House Viewings - What it Reasonable

aldredd

Hello, we recently gave out 2 month notice (our choice to give 2 months rather than 1) to leave a property.

Fully understand the need for viewings, but it's becoming a bit of a joke.

The property is a fairly unusual one (1 year old, 2 bed, 2 bath, study, roof terrace), so it getting lots of interest

In the last week, the only day we haven't had any viewings arranged is Sunday, and most days there have been several in the same day
- at completely different times
- Often with only a few hours notice (sometimes NONE - they just brought more people in after another viewing)
- they are nearly ALWAYS late - 20 mins on average
- they have often canceled viewing but not bothered to tell us (they claim they did)

whenever we hint that we're not going to be about, they tell us they have keys and will let themselves in - but we want to be present.

So, what would be deemed reasonable? We have a young baby, so routine is quite important.

I know from reading similar threads that from a legal point of view, we don't have to let them in at all, but we want to be fair & reasonable to them. (Not sure why - they're nasty people - hence leaving!)

I suggested to my partner that I would propose to them that..

• They can have 2 slots 3 days per week (any days, any reasonable time)
• They are to give us 36-48 hrs notice
• They're to inform us if they're going to be more than 10 min late
  • If they are going to be more than 20 mins late, we may refuse entry
  • If they do not let us know, we may refuse entry

to top it off, they phoned today to book an inspection - just 3 weeks before we're moving out! pointless? Yes I think so - I reckon it's so they can write their 'things to scrutinize during the checkout inspection' list.

Should I quote that as rent paying tenants, we reserve the right to live freely without interruption etc?

thanks!

FTBFun

Have a look at this thread from earlier:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2727927

Letting agents seem to be going mental at the moment.

neverdespairgirl

I'd pick a slot a week you are happy with. It's 2 months to go, right?

Say - Wednesdays, 5-7pm, or Saturdays - 9 - midday

(whatever suits you, obviously, these are just examples)

Write, recorded delivery, politely but firmly, telling them that you will be in and the house available at these two slots a week. Make clear that you have no obligation to allow anyone in, and that you will not allow any viewings, whether you are there or not, at any other times.

I'd write something like:

Dear Mr Smith,

We write in relation to our tenancy of 35 Acacia Avenue, for which we have given notice to leave on [date].

We understand that the landlord, Mrs Brown, will be keen to re-let the house. However, until the [date] this house is our home, and we intend to carry on our normal lives and benefit from the quiet enjoyment of the house to which we are entitled by law.

Since we gave notice, we have been deluged with a flood of visits, at different times, most days of the week, and frequently the appointments have been kept late or not at all. This is interfering with our lives and we cannot accept future interferance in this manner.

Therefore, we are writing to tell you that we will allow viewings of the house by prospective tenants once a week [give the day and times] and at no other time. We will be present in the house at this time.

We do not consent to any viewings at any other time or on any other day. In particular, we do not consent to viewings conducted when we are not in the house, and do not consent to the landlord or his agents using keys to gain access to our home when we are not present.

Yours sincerely,

[names]

aldredd

Wow, thanks Neverdespairgirl - couldn't have written it better myself (and I usually quite enjoy writing letters of this nature!)

theartfullodger

Nah: Go stronger than that....

P*** off for any visits from landlord, agent, prospective tenants, buyers, repairmen, surveyors, until we vacate the premises. If you wish to reduce our rent by xx% between now & when we leave we are willing to allow viewings thursday evening between 18 & 21 hrs.. (or whenever suits you..)

You have the absolute right to refuse all visits for any reason, without a court order.

Cheers!

Artful

neverdespairgirl

And if they keep being difficult, it's amazing what a pile of dirty nappies by the front door can accomplish.

property.advert

Yeah, give them a time slot and state you will not entertain any other visitors but particularly none when you are not present.

neverdespairgirl

What did you decide to do, in the end?

aldredd

Hi Neverdespair girl.
I have written the letter, but have held off posting it for the time being.
It occurred to me that perhaps, when the property went on the market, they just had a surge of interest from people who had registered their details for such a property, hence so many viewings. (no excuse as far as I'm concerned, but would explain it nonetheless)
That, and the fact that my partner tells me she gave them an earful when she phoned about the viewing that had been canceled made me wonder if actually it would die off any way, which so far it has - no viewings since Tuesday, and none booked yet.
So I'll see how it goes - if it picks up again, i will undoubtedly send it to them!