Letting Agent AGAIN

Jim_Chem

My letting agent has just said they they are going to be asking the landlord for a key to my flat so they can do viewing. I am a little uncomftable with random people just coming into the flat whenever they want so told them this, to which they replyed that I dont have a choice as they are allowed access to show people around who might want it when we leave.

Are they actually allowed to do this?

And if they are not what should i say to them?

Thank you very much

adg1

They can't just turn up willy-nilly for viewings. All viewings have to be arranged at mutually convenient times with yourself. If you are happy for the EA to visit the flat without you there, but with your consent, then say that.

If you want to be there for all viewings, inform them that you want to be there, and they will have to arrange their viewings around you. Bear in mind that they work 9-5 probably and so, I'd guess, will you? Can you take time out of work to be there for viewings?

All it takes is a bit of planning on their part to arrange this.

You are entitled to 'quiet enjoyment' of your property by housing law, but remember that the EA/landlord will have to give you a reference so be nice but be firm. You don't have to allow any viewings at all, but negotiate with the EA and you'll find they are probably more receptive than if you simply shut them out.

Also, if they insist on forcing entry, change the lock barrel to another, keeping the original to replace with when you leave.

G_M

See this thread here.

Hammyman

You will find any decent tenancy agreement has a clause in it for allowing viewings by prospective tenants and purchasers with 24hrs notice. Check what yours says.

G_M

Hammyman wrote: »

You will find any decent tenancy agreement has a clause in it for allowing viewings by prospective tenants and purchasers with 24hrs notice. Check what yours says.

The OP asked "Are they actually allowed to do this? " to which the answer is clearly 'No'. Whatever the tenancy agreement says.

Just as a clause in the tenancy agreement saying "The tenant is responsible for servicing and maintaining all the gas appliances in the property" or "The landlord will hold the deposit" would both be meaningless. (I have seen both in ASTs!)

However insisting on your strict rights is not always the best policy so I'd still advise compromise. Having said that, knowing your rights is always useful.