Allowing letting agency around for viewings

Geenie

edwardmluk wrote: »

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.

I have just come back to this thread, and unfortunately have read the word "student" ! It doesn't make sense for a LL to be giving so much grief to existing tenants, and trying to force them out, but I can only assume they think they will make more money with students.

OP, what is the set up with the house and rooms available, as it may be your LL is intent on turning reception rooms into bedrooms and getting more rent per year?!! It smacks of a desperate LL to me, so it may be you are best to get out when able.

GothicStirling

I can see the logic in this. Put it this way, in Stirling, by the end of March there isn't a single Student property left available [for September.]

Students want to know where they are living when they return. June is waay too late to be thinking about this.

RAS

So, there will probably be students desparate for rooms in June or September.

Also, we are not saying the LL cannot ever bring potential tenants round, what we are saying is that he needs to understand that he has no right to bring potential tenants round.

Once that happens, the tenant might agree a specified time for visists every fortnight say.

At present, he is being a complete pillock because he has all sorts of clauses in his tenancy agrement that make him look at best incompetant in court.

GothicStirling

RAS wrote: »

So, there will probably be students desparate for rooms in June or September.

No, because all the students would be organised for accommodation. You'd have to be nuts to get to June and not know what you were doing in September.

edwardmluk

Geenie wrote: »

OP, what is the set up with the house and rooms available, as it may be your LL is intent on turning reception rooms into bedrooms and getting more rent per year?!! It smacks of a desperate LL to me, so it may be you are best to get out when able.

Yeah tonight has been a shambles. We're definitely getting out because he is so disorganised. They're planning on converting the other sitting room to a bedroom. But we can afford the higher rent.
We signed a new contract last week to include our new house mate. They needed to send it to the LL to be signed, they said they'd post it through the door tonight. Hasn't happened. Also a key broke in our front door lock, they were going to fix that, but didn't. Luckily we're not stupid and sorted it ourselves.
The other tenants are a bit iffy about changing locks, I think that was when we thought we'd stay. But I think I'll be able to convince them to let me change them this weekend. Should I bother notifying the LA? I'm going to write him letter anyway saying they're not allowed viewings except for weekday evenings between 6 and 8 with us present in the house. We'll offer to show people around if they're offices have closed (they won't have, they're open till 8).
Also, do landlords have to have fire alarms in a rented house? I've just noticed we don't have any.

GothicStirling

Not sure. We have a carbon monoxide and two smoke alarms, which the LA maintain.

Looks like the LL wants to rent out to students for the money. Student lettings meaning he can rent per room for £300+ per month. Out of interest does he have a multiple occupancy order? My LL didn't want one, so that's how we got away with renting a three-bedroomed flat for £500 a month while at university

DVardysShadow

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"

RAS wrote: »

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.

Just to amplify the point, the fact that the agent has been showing people around gives you ample grounds to defend your right to quiet enjoyment, regardless of the contract.

edwardmluk

GothicStirling wrote: »

Out of interest does he have a multiple occupancy order?

I have no idea. How do I find out? What happens if he hasn't got one.

Edit: having looked it up I don't think it applies to us as theres only 4 of us and we don't have individual locks on our bedroom doors.

IronWolf

When you allow the viewings and escort them around the property, make sure you tell them honestly how the LA has been treating you

BitterAndTwisted

edwardmluk wrote: »

The other tenants are a bit iffy about changing locks, I think that was when we thought we'd stay. But I think I'll be able to convince them to let me change them this weekend.

Should I bother notifying the LA?

No. The only way they would ever find out is if they try to gain access without your prior permission.

I'm going to write him letter anyway saying they're not allowed viewings except for weekday evenings between 6 and 8 with us present in the house. We'll offer to show people around if they're offices have closed (they won't have, they're open till 8).

I would phrase your letter offering them those time-slots but that you still want a prior written request from them. This is so that you can withhold permission any time that it proves inconvenient. Personally, I would never, ever accept unaccompanied viewings because you don't know who these people might be. You really, really don't want some stranger turning up on the doorstep when there's only one person on their own in the place. At least, I wouldn't.

Get that barrel on the lock changed asap!

I can't believe how poor these agents are!