LA inspection

braun_2

LA wants to come round and do an inspection... They have written to me and given me more than 24 hours notice. They have given me a 3 hour slot and said I don't have to be there. I want to be there! I do not want these people walking around my home unsupervised. I am not able to be at the house at that time/day.

Do I have any rights as to this? Is it reasonable for me to ask that the time be moved/delayed?

Edit: I have asked for the time to be changed, they said no as they do all inspections on one day but I'm sure they'd be able to change the time if it was a viewing.

bebewoo

They can't force you, just say no.
They will walk all over you if you let them, but they cannot force a certain time/date just because they have given 24 hours notice.
You need to be firm now. Yes you are being reasonable. Stop being such a wuss. Don't allow them to argue with you. Just say no when they start and put the phone down. And change the locks.

tbs624

*Write* ( keep a copy) to the LA, thanking them for their letter. Then say that you intend to be present for all such inspections and that you regret that the time slot /day they suggest is not possible for you. Then offer them at least 3 other possibilities and ask them to confirm which one of those would be convenient for them.

Use the visit from them as a two way process - the purpose of it is ostensibly so that the LL/LA can make sure that they meet their s11 (of the LL & T Act 1985) repairing obligations, so flag up any repair/maintenance issues. Ask for a copy of their notes from the inspection.

bebewoo

tbs is right, it's probably best to be polite.

braun_2

tbs624 wrote: »

*Write* ( keep a copy) to the LA, thanking them for their letter.

It is too late to write... they have managed to get the letter to arrive 26 hours before the inspection. I'm afraid i'll have to phone them.

m0bov

Change the barrel of the lock and keep old one. Remember its YOUR home.

Reue

braun wrote: »

, they said no as they do all inspections on one day .

Their problem, not yours.

You're under no legal obligation to let them 'inspect' your home, despite what the tenancy agreement may try and say.

As others have already said, change the locks (easy and cheap) and advise them of a more suitable time.

sandsni

As tbs says, it's best to keep things civilised rather than get on the wrong side of your LA. By offering a few alternatives you show that you are not being unreasonable in your request for a time to suit both parties. By all means phone since it's obviously too late for a letter to arrive before the "scheduled" inspection, but back it up with a letter (and keep a copy). The LA has no right to enter your home without your consent (unless it's on fire or whatever), so if you want to be present (and rightly so), then they should be reminded of that.

You could change the locks just to make sure they can't let themselves in while you're not around (and then deny ever receiving your phone call), but let the LA know that you are agreeable to an inspection at a mutually suitable time.