Property viewing while on holiday

moreofthegoodstuff

We are due to go on holiday and will soon be moving out of our rented property. The property is currently being advertised for new tenants and we are happy for estate agents to bring people around while we are out at work.

We are going away for a week and would like to leave the house alarmed/everything switched off and locked for the week so would not like any viewings during this time. Do you think we are being unreasonable and will the landlord accept this?

Mallotum_X

The landlord doesn't get to decide, you do. Tell the agent that no viewing whilst you are away.

ValHaller

If you leave the alarm set, change the locks unless the agent knows full well how to disarm and reset the alarm. Otherwise, you risk the alarm going off and being called back or returning and facing an unresolved alarm situation

moreofthegoodstuff

I don't really want to change the locks as it is just a week away so is it best that I just make it clear to the estate agent that we do not want viewings while we are away? Does this sound unreasonable?

Should they visit and set alarms off, the landlord knows the code so this won't be a problem (plus they won't be able to contact us anyway) not that it should get to this stage!

hazyjo

I'd just say you can't have viewings for that week and are prepared to take bookings from X-day in April. Don't say you're away. I've lost count of the number of EAs that have told me their clients are on holiday... they never seem very security conscious lol!

Jx

G_M

Mallotum_X wrote: »

The landlord doesn't get to decide, you do. Tell the agent that no viewing whilst you are away.

Good advice but of course this should be done

* in writing
* by letter
* NOT phone, text, email or carrier pigeon
* addressed to the Landlord by name
* sent to the address "for the serving of notices" (see your tenancy agreement)
* with a copy of the letter sent to the agent by name (even if the address is the same
* it should be at the same time friendly and helpful-sounding ("of course we will be happy for viewings to resume as soon as we are back") but firm and clear (for security and insurance reasons, we cannot agree to viewings while we are away")
* finish by requesting a written acknowledgement of your letter.

Personally I would change the lock and/or warn the LL and agent that the alarm code has been changed - but that is up to you.

megadishu

The landlord is entitled to market and have viewings with notice for the last 2 months of the contract. I would be reasonable, move any precious papers and items out of the property.

It is unreasonable that the property owner is not able to market the property as you are on holiday. You should have been served notice and then notified them of your holiday. The property owner is also liable for the property so should something happen whilst you have changed the locks, set an alarm code that nobody knows then you will be liable ... Be fair to the property owner, chat to the agent and enjoy your holiday.

I assume you have looked at new properties to move to or was everyone on holiday, the locks had been changed when you turned up for viewings and or the alarm went off causing problems for everyone ....

There are always 2 sides to the story. Some agents do actually talk to the tenants and vendors, give them a chance. Move the tiffanys ring to your mums

G_M

megadishu wrote: »

The landlord is entitled to market and have viewings with notice for the last 2 months of the contract. provided the tenant does not object.

I would be reasonable, move any precious papers and items out of the property.and allow viewings at times that are convenient/acceptable to you

It is perfectly reasonable that the property owner is not able to market the property as you are on holiday. You should have been served notice if it is the LL who wants the tenancy to end, and then notified them of your holiday if the contract requires an absence of this length to be advised to the LL. The property owner is not liable for the property during the tenancy, though should have insurance, so should something happen whilst you have changed the locks, set an alarm code that nobody knows then you will not be liable any more than I would be with my own home whilst on my holiday... Be fair to the property owner whilst retaining your own privacy, chat to the agent (hey! 1st good advice! - but follow up with a letter)and enjoy your holiday (more good advice!).

I assume you have looked at new properties to move to at times when the occupants (tenants if you are renting again, or owners if you are buying) were amenable to viewings or was everyone on holiday, the locks had been changed when you turned up for viewings and or the alarm went off causing problems for everyone ....in which case you are dealing with estate/letting agents who are not managing their viewings professionally

There are always 2 sides to the story. Some agents do actually talk to the tenants and vendors, give them a chance. Move the tiffanys ring to your mums

Yes - find compromises and discuss, but do NOT feel obligated to allow access at times you are uncomfortable with.

thesaint

What does your tenancy agreement state about access for viewings?

<sebb>

It's your home, you don't have to let anyone in while you are not there. I wouldn't. Discuss with the agent/landlord and come up with a reasonable compromise that you are comfortable with.

robatwork

You're paying money to live in that house for the week you are away, and are entitled to let nobody in, as you see fit.

Tell the landlord if he insists, then he can refund a week's rent. And only then if you are comfortable with him resetting the alarm