How to firmly refuse flat viewing?

hannalb

I have given notice on my rental property and am due to move out in a fortnight. I have viewings arranged for the rest of the week (by the lettings agency) which is completely fine, but then I got a text this morning telling me they are doing one tonight!

They've given us lots of notice before, so I was a bit surprised - I called them to say I would prefer if they didn't do a viewing tonight and gave the usual minimum of 24 hours, but I must be pretty weak willed as the woman I spoke to basically said I didn't have a good enough reason to refuse and they would carry out the viewing as planned. My reasoning was that it is messy and I'd really rather put my pants away and do the washing up before strangers turn up in my home, which I can't do as I'm a work.

So... what can I say to make them understand I really don't want a flat viewing tonight?

fairy_lights

You don't need to justify not wanting the viewing - just tell them that as they haven't given you 24 hours notice it will not be possible for them to carry out a viewing this evening. If they turn up anyway, don't let them in.

Guest101

*ring ring, ring ring*
Them>Hello X Lettings, how can I help?
You> You've arranged a viewing for tonight at X Street, this time is not convenient and I am refusing you access to my property.
Them>Thank you, can I ask why?
You> I've said it's not convenient. Thank you
(hang up)

fairy_lights

...and if they ask why it's not convenient, tell them it's your turn to host the bi-monthly neighbourhood swingers evening and you will be tied up, so to speak.

TBagpuss

I agree, just phone and tell them it is not convenient. And don't feel you have to tidy up.
And send them a letter reminding them that they need to let you have 24 hours notice for viewings in future.

If they show uo, then simply be polite but puzzled.Speak to the viewer and say "There must have been a mix up. I explained that it wouldn't be possible to accommodate a viewing tonight. What a pity that the agency didn;t pass the message on to you, and that you have had a wasted trip."

hannalb

I did call up and say it wasn't convenient. They wanted a reason because 'it's not convenient' wasn't good enough and then my 'it is untidy' reason wasn't good enough either. Apparently the viewer is down from Orkney and leaving tomorrow and is desperate to see the flat(!)

I won't be at home when they want to do the viewing, I'll be at work, so I have no way to prevent it if they do turn up.

Maybe I will just go with the swingers thing...

G_M

The above advice all assumes you will be at home so can refuse to open the door/let them in.

If you are going out (and assuming the agent has keys), you've just got time today to change the lock.

Guest101

Or alternatively I'd say "I'd be happy to accommodate the viewing, but in lieu of 24 hours notice I require a payment of £20. Please ensure this reaches my account before the viewing takes place."

teddysmum

G_M wrote: »

The above advice all assumes you will be at home so can refuse to open the door/let them in.

If you are going out (and assuming the agent has keys), you've just got time today to change the lock.

...or arrange for a friend to be there and lock the door from the inside.


I wouldn't want strangers viewing my possessions in my absence.

theartfullodger

Guest101 wrote: »

Or alternatively I'd say "I'd be happy to accommodate the viewing, but in lieu of 24 hours notice I require a payment of £20. Please ensure this reaches my account before the viewing takes place."

Yes, but make that 50% of monthly rent: & if they argue say "Oh, didn't realise the price was negotiable, make that 75%".

Money_maker

hannalb wrote: »

They wanted a reason because 'it's not convenient' wasn't good enough and then my 'it is untidy' reason wasn't good enough either

Blimming cheek.

I would've thought 'because its my home and I can choose who I allow entry to' signals end of conversation.