Can I ask LA to only have a viewing at a certain time?

missewan

Unfortunately the landlord lives abroad and I do not have details for them as according to the LA they cannot provide that info as it is a breach of data protection.

His name is on the lease but after that it just says c/o LA address.

I plan to just stall them as much as possible now as the way the LA spoke to me on the phone today was appalling, so unprofessional.

dancingfairy

Well you can either be there at the time the tenants arrive and drop some not so subtle hints about the agents behaviour, refuse to clean up or possibly change the locks. I know in England you can certainly change the locks if you are worried they may turn up anyway. Do double check with Shelter whether the same applies in Scotland.
I'd also be tempted to write to the letting agents and explain to them that you are trying to accomodate them but that you can only do viewings at x,y,z time (ie backing up in writing what you have told them on the phone). If you get something from Shelter about quiet enjoyment then you can put that in the letter as well.
df

paddedjohn

Just stand your ground and only allow viewings at a time that suits you, even if its Saturday afternoons 1pm-3pm, if need be change the locks and replace when you leave.

quidsy

Don't answer the door when they come knocking. Presumably the locks have been changed already so they will have no way to get in. When you do speak to them, reiterate that viewings will only be permitted after 12 with plenty of notice provided. This is your home, you make the rules.

missewan

Under the terms of the lease I am not permitted to change the locks. The LA basically stated that as long as a letter lands on my door 24 hours before then they can come in whether I like it or not.

I spoke to Shelter today before I called the LA, they said I was under no obligation to allow viewings unless it was stated in the tenancy (which it is) but that it should be a suitable time for me and not just whenever LA decides.

However when saying this to the LA she just basically shouted down the phone that Shelter was wrong, she then ended the call due to me being unreasonable.

The director (apparently) then called me and when I said how rude the LA had been and how I felt it was very unprofessional considering I have been a pretty good tenant (clean house, no damage, rent paid) he flat out refused to believe a word I said, I felt he was using bullying tactics as he would ask questions yet talk and shout over me when I tried to answer.

quidsy

screw the terms, change the lock cylinder, takes 10min & costs less than 10 pound. I would never live somewhere without changing the lock. As long as you put the original lock back in on moving out there is nothing they can do. They can hardly force you to open the door.

Ignore any letters for viewings unless it is to say they are coming after 12pm.

quidsy

oh & refuse to have any further communication via telephone.

missewan

The thing that worries me is I am back at work next week 9-5:30 and she keeps saying 'you don't have to be there' but I WANT to be there as all of my possessions are in the property and I don't think its unreasonable to not want strangers in my house with my things, alone?

Can they do these viewings without me if I don't want that?

I will look into changing the lock but could they just change them back when I am at work?

ValHaller

missewan wrote: »

But she said as long as she gives me notice I don't have a leg to stand on.

Presumably she has legs to stand on which she can use for that purpose outside your flat.

Viewings are not mandatory, they are at the tenant's convenience. So her giving you notice is her own invitation to stand outside if she does not have your agreement.

quidsy

they cant change the locks from outside of the property. You have every right to refuse acess unless you are there. change the lock & this whole issue goes away. It really is that simple.