Inspection by letting agent, purely to inspect cleanliness and tidiness

wantsajob

Just had a 6 monthly inspection, and it was someone new this time. The only thing the person carrying out the inspection said is that "it needs a bit of a hoover", for which I think she was trying to be somewhat diplomatic. She explained further that workmen complained to them about this issue (I got the impression she meant globally across all their properties, rather than ours in-particular) and that they would inspect again in one month to check, and would send a letter in the post to confirm. The letting agent is one of the biggest in the local area, but is not a national company.

It's more a case of that we have lots of things, and have almost outgrown the space we have. As well as some general laziness and tardiness. Bit of hoarding going on too. Yes it is untidy, and I myself would like it to be tidier too. I'd really like a ladder in order to access the loft space and put things tidily away up there, particularly as there is a light installed up there, and boards down on around half the floor area, from what I can make out by poking my head in. Unfortunately one's which appear likely to hold sufficient weight aren't cheap, and other financial obligations have always come first.

I can understand why they would want the place clean and tidy if they were arranging viewings of some description, and we'd have made more of an effort if that were the case. To make an inspection purely to assess cleanliness/tidiness seems somewhat off the mark - unless there were some genuine concern damage may be being caused to the property.

My only other gripe with the letting agent is that when we call them about any issues, they're quick to give us the phone number of their workmen and tell use to leave a message on their voicemail and they'll get back to us. They never do, never answer their phones and only ever seem interested if requested to do work directly by the letting agent. At the annual gas appliance inspection he told us to call him if an issue persisted - but we have done that before and he never gets back to us until LA intervenes. Guess they only answer the phone if it's the LA calling. Suggests to me they're on a fixed wage contract and don't want to do more than they have to?!

I guess there's a chance the letter will say something more than what she said in person (always seems to be the case), so will wait on that. Will probably just end up tidying up anyway and let them waste their time coming down - whilst holding back from saying "I cleaned my room mummy, am I a good boy, do I get a sweetie?" :rotfl: :A

From reading around it seems most people are in agreement that what matters is the condition of the property when the tenancy ends, in terms of fair wear and tear etc. There's even some suggestion that checking for tidiness in itself is not legally enforceable, and that inspections for such could be considered harassment.

Was just wondering if anyone had any other thoughts.

dancingfairy

Surely what matters is, as you said the state of the property at the end. Unless you have massive black mould growing up all the walls or you were in danger of damaging the property in some other way due to your housekeeping (or lack of it) then as far as I can tell it's tough. Sure, she might appreciate it tidier so she can see you are not hiding any damage but it's not up to her to tell you how clean/tidy your house should be.
The only other issue I can think of is if someone needs to come and fix something and they can't safely work in that area - ie can't access the loft because of childs toys everywhere or risk of stuff falling on their head or something but that's only if specific work needs doing.
they sound a bit overzealous/ slightly weird to me.
As long as you pay your rent then what's their worry?
df

BitterAndTwisted

My own thoughts aren't permissible according the board's rules. The purpose of the inspections is to check that there aren't any repairs or maintenance required which you may not have reported. The standard or lack thereof of housekeeping is no-one's business but your own.

Post back here once you've received their letter.

wantsajob

dancingfairy wrote: »

they sound a bit overzealous/ slightly weird to me.

I guess she could be new and a bit wet behind the ears/eager to please her employers.

As stated by BitterAndTwisted, I suspect further thoughts really depend on what any written contact says.

dancingfairy

I'm just wondering whether they are attempting to justify their 'managing fess' or whatever to the landlord? or even an attempt to charge the landlord more money.
Like you said the letter may provide more clues.
df

poppysarah

When she turns up next issue her with white gloves and video her every move.

Or just tell her IN WRITING it's not quiet enjoyment of the property with her wanting to check the level of dusting.

G_M

Provided you are not causing damage, or a health hazard (ie encouraging rats), then how you live is your business.

When your tenany ends and you leave, you must leave the property as you found it. Until then, the landlord/agent should mind their own business.

Write politely saying that you are happy to cooperate with 6 monthly inspections but you feel having just had one, a 2nd within a month is excessive, uneccessary, and a breach of your quiet enjoyment of the property.

If they have any concerns following the last inspection you will be happy to consider hem once you receive them in writing.

I would definately oppose a further inspection, and if you feel there is the slightest chance they may turn up for one when you are out I would change the barrel of the front door lock (£5?).

wantsajob

G_M wrote: »

if you feel there is the slightest chance they may turn up for one when you are out I would change the barrel of the front door lock (£5?).

That's an interesting one as when we asked previously they insisted we give them a copy of the key if we ever change the locks ourselves.

I had something along the lines of your letter in mind. I wouldn't wish to aggravate them though.

In their letters they state something along the lines of if they are unable to gain access they will charge an abortive journey fee of £30. I strongly suspect such charges are not legally enforceable in the same manner private parking tickets are not.

theartfullodger

Write them an email, copy LL (with copy of agents comments) , thanking them "for their thorough & valuable contribution" and inquiring under which law they have the right to make such comments...

In the unlikely event that they can read & do reply, kindly post their response...

T***ers... It never ceases to amaze me how agents dig deeper in a hole they dug in the first place then never needed digging....

Cheers!

Artful (Landlord...)

G_M

wantsajob wrote: »

That's an interesting one as when we asked previously they insisted we give them a copy of the key if we ever change the locks ourselves.

I had something along the lines of your letter in mind. I wouldn't wish to aggravate them though.

In their letters they state something along the lines of if they are unable to gain access they will charge an abortive journey fee of £30. I strongly suspect such charges are not legally enforceable in the same manner private parking tickets are not.

Assuming you have made it clear in writing that you are not happy about the landlord or any of his agents (= workmen etc as well) coming in during your absence, and that appointments must be agreed (not 'made'... agreed), then there are only 2 ways the agent can ever find out you have changed the lock:

1) he tries to enter during an emergency. Now 'emergency' is not legally defined but would mean eg a fire (Will the fire brigade be worrying about locks....?) or leaking pipe in the attic (how would they know unless you've reported it....?).

2) he tries to enter without your permission, clearly breaching your right to quiet enjoyment since you have told him not to!

So if the agent ever says "I came round and couldn't get in - you've changed the lock wthout permission/I had an abortive visit for which I'm charging you", you respond "you came round without permission. I'll dispute any claim in court and what's more harassment is a criminal offence."

wantsajob

Eton_Rifle wrote: »

Air needs to circulate to prevent mould and damp issues. Carpets need to be vacuumed to prevent beetle/mite/moth infestations etc etc.

Hence why I'm opening windows, particularly single glazed ones, despite turning heating on and it being cold outside. I remember my mother complaining about damp issues in a Council house and staunchly refusing to open the windows when they suggested to do so, on the premise that it let the heat out and was cold enough already inside. To be fair the house was difficult to heat with electric heaters, and was a prefab with no insulation or anything at that time (early 90's).

Never known of beetle/mite/moth infestations. I'd have thought there was more risk of damage to the carpet by walking on foreign objects I'm sure the moths would prefer my silk ties in the wardrobe :rotfl: