What rights do I have?

jillyflower

Hi
I rent a property and my landlord is trying to sell it but my lease means I have a while yet before I have to move. The sale is with me as a sitting tennant.
My question is, do I have any rights in when he can arrange for people to come and view the property. Twice now he had brought people to see the house when he knows I'm not going to be there. The first time I had said I was working in the morning but would be home after 3pm, he said I didn't need to be there, he would show them around with the agent. I would like to be there when there are strangers in my home. The second time was last week when I was away on holiday, he just took people in and showed them around, then told a mutual friend that he had, had to tidy the house, which she knows is not true.
I appreciate that the house won't sell if he can't show people round and I believe that I tried to be helpful by saying that I would be at home later in the day. Can he just come in any time he likes with anybody even if I'm trying to cooperate?
Sorry this is a bit long, hope it makes sense.
P.S. although nothing has been taken I feel as though I've been burgerled

ifonlyitwaseasier

change the locks

he can only show them round with your co-operation and as you are entitled to "quiet enjoyment" he can't just barge in whenever he fancies

clutton_2

dont change the locks - talk to him first - talk to the agent.. come to a compromise time - offer him say an hour 1-2 evenings a week and a couple of hours on saturday.. negotiate - it will make all your lives a lot better in teh long run.

when does your tenancy agreement end ?

G_M

It is entirely up to you how cooperative you want to be. Irrespective of any clause there might be in your contract about landlord visits, viewings, inspections whatever.

You have the right to 'quiet enjoyment', which is a legal term for uninterrupted / undisturbed life in your home.

You can allow viewings only at week-ends, either with, or without your presence, if that is your preference.
Or only between 6 and 7 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Or only by prior agreement with 24 hours notice. Or 48 hours if you prefer.
Or no viewings at all.

It is up to you.

Whatever you decide, discuss/explain to the landlord/agent, and THEN CONFIRM YOUR DECISION IN WRITING.

If you fear you might be ignored, spend £5 on a new lock and change the barrel. Keep it to replace when you leave.

As clutton says, try to reach an amicable agreement, but at the same time do not allow yourself to be pressured into an arrangement you are unhappy with.

jillyflower

Thanks everybody for the replies.
I've tried going through the agent because they are very understanding about the personnal space thing, but the landlord won't hear of potential buyers having to wait until I can be there. In fact he has told the agent not to contact me, just him and he will arrange viewings because he can let them in if I'm not there. i've tried to talk to him but he won't listen.
Again thanks for the replies

Annisele

Maybe have a word with the agent and see if they'll remind the LL about the potential consequences of harassing a T. (That only works if you're confident the agent knows the potential consequences!)

G_M

jillyflower wrote: »

Thanks everybody for the replies.
I've tried going through the agent because they are very understanding about the personnal space thing, but the landlord won't hear of potential buyers having to wait until I can be there. In fact he has told the agent not to contact me, just him and he will arrange viewings because he can let them in if I'm not there. i've tried to talk to him but he won't listen.
Again thanks for the replies

In that case put a firm letter in the post to the LL and change the locks tomorrow.

jhxmt

jillyflower wrote: »

...he will arrange viewings because he can let them in if I'm not there.

As others have said, that's not necessarily true as you have the right to quiet enjoyment of the property. Change the locks (but keep the old ones so you when you move out you can put things back as they were) so that your poor landlord no longer suffers from the delusion that it's okay for him to just gain access to your property whenever he feels like.

bris

This LL needs taught a lesson on how to treat his tenants. You can do that by changing the locks and telling him of your right to quiet enjoyment and that he can't just let himself into your home. The barrel type locks are very cheap and easy to change so it wouldn't cost you more than a tenner. If you have a back door just leave a key in that one so you only need to change one.
This LL sounds like he is arrogant enough to ignore any letters or warnings you send him.
Another option would be to call the police and treat him as a tresspasser, the police are actually quite good when it come to tenants rights and will grag him over the coals.

jillyflower

Annisele wrote: »

Maybe have a word with the agent and see if they'll remind the LL about the potential consequences of harassing a T. (That only works if you're confident the agent knows the potential consequences!)

thanks for this just wondering what are the consequences of harassing a T?

RAS

A criminal record for the worst offenders plus large fines.