Estate agents entering property without permission?

Norman_Castle

Assuming permission is granted because no reply is received from an email is unacceptably presumptuous. Any reason they cannot contact you by phone?

Gingka

I was a tenant in a flat right above the EA office (mistake!) in Wales a few years ago. They wouldn't even send an email/ring or let alone ask for permission. I could be half asleep in bed and the next thing I knew is that I could hear the EAs talking to people in the kitchen or showing up in the bedroom. The contract did not have a specific section and, to cut the story short, I hated it SO much that I was out of the place in three months. In fact, I have to say, I moved to Bristol!

Red-Squirrel_2

Gingka wrote: »

I was a tenant in a flat right above the EA office (mistake!) in Wales a few years ago. They wouldn't even send an email/ring or let alone ask for permission. I could be half asleep in bed and the next thing I knew is that I could hear the EAs talking to people in the kitchen or showing up in the bedroom. The contract did not have a specific section and, to cut the story short, I hated it SO much that I was out of the place in three months. In fact, I have to say, I moved to Bristol!

If I were you i’d have walked in naked each time and made a cup of tea.

stator

Just change the lock

theartfullodger

Or say yes, subject to 50% off rent and a written good reference TODAY.

Agent is asking you if something is OK:. So ask back for something you want.

Kindly let us have your guide to acceptable tone, if you could, please.

Why only 3 posts in 6 years, please? (I'm not criticising, merely politely asking)

Best wishes to all.

tab_rocker

Thank you for your responses and advice! I’m glad some of you understand my slight frustration at the EAs deciding that my lack of response means permission granted.
I have a perfectly good phone they could call me on and occasionally they’ll text a similar message rather than emailing but I think that just shows a lack of consistency.
I have also been at properties where they’ve given me no warning what so ever because generally I am laid back as a tenant and some landlords have taken advantage. There was a time I woke up in bed to my landlord looking over me asking why the bins hadn’t been taken out !

I haven’t posted much on here because generally I’ve found the topic I’m after and the responses.

tab_rocker

Ps. Tone of typing - when someone using capitals or heaps
of exclaimaton marks it just comes across that I’m talking to an angry 14 year old. I’m sure others will relate.

theartfullodger

You may well have an operational 'phone but formal notices that are legally enforceable almost always need to be served in writing.

It's no what is fair & reasonable but what the law says.

Hasbeen

tab_rocker wrote: »

Ps. Tone of typing - when someone using capitals or heaps
of exclaimaton marks it just comes across that I’m talking to an angry 14 year old. I’m sure others will relate.

For info only. To any 14 yr olds posters and other's who are slightly older. Do not use exclamation marks in replying LOL:rotfl:

What is an exclamation mark used for?
Exclamation marks were originally called the “note of admiration.” They are still, to this day, used to express excitement. They are also used to express surprise, astonishment, or any other such strong emotion. Any exclamatory sentence can be properly followed by an exclamation mark, to add additional emphasis.


Op, you still have to come to an understanding regarding viewings. Why do you not tell agents you will only allow viewings on a day specified by you. But you need the details/times say 24 hrs in advance.

InterestedParty2018

Another opinion to add...

I understand that the tenancy will define access arrangements (save for emergencies obviously). Most tenancies will make reference to marketing/viewings during the last month and/or notice period of the tenancy. (Also access for maintenance and inspections.)
I further understand that many tenancies will be purposefully "non-specific". In so far as they will say something along the lines of "access to be permitted with 24 hours notice." (It may even say adequate notice or reasonable notice, which could be interpreted differently for different people.)

You will note that the "notice" is not defined by letter, email, telephone message/call. Equally, in the example above they do not need acknowledgement or permission to conduct the viewings, as long as notice has been given.

I would say that many estate agents will attempt to make contact with the existing tenant to ensure the time is convenient to them. (They too do not want to bump into a half-dressed tenant who may be having a day off, and is not expecting them).
But, there are also a fair few agents who are not perturbed by this, and will proceed regardless.

My advice, is that if their chosen method of communicating to you is email, then check it frequently during your notice period to avoid getting caught out. If a time is genuinely inconvenient, then contact them, and suggest an alternative. Again, a decent EA will respect this and attempt to accommodate.

Just my thoughts.