Environmental Health Inspection. Can LA insist on being here?

jayms1

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Anselld, what I mean about the landlord working for the agent is that he does 'odd jobs' for them.

I'll have to get the letter hand delivered tomorrow. If anybody has any suggestions for a template letter that sounds firm but non-confrontational, I'd be very grateful.

G_M

Dear Mr landlord,

Further to the letter dated xx from xx letting agents, advising that they wish to visit the property on Friday 21st Dec, I am writing to remind you that you visited the property yourself on xx/xx/12.

Following that visit, at which we discussed various areas of disrepair, you made clear your decision not to take any remedial action.

I see no need therefore for a further visit by the agents, since you can advise them yourself of your findings at that visit.

As you know, a visist by Environmental Health will be taking place on Friday to review your assesment on the condition of the property, and you will receive a copy of their report in due course.

Kindly therefore instruct your agents not to attend on Friday

Yours sincerely,

xx

(send to landlord and send a copy to the agent). Hand deliver with witness if time dictates.

If you think the agents might ignore you, rather than have to call the police and claim harassment (notoriously difficult to persuade police to get involved!), or breach of the peace (ie if you try to physically remove them), better to change the lock in advance so they cannot let themselves in (assuming they have a key)

jayms1

Thanks, G_M! Much appreciated.

anselld

jayms1 wrote: »

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Anselld, what I mean about the landlord working for the agent is that he does 'odd jobs' for them.

Ah, I see what you mean. Very "odd" by the sound of it

Let us know how it goes.

propertyman

Rather than change a lock, unless its a PVCu door, add a burglar chain.

Although it's an alteration there is no loss or damage to the landlord to claim. Unless of course you are a DIY SOS type

G_M

Strictly speaking (and lets be honest here - this LL is not going to be a happy bunny with this tenant!) the LL can insist the property is returned in the same state as at the start.

So could insist on the chain being removed.

And the screw holes, paintwork etc being made good.

An hour's labour (if contractor has minimum charge) plus call out? £50 deducted off deposit.

(I'm not justifying/agreeing with this - just providing a warning!)

A lock barrel however can be switched, and later switched back, without any damage, or risk to deposit.

poppysarah

Maybe one for an entire new thread but as door chains are recommended by the police could any sane landlord refuse permission for one to be fitted?

Werdnal

Door chain would only help prevent unauthorised LL/LA access if the tenant was at home at the time. If out, the chain would not be attached!

jayms1

propertyman wrote: »

Rather than change a lock, unless its a PVCu door, add a burglar chain.

Although it's an alteration there is no loss or damage to the landlord to claim. Unless of course you are a DIY SOS type

LOL! Thanks, that gave me a much needed laugh.

jayms1

Had the inspection this morning. Two people from the LA turned up but we didn't give them access. They didn't object and posted a rather nasty letter from the landlord, which was to be expected. He also included a 2nd letter indicating that he was putting the house up for sale. Not my concern at all but his timing was a bit obvious.

The Inspector was excellent and very thorough. He noted issues we hadn't even noticed. It wasn't just the electrics he was concerned about. Let's say he wasn't impressed!! I'm a bit confused though - he mentioned category 1 hazards and an enforcement notice (?) but was going back to his boss first. So I'm not sure of the timeline and what not.

I'm already packing up anyway. I've had enough and will find somewhere else. The thing that has upset me most is that the Landlord is now lying. He says that the Garage Conversion which contains a utility room and office, where the dangerous electrics are located, were never designed for those uses! Complete fabrication. What were the office and utility room designed for then?!

I was nervous about calling in the Environmental Health but I feel I did the right thing. Frankly, he's the kind of person who gives landlords a bad name.