Landlord selling house, want to take pisctures ?

FightforyourRights

Hi,

I live in a rented house which was arranged through an agent. Did my initial 6 month contract then didn't renew on a longer let basis as they wanted £300 to sign a new contract. Therefore I live here on a monthly basis.

Agent contacted me to come to house to take pictures and measure up as the house is apparently being marketed for sale. Ws quite a shock when I took the call as the Landlord has not mentioned this at all nor served any notice to quit.

Firstly, do I have to let agent come in to take pics of house interior ? All the possessions in the house are mine, which I don't particularly want on Right move/in an estate agents window.

Do i have to let them in to do this considering I've had no official notification ?

ThePants999

Firstly, check your tenancy agreement. They likely have to provide reasonable notice (e.g. 24 hours) before turning up for ANY reason. Then, they can't come and take pictures unless the agreement says they can.

Secondly, even if it says they can, some consider this to be an unfair clause - a common refrain is that it's in conflict with your common law right to quiet enjoyment of the property. Not sure that's ever been really tested in court.

Thirdly, even if a court were to find that you'd breached your tenancy agreement by not allowing this, it's incredibly hard for landlords to prove consequential losses because of this.

So realistically, all the landlord could do is to start eviction proceedings - which they're likely to do anyway if they're selling - and deny you a reference, which you might care about. Your call.

Lavendyr

To add - you only have to give 1 month's notice. The landlord must give you 2 months' notice, so while you are living on a periodic tenancy you will have more than 1 month's notice to move out.

FightforyourRights

ThePants999 wrote: »

Firstly, check your tenancy agreement. They likely have to provide reasonable notice (e.g. 24 hours) before turning up for ANY reason. Then, they can't come and take pictures unless the agreement says they can.

Secondly, even if it says they can, some consider this to be an unfair clause - a common refrain is that it's in conflict with your common law right to quiet enjoyment of the property. Not sure that's ever been really tested in court.

Thirdly, even if a court were to find that you'd breached your tenancy agreement by not allowing this, it's incredibly hard for landlords to prove consequential losses because of this.

So realistically, all the landlord could do is to start eviction proceedings - which they're likely to do anyway if they're selling - and deny you a reference, which you might care about. Your call.

They have provided 24 hours notice which I'm going to deny as it's not possibre for me to be here at that time.

I realise the landlord can sell the house whenever he wants, but do i have to assist them in doing so by letting thm take pictures of my possessions to market the property ? This could be detrimental to me if the house is sold and the new owner wants me out.

My nderstanding is that the agent can only come in in case of an emergency/to do a periodic ispection (which was done last week) / inventory at start or end of tenancy / repairs/ gas check or arrange viewings at the end of a tenancy.

ThePants999

I don't think I have anything to add to my previous post - I think I answered your questions already!

DCFC79

FightforyourRights wrote: »

They have provided 24 hours notice which I'm going to deny as it's not possibre for me to be here at that time.

I realise the landlord can sell the house whenever he wants, but do i have to assist them in doing so by letting thm take pictures of my possessions to market the property ? This could be detrimental to me if the house is sold and the new owner wants me out.

My nderstanding is that the agent can only come in in case of an emergency/to do a periodic ispection (which was done last week) / inventory at start or end of tenancy / repairs/ gas check or arrange viewings at the end of a tenancy.

The agent is taking photos of the property, your property isn't of concern to them..

FightforyourRights

DCFC79 wrote: »

The agent is taking photos of the property, your property isn't of concern to them..

But it is to me being plastered all over the internet aiding them to sell the place.

FightforyourRights

ThePants999 wrote: »

I don't think I have anything to add to my previous post - I think I answered your questions already!

The agreement ONLY states that the landlord or authorised person can enter the property with 24 hours notice for purposes of viewing and and inspecting condition and state of repair or for the purpose of repair or painting or within the last 2 months of the tenancy for perspective viewers/buyers.

I haven't had any notification of end of tenancy.

As I said the property was inspected last week by the letting department.

martinthebandit

Has your landlord been a good landlord OP?

kinger101

FightforyourRights wrote: »

The agreement ONLY states that the landlord or authorised person can enter the property with 24 hours notice for purposes of viewing and and inspecting condition and state of repair or for the purpose of repair or painting or within the last 2 months of the tenancy for perspective viewers/buyers.

I haven't had any notification of end of tenancy.

As I said the property was inspected last week by the letting department.

Well, if notice is served (which it will be if you refuse viewings), potential buyers will be entering with the LL's authority for the purpose of viewing.

I'd concentrate on (a) building a rapport with the LL, (b) getting viewings on your own terms.

If a new LL buys it, they might keep you on if they think you're a good tenant.

If someone wants to buy it as their home, you'll be out eventually. But you'll also have the current LL's b@l1s in a vice at this point, as they need vacant possession to progress the sale.

"Okay LL, I can leave at the end of the two-months notice, if you'll agree to a good reference, half rent for the remaining term, and a packet of dark chocolate digestives"

aninvasion

FightforyourRights wrote: »

Did my initial 6 month contract then didn't renew on a longer let basis as they wanted £300 to sign a new contract.

Good grief, mine is £60 for a renewal! :eek:

Get out whilst you can and find a more affordable letting agent!

FYI, sadly as is the case with all letting agents they will take pictures on your house and possessions but it's not like they'll be going through your knicker drawer. Put that laptop/jewelry/treasured item away when they come round.