Landlord selling building, constant viewings for six months - what are our rights?

lycaenide

Changing the locks is not something I would want to do because we aren't allowed to tamper with anything in the house, so I don't know if I could even do this, and I would have to call a locksmith as I would have no idea what to do. If nothing else can be done and it gets worse I will resort to this though.

If anyone else has any other suggestions / information, it would be welcome, otherwise thank you everybody for your help.

tiger_eyes

edit: didn't see your latest post.

Why so reluctant to change the locks? It's only temporary and it protects you from unreasonable agents. If it makes you feel bad about being a bad tenant, you could give them one more chance. Tell them viewings are permitted on a Monday evening between 6 and 8pm with 24 hours' notice. Then the first time you walk in to find strangers in your bedroom, just change the locks.

Money_maker

You dont need a locksmith. Just a cheap barrel.

Guest101

lycaenide wrote: »

Changing the locks is not something I would want to do because we aren't allowed to tamper with anything in the house, so I don't know if I could even do this, and I would have to call a locksmith as I would have no idea what to do. If nothing else can be done and it gets worse I will resort to this though.

If anyone else has any other suggestions / information, it would be welcome, otherwise thank you everybody for your help.

Well you are allowed to change the locks. Despite what your agreement might say.

It's YOUR home. Replace the locks when you leave.

lycaenide

Ok, I will do what tiger eyes suggested, and give them one more chance - if they are unreasonable again I will change the locks.

G_M

You came for advice but are reluctant to take it.

* you're advised to write, but haven't and won't. Why? You're clearly unhappy with the current arrangement so write and tell the LL, and suggest a compromise

* you're advised to change the loks but say you can't. It's easy. £5 - £20 (depending on lock) and 5 minutes with a screwdrive. See utube for how eg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA580cRHXDY

Take off the existing lock; take it to a locksmith or DIY store; buy an identical style/size replacement; go home and fit. (Lease a friend in the place if it's the only lock).

* you're advised to change the lock but don't want to. Why? If the LL always makes arrangements with you in advance for viewings, he'll never need to use his key and won't know. If he uses his key, then he's clearly not giving you the required notice! Especially if you've written (politely) to say you always want to be there and always want to know.

ps -

* you rent a flat in a building. What is being sold? The (lease of the) flat? Or the (freehold of the) building?

So he is selling the building freehold? Is he also selling the lease on the flat? Other flats?

I ask, because a buyer of the freehold will not become your new landlord. And would not need access to the flat either.

pinkshoes

if you came home to find someone viewing, then just carry on as normal - change out of your work clothes into your birthday suit, open a beer, and perhaps watch something on TV, or some yoga...

lycaenide

G_M wrote: »

You came for advice but are reluctant to take it.

* you're advised to write, but haven't and won't. Why? You're clearly unhappy with the current arrangement so write and tell the LL, and suggest a compromise

* you're advised to change the loks but say you can't. It's easy. £5 - £20 (depending on lock) and 5 minutes with a screwdrive. See utube for how eg:

Take off the existing lock; take it to a locksmith or DIY store; buy an identical style/size replacement; go home and fit. (Lease a friend in the place if it's the only lock).

* you're advised to change the lock but don't want to. Why? If the LL always makes arrangements with you in advance for viewings, he'll never need to use his key and won't know. If he uses his key, then he's clearly not giving you the required notice! Especially if you've written (politely) to say you always want to be there and always want to know.

ps -

So he is selling the building freehold? Is he also selling the lease on the flat? Other flats?

I ask, because a buyer of the freehold will not become your new landlord. And would not need access to the flat either.

I did not say that I wouldn't write a letter, I said that I hadn't written one yet because I didn't know that I could. I actually think its a good idea and something I will do.

I also said that I would give them one last chance, and if they were unreasonable at all I would change the locks. Thank you for the advice and links on how to do it myself.

I'm not 100% sure, I've asked but haven't been a clear answer, but I believe it will be everything - the building and our leases - although I could be wrong. I will be asking them when I contact/complain about viewings, etc.

Thank you for your help everybody, I think that's all the advise I need.

Guest101

lycaenide wrote: »

I did not say that I wouldn't write a letter, I said that I hadn't written one yet because I didn't know that I could. I actually think its a good idea and something I will do. - You didnt know you could write to the LL? why else would they provide an address for the purpe of serving notices? Either way ow you know.

I also said that I would give them one last chance, and if they were unreasonable at all I would change the locks. Thank you for the advice and links on how to do it myself. - Well you didnt initially say that, but we got there eventually.

I'm not 100% sure, I've asked but haven't been a clear answer, but I believe it will be everything - the building and our leases - although I could be wrong. I will be asking them when I contact/complain about viewings, etc. - It's simple, rightmove, enter your postcode, what comes up?

Thank you for your help everybody, I think that's all the advise I need.

Good luck!!

G_M

lycaenide wrote: »

......
I'm not 100% sure, I've asked but haven't been a clear answer, but I believe it will be everything - the building and our leases - although I could be wrong.......

Check your postcode on

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/

and also on

http://www.primelocation.com/

it will show what is for sale.....