LL rights to take photos while tenant is still in the property

graduate

Hi,

What rights do tenants have if the LL/LA wants to take photos of the property for marketing online?

I would prefer it if they didn't take photos as I don't really want the contents of my flat advertised online for anyone to see. Is there anything I can do to prevent this?

Many thanks
g

G_M

They have a complete right- if you consent.

They have no right - if you refuse consent!

Indeed, no right of access, let alone photography without your consent.

I assume your tenancy is ending soon and the LL wishes to advertise? We, it makes sense tocompromise, allow a letting agent round, allow tenants to view, but on your terms ie at times convenient to you, not unannounced, not too often. Andphotographs only if you agree.

I suggest you write to the LL (at the address provided for "the serving of notices") and cc the agent, stipulating what you will/won't allow.

If they have a key and you fear they might ignore your letter, change the lock.

graduate

Yes the tenancy is ending soon. We will allow viewings when we are around and when it is convenient but do not want photographs taken.

Thanks for your reply.

The LA called today and asked about photos. My partner spoke to them and when asked if we have a legal responsibility to allow photos they said "Yes."

Do you know which law etc. I can direct them to when refusing photos?

theartfullodger

Graduate: Sincere apologies but I don't seem to be able to read your tenancy agreement from here.

Does it say landlord can? If so he can (but you may refuse): If not you may refuse.

Cheers!

graduate

theartfullodger wrote: »

Graduate: Sincere apologies but I don't seem to be able to read your tenancy agreement from here.

Sincere apologies if I am wrong but I thought statute law trumped contract law

There is no mention of photos in the contract.

BitterAndTwisted

Google your right to "quiet enjoyment". No-one gets to cross your threshhold without your say-so. If they try to press the issue by lying about their absolute right to enter tell them to naff off. Do not expect a good reference from them.

As in all things in adult life, there is more mileage in being reasonable and appearing to want to cooperate rather than being combative and obstructive.

If you haven't been in the property that long suggest they re-use the photos from their previous advertisement.

graduate

Thanks for your reply

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

Do not expect a good reference from them.

Why would someone exercising their legal rights not to have there property advertised on a national website lead to a bad reference?

I_have_spoken

Why would someone exercising their legal rights not to have there property advertised on a national website lead to a bad reference?

It's a wicked world. Reading between the lines of the reference, a future LL will know you are 'bother'.

graduate

I_have_spoken wrote: »

It's a wicked world. Reading between the lines of the reference, a future LL will know you are 'bother'.

Luckily I have my reference. But still not sure why not giving would-be thieves a menu of all the items they could steal from you is being bothersome.

Werdnal

graduate wrote: »

Luckily I have my reference. But still not sure why not giving would-be thieves a menu of all the items they could steal from you is being bothersome.

But you are being obstructive to the landlord's plans to market the property. Whilst it is true you have a legal right to refuse access, he may see it as hampering his agents from advertising, which could result in him having a void and not securing new tenants quickly, and therefore lose him money.

When you say "you have your reference" what do you mean? Are you moving to another rental? If so, chances are the LL there will actually want to make personal contact with your current landlord (I know I would), to verify things!

graduate

Our new LA are using a company to complete the referencing and they have obtained the reference.

If I where a LL I would make sure I had pictures of any property I was renting so that I could market it without problems. While I was looking on right move most of the properties had pictures without anyones property in them because I assume these landlords took such precautions.

Why should I get a bad reference just because the LL is not organised?