Letting agents doing viewings without my permission - can I tell them to leave?

Icarus01

HaroldJB wrote: »

I'll have a look into that - I have actually put a note on front door but they just ignore it...

I did ring to complain about the agents as well and they insist it's their right to enter the property at anytime.

It'd actually be worse to be honest if they come in when I'm at work! I feel very uncomfortable about the idea of having strangers waltzing around my house when there's nobody in it _pale_

It is definitely not their right to enter YOUR home whenever they feel like it. Until that tenancy agreement ends or runs into the final month they can't enter your property without notice and your permission unless it's an emergency. I agree with changing the locks.


I've had it twice where my LL waltzed into my property in the brief time i've been here. Given they are new landlords I let it slide the first time and reminded them of my rights as a tenant. Second time I wasn't nice about it at all, as they were snooping around "checking the smoke alarms" when they thought I was at work.


I've changed my locks since then, despite it saying I cannot do this in the agreement

kazwookie

Change door locks
or
Maybe add a door chain and use it when you are in.

HaroldJB

Icarus01 wrote: »

It is definitely not their right to enter YOUR home whenever they feel like it. Until that tenancy agreement ends or runs into the final month they can't enter your property without notice and your permission unless it's an emergency. I agree with changing the locks.


I've had it twice where my LL waltzed into my property in the brief time i've been here. Given they are new landlords I let it slide the first time and reminded them of my rights as a tenant. Second time I wasn't nice about it at all, as they were snooping around "checking the smoke alarms" when they thought I was at work.


I've changed my locks since then, despite it saying I cannot do this in the agreement

Yeah I know what I find most ridiculous is how they can equate 'no answer at door' with 'permission to come in'!

Pixie5740

HaroldJB wrote: »

I would be less polite if I didn't think they are going to be difficult with the deposits! Yepe 100%sure nothing through texts, emails or even letters - me sister who's a joint tenant hasn't had anything either.

I rung and they insisted it is their right to visit the property at anytime and was being difficult about it...

Well it's not their right, not without notice and not until the final month of the tenancy. That would lead me to change the barrels of the lock to stop the gits from coming in. In the final month of the tenancy I might consent to viewings on days and times that suit me if I had received an apology.

HaroldJB wrote: »

Well I know that but it's still uncomfortable like having people gawking round at all the mess, I don't mind it if its friends but these are complete strangers like!

Strangers, so people you will never see again. Each to their own and at least with notice it would be your choice to tidy/clean or not.

m0bov

Tell them the police will be called next time they try to enter.

Cakeguts

It isn't their right to visit your home anytime they feel like it. They have got that completely wrong. While you are renting the property it belongs to you. So them just entering and walking round is just like them entering anyone else's house and wandering around inside. They wouldn't do that to a house belonging to a neighbour so they shouldn't be doing it to you.



You need to change the locks to stop them being able to get in like this. They must give you 24 hours notice.

Rosemary7391

HaroldJB wrote: »

I'll have a look into that - I have actually put a note on front door but they just ignore it...

I did ring to complain about the agents as well and they insist it's their right to enter the property at anytime.

It'd actually be worse to be honest if they come in when I'm at work! I feel very uncomfortable about the idea of having strangers waltzing around my house when there's nobody in it _pale_

They sound pleasant. Stick to writing then. FWIW I think most people do get uncomfortable about that - makes me wonder if these LAs actually live somewhere and understand the concept of having a home!


This link might help - aimed at students, but a tenancy is a tenancy.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-a-home/student-housing/students-in-private-rented-accommodation/student-housing-unacceptable-behaviour-by-your-landlord/

HaroldJB

Rosemary7391 wrote: »

They sound pleasant. Stick to writing then. FWIW I think most people do get uncomfortable about that - makes me wonder if these LAs actually live somewhere and understand the concept of having a home!


This link might help - aimed at students, but a tenancy is a tenancy.

I know! One of them actually insisted on continuing the viewing elsewhere in the house whilst I get meself sorted :mad: Either way though, no that's still brilliant thanks!

Smi1er

LL here.

It's game over already in my opinion as you asked them to stop but they told you it's their right to access the house.

Legally they can access the house (your home) at any time they want, but only in an emergency, eg Fire, major water or gas leak. All other times they need to give 24 hours notice and even then you can refuse.

You're 3 months from the end of the tenancy so I would say viewings only in last month and if you said to me only in a 2 hour window at the weekend then I'd say that was fair.

Change the locks asap, until then lock it internally and turn the key slightly so can not be opened from outside.

HaroldJB

Smi1er wrote: »

LL here.

It's game over already in my opinion as you asked them to stop but they told you it's their right to access the house.

Legally they can access the house (your home) at any time they want, but only in an emergency, eg Fire, major water or gas leak. All other times they need to give 24 hours notice and even then you can refuse.

You're 3 months from the end of the tenancy so I would say viewings only in last month and if you said to me only in a 2 hour window at the weekend then I'd say that was fair.

Change the locks asap, until then lock it internally and turn the key slightly so can not be opened from outside.

Ahhh right yeah I see. Well I'm having a locksmith coming tomorrow afternoon to get that sorted so hopefully that's that - thanks for the advice