Renting a property, landlord wants viewings

G_M

JoshuaH wrote: »

It says three days. I insisted that it was changed because of that previous incident.

What? there's a clause, say number 32, saying

32. 3 days

That's it?

:huh:

JoshuaH_2

As you posted, I think. They gave -2 days written notice in fact, as the letter was delivered, in person, after the date of the requested viewing. They left messages on an old mobile phone, despite being given my new phone number, and my landlord having my new phone number. And they did not email, despite having my email address.

As you can see, after that incident I did not really trust them to stick to their terms as in the contract.

G_M

You can't expect meaningful advice if you give vague and ambiguous information.

As you posted, I think.

:huh: Read the TA and check, then quote it word for word here!

They left messages on an old mobile phone,

depending on the TA, a phone message might comply. An honest mistake and they used your old phone number. These things happen. Politely remind them of your current number.

I did not really trust them to stick to their terms as in the contract.

Cannot comment as you have still not confirmed what the contract says.

JoshuaH_2

Just an update on this situation..

I emailed the landlord to advise that I could not do these viewings and that my health had to be my priority. He replied saying that he understood, would speak to the lettings agent and that I shouldn't worry.

Then, today he emailed me again having spoken to them, and said that he would ask for my co-operation in going ahead with the viewing today.

I replied saying that I could not, but we could discuss me showing the buyer the flat next week, so that it would be less of a problem for me.

The lettings agent then replied saying it was too late to cancel the viewing today, and that they would be coming this evening, with the buyer, to show them the flat.

I called the lettings agent, and told them that I would not allow viewings this evening. They insisted that because it says so in my contract they can come into the flat without my authorisation. I said that statutory law supersedes contractual law and I am not going to allow them to enter the property. They said they would come in whether I allowed it or not. At this point I was quite angry, and said that if they did, I would involve the police as they would be effectively entering my home without my authorisation.

Then I called the police and asked them if they would attend the flat in this situation and they said something like 'it is a civil matter and we have other things to deal with. We would attend if you feel threatened but not otherwise'. Having spoken to the local council earlier today, I knew that to be incorrect and called the police complaints number, who repeated the same thing.

I then spoke to the landlord who I told in no uncertain terms that I was not pleased with the bullying tactics of the lettings agent, but that I had agreed to show the buyers the flat next week, without the lettings agent's involvement. So now, I am showing two buyers the flat next week, myself, which won't be easy, but will be a lot easier than more than the one person coming in at the same time.

I am annoyed though with the lettings agent. They tried to tell me the law allows them to enter the flat because it is in the contract and that I can have no objection to that. Because of this site and others I have seen, I knew this to be incorrect, and had to threaten to involve the police. It made me want to refuse access completely, which I again, it seems, am legally allowed to do. But, in refusing to understand that, if they had tried to come in, I would have had difficulty getting the police to know the law too!

I shall see how it goes and let you know.

Pixie5740

At least it sounds like your LL understands your needs and you and he are trying to reach a compromise that works for you both. It's just unfortunate that the LL is behaving like an !!!!!!, probably worried about losing a potential sale and the commission that comes with it. The police do seem reluctant to get involved in disputes between tenants and LL/LA and since you got the same drivel from the complaints too I'd be tempted to make a for mail complaint in writing.

JoshuaH_2

I think I shall. The police are there to maintain the law. They can't pick and choose which crimes they want to deal with, and as someone entering another person's home when they have been told not to is illegal, and even threatening to is harassment, they should take action.

Kynthia

JoshuaH wrote: »

I think I shall. The police are there to maintain the law. They can't pick and choose which crimes they want to deal with, and as someone entering another person's home when they have been told not to is illegal, and even threatening to is harassment, they should take action.

The police deal with criminal law not civil law. I'm not sure but perhaps the letting agent entering your home without permission is not a criminal act, as trespass on property isn't. However they may attend if you say that you fear a breach of the peace when they try to enter and you try to prevent them? Their presence would likely result in the agent withdrawing.

JoshuaH_2

Now I have contacted Citizens Advice, who, in a lengthy phone call, decided that I would not be able to report the agency for harassment because they were allowed to come into the flat whether I said they could or not.

I tried to explain that they would need a court order, but they disagreed, saying that the agency has been given the authority by myself, when I signed the contract.

m0bov

Can't you just put the bolt on the door to stop them coming in tonight? Or get the barrel of the lock changed?

JoshuaH_2

The lock is badly fitted, so even if I lock it from the inside, they can still come in from outside.