Landlord selling flat mid-tenancy: refusing viewing access?

Person_one

Kalamazoo wrote: »

At least this thread proves that for every ignorant, greedy, amateurish landlord there's a immature, petulant, childish tenant


Nice to see a bit of balance in the world of property rental.

I'm sure that you'd be absolutely delighted to be 4 months into a 12 month tenancy and having agents insist on spending the next 8 months traipsing strangers through your home as and when they feel like it...

Tenants are people too, you know.

Guest101

Person_one wrote: »

I'm sure that you'd be absolutely delighted to be 4 months into a 12 month tenancy and having agents insist on spending the next 8 months traipsing strangers through your home as and when they feel like it...

Tenants are people too, you know.

That is neither what is happening nor what is being suggested.


The upshot is the property might be bought by a LL and the OP gets to stay after 8 months.


As the time gets shorter the owner occupier route becomes more viable

Person_one

Guest101 wrote: »

That is neither what is happening nor what is being suggested.

Eh? How would you describe it then?

franklee

oceanscape, If not already done so put in a WRITTEN complaint to landlord, letting agent and selling agent that the property was left with the patio door open. They should be taking this seriously as anything could have happened to the property.

Have you checked your tenancy agreement for a break clause? Typically you can break at or after the six month point so selling now may make more sense if they intend to invoke that.

In your shoes I'd be offering evening viewings with 24 hours written notice and a max of one a week explaining you do not trust them to lock up on their own after last time.

Guest101

Person_one wrote: »

Eh? How would you describe it then?

What is happening is that there have been a few viewings and notice has been given.


what is being suggested is having a reasonable arrangement of times and days for the agents.


The LL is also a person and they are trying to liquidate assets, I don't see the problem with that.

Person_one

Guest101 wrote: »

What is happening is that there have been a few viewings and notice has been given.


what is being suggested is having a reasonable arrangement of times and days for the agents.


The LL is also a person and they are trying to liquidate assets, I don't see the problem with that.

Oh come on, the LL hasn't accidentally signed a 12 month contract, they can 'liquidate their assets' when its ended.

Guest101

Person_one wrote: »

Oh come on, the LL hasn't accidentally signed a 12 month contract, they can 'liquidate their assets' when its ended.

4 months in - could be divorce? Illness? Emigration? Pregnancy? I mean how many life altering things can happen in a split second?


I don't know the situation, but there are plenty of people who have genuine bad landlords, this seems to be a case of a forgetful estate agent, something which could be easily rectified.

Person_one

Guest101 wrote: »

4 months in - could be divorce? Illness? Emigration? Pregnancy? I mean how many life altering things can happen in a split second?

None of those things invalidate a 12 month tenancy agreement though.

If you want to be a landlord, you should plan ahead and be able to cope with changes in circumstances. If you can't then don't be a landlord. Its not easy money, its a business and its people's homes and lives.

Guest101

Person_one wrote: »

None of those things invalidate a 12 month tenancy agreement though.

If you want to be a landlord, you should plan ahead and be able to cope with changes in circumstances. If you can't then don't be a landlord. Its not easy money, its a business and its people's homes and lives.

Neither does selling invalidate the agreement? (sorry im confused as to what your saying)

david1951

oceanscape wrote: »

Can we refuse all viewings? Unfortunately the tenancy agreement, which is the agent's usual standard form, says that if the landlord chooses to sell or mortgage the flat we must "allow access for viewings on reasonable notice"

A lot of hot air over a question that you already had the answer to. Of course you can't refuse all viewings, but you can request and try to ensure that they happen at a time convenient to you and with reasonable restrictions (no shoes in the house, etc.).

It is unfortunate the OP is in this situation, but the risk comes with renting. With the right amount of diplomacy it could mean only a bit more hassle over the next few months. It is what it is and it isn't the end of the world.