Flat Inspections by Letting Agent

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Curv wrote: »

With regard to the issue of frequency, I've been subject to 3 month checks in the past and it didn't bother me in the least. It seems like a very small thing to get stroppy about if everything else about the let is perfect.

I can appreciate that, but we're fairly private people. It's not a huge issue as the agent is likely to only be here for a few minutes to check for anything obvious that has gone wrong. It's just a minor annoyance, which has been exacerbated by the tone of her e-mail.

if it's such a major, moral issue then it might be worth looking around for a tenancy with a different LA as they don't appear to be open to negotiation on this point.

We're signed up for a year. And ideally, we would like to stay here as it is five minutes from gf's work.

And what would their grounds be for making an exception to their policy? 'Tenant doesn't like it'? If I was the LL that would set alarm bells ringing...

I'd like to think that any normal LL would understand that some people don't like to be disturbed on a fairly regular basis. We have nothing to hide, and would be happy with a six month inspection. I've just never come across a three month one before, but appreciate that some seem to think it is common.

As it is, the agent got lucky that we were around at the specified time next week. From then on, it might be more difficult to do anything between normal working hours.

Catblue

I wouldn't take an adversarial stance with the Letting Agent. It may make them think that you have something to hide and then they would definitely turn up every 3 months.

If you did move to another flat in the building, you'd only have the same issue with the next LA.

They are not treating you like children. They are paid by the LL to ensure that the property is maintained in good condition - and they have to see inside the property to do that. You want the flat in good nick, don't you?

This inspection is for your benefit as well, you know. It is a great time to demonstrate any niggling problems to the LA, or even to suggest improvements that the LL may wish to make to the property.

When our LA came round, he said that the property should really have an outside light for the winter (we are in a bit of a dark corner). One was fitted within a week. We'd never have thought to ask for this.

If you stay there a while, the LL may very well decide that less frequent inspections are appropriate.

nollag2006

Can't see what the issue is - you're being unreasonable.

3 monthly inspections are perfectly reasonable, get over it

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MissMotivation wrote: »

A property can deteriorate rapidly, I don't think 3 months is excessive at all. Most LA's specify 3 monthly inspections and it is also a service to the LL that THEY are paying for.

Imagine you were a LL....wouldn't you want peace of mind that your property was being kept in a fair condition?

If you've got nothing to hide then how difficult is it making 20 mins of your time available every 3 months?

I do appreciate your perspective. From ours, we're professional people, and feel like we have signed up for a babysitting service. There is also the implication that we are not to be trusted.

Now, the LL does of course, want to know that his property is in a good condition. I'm just not sure why there is a big deal about going from three to six months. And as I've said, this issue is made worse by the fact nothing has been pointed out to us before. That is bad form and unprofessional.

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nollag2006 wrote: »

Can't see what the issue is - you're being unreasonable.

3 monthly inspections are perfectly reasonable, get over it

Hummm. So deviating from what was originally said, and what we signed up for is reasonable on the agents part. It is very simple: put it in writing, in the A.S.T BEFORE we move in, and don't put something new on us several months down the line.

Anything else is bad form. It really is that simple.

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Catblue wrote: »

I wouldn't take an adversarial stance with the Letting Agent. It may make them think that you have something to hide and then they would definitely turn up every 3 months.

I understand that. My gf is more tolerant when dealing with the LL/agent than I am. Probably because she has never encountered any problems. But then she rented for three years in Switzerland prior to here where things actually run smoothly. Meanwhile, over here I've encountered the usual trying to steal the deposit, things not being fixed, and even worse, having an unsafe fire. So these days, I'm a little more wary.

They are not treating you like children. They are paid by the LL to ensure that the property is maintained in good condition - and they have to see inside the property to do that. You want the flat in good nick, don't you?

Again, this is your perspective, and point taken. I've repeatedly agreed with this. We are hoping that if everything is fine on the inspection (which it will be as nothing as changed), then we'll have more room to negotiate.

I am going to point out the A.S.T though, and that it's not really acceptable to state we're going to have three month inspections when we hadn't been told about it. That's all she needed to do when we signed it.

tsstss7

Barcode wrote: »

So, yesterday we receive an e-mail asking to inspect the flat as it was due for a three month inspection (we started renting it 3 months ago). All fine, but I don't recall signing anything saying three months was necessary. We e-mailed the agent saying the first one was fine, but after that, we would rather it is every six months. This was the reply:

"Good Morning

I'm afraid it does clearly state on our company's literature that we require
access every 3 months, every company is different but I'm afraid it is
something we insist on and is our company policy and one thing that the
landlords are paying us to do."

(1) It does not state very clearly. The A.S.T just states that they should give 24 hrs written notice to inspect the property. It does not say on a 3 months basis.

(2) We don't want to be difficult, and do understand that the LL wants to ensure his flat is in reasonable condition. But three months seems too intrusive. We don't want to get into a row, but the tone of the e-mail makes me think the letting agent is not open to compromise.

(3) It might be a factor when it comes to renewing the A.S.T. It's probably more easier for us to find a flat in this development (as they are often available) than it is for the LL to find a paying, responsible tenant quickly. Maybe they should consider things like this before treating us like children who can't maintain a flat.

Any ideas?

Have to say that I agree with you wholeheartedly - I imagine you've paid a substantial deposit and supplied references etc why now would they expect you to put yourself out every 3 months to accomodate such a pedantic view point!!!! My LL came once after a year and has never been back since - after all why would he need to - the worst that could happen is you destroy the fabric of the building ( I have all my own furniture) and they have insurance for that!

I also agree that I would not let them in while you are not at home - that is quite unreasonable to expect also.

To the obviously biased LL's on th is thread - would you want someone checking up on you every 3 months - hardly quiet enjoyment. The 24 notice thing is standard as far as I know but that does not mean that it is normal for a LL to require inspections often - some of us have full time jobs you know and better things to be doing than booking time off to babysit a nosey parker.

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Hi,

(1) I can understand they need to check the condition of the flat (all furniture is ours, so I imagine it must be the oven, boiler, shower etc - which we would notify them quickly if anything went wrong ...).

(2) All we expect is some clarity. Three month inspections? O.k. Then make that clear before somebody moves in and don't assume it's acceptable to say this three months into the A.S.T.

(3) We wouldn't make special arrangements to be here. If we are, they can inspect. If not, they can do it on our schedule when we're here. There isn't room for negotiation on this, especially given the nature of my gf's job. This is a minor point, as in reality, their times seem normal.

In short, what has made this more bothersome is that nobody thought to inform us in writing before we moved in. There now seems to be an assumption we should shut up and do whatever they want. Well, this is a two-way relationship, and any reasonable person should be open to compromise. We'll see what happens next week.

Debt_Free_Chick

Barcode wrote: »

"6.5. That the landlord or any person authorized by the landlord may at reasonable times of the day on giving 24 hours written notice (except in the case of an emergency) enter the property for the purpose of inspecting its condition and state of repair."

That could be interpreted as an inspection at any frequency i.e. more than every three months :eek:

Seriously - they have the right to inspect whenever they like, provided they give 24 hours written notice.

Now then ... you are entitled to "quiet enjoyment" so I doubt that an inspection every other day would be deemed to be reasonable - but an inspection every month .....?

I really do appreciate how you feel. But rather than feel as though they are checking up on you, how about viewing this as an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you are "model tenants". A kind of .... "I dare you to find something wrong ........ !!!!"

Might appeal to the "confrontational" side of your personality .....

Debt_Free_Chick

Barcode wrote: »

In short, what has made this more bothersome is that nobody thought to inform us in writing before we moved in. There now seems to be an assumption we should shut up and do whatever they want. Well, this is a two-way relationship, and any reasonable person should be open to compromise. We'll see what happens next week.

Arguably, they did - as they have the right to inspect at 24hrs notice