Estate agents enterred property

hudashley_2

I currently rent with Reeds Rains and one of their terms is a quarterly inspection.

Amongst the problems I've had (basically them trying to backtrack from their extensive terms), they have now enterred the property without my permission (for the second time - the first time was a contractor who then lost the keys).

They're claiming they sent a letter notifying me in advance, which I did not receive. These are sent out by 2nd class, so there is no evidence of this being sent.

Am I within my rights to forbid them unless they gain my prior agreement? ie not a letter which they have no evidence of sending.

With the ongoing problems with a garden hedge now exceeding 12ft that my tenancy prohibited me from cutting (until they then decided that it was my responsibility and that I must cut it - obviously now it is too large), I really don't want them snooping around my property without prior notice.

davidmcn

Change the locks. If they moan about it, explain why.

Guest101

hudashley wrote: »

I currently rent with Reeds Rains and one of their terms is a quarterly inspection.

Amongst the problems I've had (basically them trying to backtrack from their extensive terms), they have now enterred the property without my permission (for the second time - the first time was a contractor who then lost the keys).

They're claiming they sent a letter notifying me in advance, which I did not receive. These are sent out by 2nd class, so there is no evidence of this being sent.

Am I within my rights to forbid them unless they gain my prior agreement? ie not a letter which they have no evidence of sending.

With the ongoing problems with a garden hedge now exceeding 12ft that my tenancy prohibited me from cutting (until they then decided that it was my responsibility and that I must cut it - obviously now it is too large), I really don't want them snooping around my property without prior notice.

Change the locks. Tell them only to attend when you've confirmed the appointment.


Job done.

fairy_lights

If a contractor previously let himself in and then lost the keys I would absolutely change the locks, they could have ended up in anyone's hands.

Pixie5740

Is Reeds Rain named as your landlord on your tenancy agreement or is someone else named with an address c/o Reeds Rain?

G_M

How secure is your tenancy?

* Englnd/Wales?
* Fixed term? Dates?
* Break Clause?
* Periodic? Monthly? Weekly?

What does your TA say about changing the locks?
What does it say about access?

hudashley_2

I'm in England, refused to pay £120 to renew so SPT.

Says landlords name but they've already refused to pass on details.

Monthly contract.

Another quick question, there's a clause on tenancy that says not to cut lop or prune bushes. There's one that says keep hedge tidy. The hedge is 12ft, I can't keep it tidy without cutting it can I?

AdrianC

A hedge isn't a bush, though.

Guest101

hudashley wrote: »

I'm in England, refused to pay £120 to renew so SPT.

Says landlords name but they've already refused to pass on details. - write and ask for the details

Monthly contract.

Another quick question, there's a clause on tenancy that says not to cut lop or prune bushes. -Unenforceable in the sense the LL suffers no quantifiable loss. There's one that says keep hedge tidy. - Tidy is no a definitive point The hedge is 12ft, I can't keep it tidy without cutting it can I?

Cut it, the LL doesnt have a 'loss'socant really do anything

G_M

Since you have a SPT, your security is limited. If you p*ss them off too much they may simply serve you a S21 Notice (2 calender months). You need o bear this in mind before taking action like changing the locks.

I'm not saying don't do it - but do it with your eyes open.

Whether they can serve a S21 may depend how much autonomy the LL has given them.

An alternative (or perhaps parallel?) course of action is a letter politely pointing out that a misunderstading occured, due perhaps to RM failing to deliver the letter, and therefore could they kindly call you on 01234567890 in future if they need access so that you can ensure the property is tidy (yes - I know, you don't have to but say it anyway) and there is no embarrasment as you work/sleep at odd hours (or something).

Another option is to quote the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 section 1, & request the LL's address (read it). Like changing the locks, this too might p*ss them off (esp as you've already asked & been denied), so consider carefully.

If you get an address, you could contact him. But if he's overseas, an amateur LL who's delegated everything to them, or simply bolshy, that may not help.

Miss_Samantha

Hi hudashley,

To keep the hedge tidy you only need to trim it, which is not the same as pruning or lopping.