Landlord access to rented property

dlk

Just wanted to clarify something on here if anyone can help?

I gave my landlord a months notice yesterday of my moving out. Today I have 3 missed calls from someone and then a text from the landlord saying someone has been trying to make contact for a viewing so please could i contact her to arrange or he'd come round on Thursady with her.

I tried to call the prospective tenant but no answer so i texted landlord to advise i'll try calling again tomorrow but i didnt want viewings done in my absence. He replied that 'frankly thats not your choice I just need to give you 24hrs notice and can access the property whenever i like'.

I've got no intention of being obstructive to viewings but I'd simply rather be there. I thought I had certain rights with regards to when the landlord could access the house or am I wrong?

marliepanda

He cannot enter without your permission. Change the barrel of the locks if you feel he will try to gain access when you don't want him to.

Also I'd be pretty annoyed he has gave your personal mobile contact to this prospective new tenant! He has no right!

Yorkie1

Write to him asap saying that under the right to quiet enjoyment you do not consent to viewings in your absence, and offering a number of slots which are convenient to you (if you wish - there's no requirement for you to do this but it's always best to be reasonable if possible).

And change the lock barre (make sure you change it back when you leave)l. He has an implied right of entry but you have revoked it and he would need a court order to enter in the absence of an emergency - which showing potential viewers round is not.

If you have his email address, send him the letter by email initially and follow it up with first class posting - with a free certificate of posting which you must retain. If you don't have his email address, just use the post. Do not just email.

Is your deposit protected and is there a dual-signed inventory (assuming England / Wales here).

dlk

There was an inventory yes and although it was about 6 months later we did get a letter advising the deposit was protected. It's not that I'm particularly bothered by viewings in my absense it's more that I want to manage when they are arranged for as I have a baby who has her nap between 11am and 12 near the door so don't want her waking and also don't want them coming late in the evening when she's settled or sleeping.

dlk

Without changing the lock barrell (as with the front and back door as well as garage that may become expensive) if he does simply turn up and do a viewing in my absense is there actually anything i can do about it?

melancholly

dlk wrote: »

Without changing the lock barrell (as with the front and back door as well as garage that may become expensive) if he does simply turn up and do a viewing in my absense is there actually anything i can do about it?

You could make the place look as unattractive as possible.... or leave a large note saying that you have not given consent for LL to have access without you being present. Should be enough to put off any potential tenants!

Benji

I agree - and if there are any problems with the property, make sure they are in clear view!

G_M

dlk wrote: »

Without changing the lock barrell (as with the front and back door as well as garage that may become expensive) if he does simply turn up and do a viewing in my absense is there actually anything i can do about it?

Yes. You can go to court and apply for a court order denying him future access. If he then entered without permission he would be in contempt of court which a serious matter.

However there is no guarantee the court would grant you such a court order since he would claim access for viewings is reasonable.

On the other hand, if you change the locks, then HE would have to go to court to get a court order instructing YOU to grant him access.

In reality, neither of you will go to court, so it comes down to
a) whether you can reach an amicable agreement (and you trust him to keep to it) or
b) you fail to agree, you do not change the locks, and he comes round whenever or
c) you fail to agree, you do change the locks, and he cannot come round without you letting him in