will take it up if the payment doesn't reach my account by the day we leave.
The last gardener left as he wasn't paid either though the extra £50 was meant to go to that.
We haven't done anything bad to the place at all but the last 3 years have definately affected the exterior as places like this need painting every other year.
I am in 2 minds as I am quite 'live and let live; but, on the other hand, I am thinking I should though I blame the LA for not keeping on top of the GC.0 -
You got it I couldn't afford to live on this street (which is the nicest street I have ever lived on in my whole 47 yrs) if the house was all super spec. Opposite (smaller garden, not straight onto the sea like us) is 4 bed semi which rented in 4 days for 2250 same agent...lovely inside though and bigger.
Deposit is 6 weeks rent (and it is protected) and LA want us to leave the wooden (well..laminate) floors down , esp sunlounge as orig floor is ancient lino stuff covered in old glue. I have suggested a price of £200 for the floor as it is a big room 30 x 14 I think but I have said we will take it up if the payment doesn't reach my account by the day we leave.
The last gardener left as he wasn't paid either though the extra £50 was meant to go to that.
We haven't done anything bad to the place at all but the last 3 years have definately affected the exterior as places like this need painting every other year.
I am in 2 minds as I am quite 'live and let live; but, on the other hand, I am thinking I should though I blame the LA for not keeping on top of the GC.
I'd spotted the "live and let live", hence the "negotiate".
I know what that lovely sea air can do to the exterior of a house!
You seem to have everything else pretty much sewn up. I do hope the move, and whatever follows, goes smoothly and that your daughter is, at last, happy with her lot!0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 349.8K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453K Spending & Discounts
- 242.8K Work, Benefits & Business
- 619.5K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.4K Life & Family
- 255.7K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards