Can I go back in?

englishrose19

Hi everyone,

I moved about a month ago but had a month overlap with my old flat (contact ends 8th July)

We gave back our keys this weekend but I was just wondering whether its ok to pop back and check for post/ make sure we didn't leave anything (have spare key). It's on a convinient point on the long walk to town!

As our contract hasn't ended and we still rent the flat I assumed this would be ok, can anyone confirm? Also, are the LA/ LL allowed in the flat whilst we are still under contract?

Kind regards

[Deleted User]

Go to a post office and pay to have your post forwarded.

You can even do it online http://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/redirection

ViolaLass

If your contract hasn't ended, then yes.

theartfullodger

Yes, it's still your property, not landlord's property and yours to use or not as you see fit (within tenancy terms...)

But, yes, redirect the mail!!

fishpond

If you have paid the rent and the contract is still running you are able to go in, but out of courtesy I would attempt to contact the landlord first.

englishrose19

Ok thanks everyone.

I don't really have any post to get redirected, bar tesco club card, just wanted to check. Annoyingly ll was trying to have stuff delivered the other day!

zzzLazyDaisy

englishrose19 wrote: »

We gave back our keys this weekend

(have spare key).

Am I the only person who is shocked that a tenant gives back the keys to the letting agent, but keeps a spare key to the property?

In my experience, when giving the keys back you are normally be expected to sign a document confirming that you had surrendered the tenancy, and to confirm that you had returned all the keys in your possession. Did you do that?

Either way, do sort out redirection of mail. Also if you have not already done so, do ensure that you formally surrender the tenancy as until you do this you remain liable for any damage or bills that may arise during the remainder of the tenancy.

englishrose19

zzzLazyDaisy wrote: »

Am I the only person who is shocked that a tenant gives back the keys to the letting agent, but keeps a spare key to the property?

In my experience, when giving the keys back you are normally be expected to sign a document confirming that you had surrendered the tenancy, and to confirm that you had returned all the keys in your possession. Did you do that?

Either way, do sort out redirection of mail. Also if you have not already done so, do ensure that you formally surrender the tenancy as until you do this you remain liable for any damage or bills that may arise during the remainder of the tenancy.

Nope. The reason I kept it is that we were supplied with the correct amount of keys at the start and had to shell out about 20 quid for them. Plus I've painted them all haha! I am not planning on breaking in, just a keep sake of our first home. If I'm asked whether I have any other keys then I will give it to them but no, we just had to put them in an envelope.

Formally surrender meaning?

Werdnal

If OP has paid rent up to 8 July their tenancy continues, and they did not have to hand back their keys until this date. Had they kept a "spare" after the end date, then I would agree with you, but nothing wrong here.

Of course, OP may turn up and find the LL has changed the locks, or even moved a new tenant in prematurely!

englishrose19

Btw I didn't say I wasn't going to give it back full stop.

It's not about that, just wanna ensure I am ok to pop back in!

[Deleted User]

englishrose19 wrote: »

As our contract hasn't ended and we still rent the flat I assumed this would be ok, can anyone confirm? Also, are the LA/ LL allowed in the flat whilst we are still under contract?

Theoretically, no, in practice they probably will enter and it be justifiable. If you have informed the landlord that you're ending the tenancy and have returned the keys they will take that to mean you no longer have any interest in the property and will have assumed they have permission to enter and perform their landlord duties. If you are not comfortable with their entry to the property you should make sure to communicate that to the landlord, or keep the keys until the end of the tenancy.

Have you done a checkout already? If not it's a bad idea to allow anyone entry because when it comes down to it if there is damage caused by the landlord or letting agent while the property is still in your possession, it's your responsibility! If you've done the checkout then it's not a problem.