My Letting Agents are the Worst - who do I complain to?

bryanb

BexInLondon wrote: »

I totally understand why you feel like letting the people in when they're on the doorstep - as you say... it's not their fault. But if you extend that consideration further, do you really want to inflict your awful LA on them? In terms of taking action, could you get hold of the landlord in some way and let them know what's going on and that the LA are risking a void period by their terrible management? When we moved out of our last house we made sure our landlord knew never to use that agency again!

These are prospective buyers, not future tenants.

princeofpounds

There is no regulation of agents. The only 'regulators' are voluntary associations, which are about as toothless as a senile parrot.

They are bound by the law, but the law does not seek to be very specific on the practice of lettings agency. Thankfully it is quite specific on tenancies.

The only person you can complain to is your landlord, who is the employer of the agents. However, if he is selling he doesn't care too much.

My advice? Turn away all viewers. Write to the agents reminding them that all visits must be pre-agreed whilst you are in occupation. If necessary, change the lock barrel (change it back when you leave).

tbs624

If you are happy to have viewings *write* to both the LL and the LA and offer them a couple of specific day/time slots which are convenient for you . Be firm and tell the LA that if they send people round at any other time (a) the viewers will not be let in and (b) all other viewings will have to stop until your tenancy is up. As a T you have "excusive occupation"of the property for the duration of your tenancy but by letting some of the potential buyers in you are sending back the message that you'll do as the LA thinks fit.

There is a private sector rentals officer at the local council who can help you if your LA/LL is interfering with your right to "quiet enjoyment of the property"

How much longer do you have there?