Allowing letting agency around for viewings

Judith_W

I agree the monthly inspections is excessive but about the viewings, from my experience students sort out where they are living really really early, so it may be easier to agree to some viewings now, and then you won't have the hassle later in the year. Obv if you think you might still want to live there after your contract runs out you might want to be more obstructive as is your right, but then I can't see them wanting to keep you on...

princeofpounds

I would change the barrels but our contract forbids changing locks

Doesn't matter. This is yet another unenforceable clause. And even if we entertain the notion for a second that it is valid, if you do change the locks what are they going to do? Sue you for breach of contract? And what will they claim their loss is in court? Zero. You have to be able to demonstrate loss or damage to even get any kind of compensation.

And yes, for those who haven't been to uni for a while (or benefitted from halls) it's very normal for students to view and book properties out a year or even two in advance. My concern would be making sure those visits are not disruptive and also making sure the OP gets first dibs on re-renting, should they need it.

franklee

Does the landlord know you're not students and thus may want to stay on? I think it's high handed of them to assume you're leaving in nine months unless they assume you're students too.

edwardmluk

they know we're not students. We've even said we might be interested in staying, but the boss just gets aggressive and starts taking about a completely unrelated topic. I'm going to write a letter to the LL and send a copy to the agent and I'll let you know the outcome.

edwardmluk

Update. Writing to the LL achieved nothing. They didn't reply even though I provided them with an email address and phone number.

Since then we have told the LA that we want the house in person and over the phone. The LA said we would need to come in and sign documents etc, and provide another deposit for the following year. I thought they used our current one for the next contract. I've said to the LA that this is usually the case and he just says "No, you need to pay again" with a look of utter confusion. So is there a law that says they should use our old deposit that I can quote to him. Or is he perfectly within his rights to have another deposit.

On another note, my housemate came home from work today to find the LA trying to show a group around the house. We hadn't been told about this viewing and we have also said we don't want viewings as we want to take the property. He claims to have told us but we heard nothing which makes me believe he would have let himself onto the property. She told him to leave and stopped him coming in. What do we do though, as he might try and pull that stunt again?

RAS

Do you mean to say that you have still not changed the lock barrel? Why not, for heaven's sake.

With respect to continuing a contract; legally this could just be rolled over into a periodic tenancy with no further need for paperwork. The deposit stays the same, and you can give LL one months notice and s/he can give you two months.

Of course, the letting agent does not get any fees that way. It would be much to their advantage to get a new contract, with you or someone new and charge £400 or whatever to sort out contract and references. How do you think they earn their living when no houses sell?

edwardmluk

Regarding changing the locks our contract says:
"3.20 Not to alter or change or install any locks on any doors or Windows in or about the Property or have any additional keys made for arty locks without the prior written consent of the Landlord"
As we don't have any contact with the LL other than his address (and I think its a bit rude to just turn up on their door) we can't get that permission. And the LA takes what's written on the contract as law. Even if it is incorrect he doesn't seem to understand that. I guess we don't want to cause unneeded aggravation, but he's not giving us much of an option.

We'd be happy yo sign a new contract with raised the price. The house is completely worth it. But the fact the LA keeps trying to sort it behind our backs is ridiculous. I don't think they would even know about S21s, so when it came down to it they'll try and sign someone when we're still living here, but thats one for their lawyers to sort out.

Gwhiz

edwardmluk wrote: »

Regarding changing the locks our contract says:
"3.20 Not to alter or change or install any locks on any doors or Windows in or about the Property or have any additional keys made for arty locks without the prior written consent of the Landlord"
As we don't have any contact with the LL other than his address (and I think its a bit rude to just turn up on their door) we can't get that permission. And the LA takes what's written on the contract as law. Even if it is incorrect he doesn't seem to understand that. I guess we don't want to cause unneeded aggravation, but he's not giving us much of an option.

We'd be happy yo sign a new contract with raised the price. The house is completely worth it. But the fact the LA keeps trying to sort it behind our backs is ridiculous. I don't think they would even know about S21s, so when it came down to it they'll try and sign someone when we're still living here, but thats one for their lawyers to sort out.

Stop arsing around and change the barrels. The fact that the LA are ignoring your rights should give you adequate stimulus.

RAS

edwardmluk wrote: »

Regarding changing the locks our contract says:
"3.20 Not to alter or change or install any locks on any doors or Windows in or about the Property or have any additional keys made for arty locks without the prior written consent of the Landlord".

if the LL tried to enforce this in court, he would be in trouble. It is a vexatious clause.

Not least because by law, you are entitled to quiet enjoyment of the property that is your home without LL wandering in and out when it suits him.

He cannot charge you anything because you will replace the barrel when you leave.

And you need to do this to stop him wandering in at will.

ifonlyitwaseasier

edwardmluk wrote: »

Regarding changing the locks our contract says:
"3.20 Not to alter or change or install any locks on any doors or Windows in or about the Property or have any additional keys made for arty locks without the prior written consent of the Landlord"
As we don't have any contact with the LL other than his address (and I think its a bit rude to just turn up on their door) we can't get that permission. And the LA takes what's written on the contract as law. Even if it is incorrect he doesn't seem to understand that. I guess we don't want to cause unneeded aggravation, but he's not giving us much of an option.

We'd be happy yo sign a new contract with raised the price. The house is completely worth it. But the fact the LA keeps trying to sort it behind our backs is ridiculous. I don't think they would even know about S21s, so when it came down to it they'll try and sign someone when we're still living here, but thats one for their lawyers to sort out.

like i said before, how will they know unless they try to get in without telling you????