PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Letting agent insists I am present when doing viewings

2

Comments

  • Smodlet
    Smodlet Posts: 6,976 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    G_M wrote: »
    agents do viewings in the absence of home-owners all the time - both for tenancies and for sales.


    'Cost of keys'? What kind of lock? Unless it is a block of flats with fancy digital locks, extra keys generally cost aound £5. Get them cut yourself and give to the agent!

    G_M, I'm sorry but this is the first piece of advice I have ever read from you with which I take issue. Why on earth should a tenant be out of pocket to the tune of 5p to benefit either an LL or an LA?

    I think the OP is already being far more accommodating than is reasonable in having no issue with a bunch of random strangers traipsing through his/her home while he/she is absent. I would make them wait until my tenancy were up and I had moved out, which I believe is a legal right. If not, I stand to be corrected. Either way, they would be sending viewers when I was present and when it suited me.
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    I agree entirely the agent is being unreasonable, and yes, the tenant should not be out of pocket.


    But sometimes for the sake of a fiver it's easier just to get a key, give it to the agent, and the issue is sorted.


    A cheaper option is to spend £2.50 on the ingredients for a nice cake of course.......
  • gaz_moose
    gaz_moose Posts: 75 Forumite
    does the LL have to pay the letting agent for viewings? so getting you to do them saves the LL money/fees.
  • Smodlet
    Smodlet Posts: 6,976 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    gaz_moose wrote: »
    does the LL have to pay the letting agent for viewings? so getting you to do them saves the LL money/fees.

    Good thought, gaz_moose and welcome, by the way. I guess it depends on whether they have one of those no sale, no fee deals or not, assuming that is a possibility for LLs; I really wouldn't know.
  • tubbyewe
    tubbyewe Posts: 29 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 10 Posts
    Folks,
    Thanks for all the replies, I appreciate people taking the time.
    I'm happy that I haven't missed some obscure point of tenancy law!
    I'm assuming that when the landlord works it out he'll cough up for a new set of keys.
  • Norman_Castle
    Norman_Castle Posts: 11,871 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    tubbyewe wrote: »
    I have offered to lend agent my keys so they can get a set cut and do viewings when I'm out. I know this would bother some people but I'm fine with it.
    BUT the agent says I am being unreasonable by not saying when I am available. They say they don't think the landlord will pay for a fresh set of keys.

    If you're happy for them to have keys getting a set cut that they've agreed to pay for would be simpler otherwise the agent has to agree a time to visit you then return with your keys. How much will the necessary keys cost? If its only a few pounds it would be worth it for them to make viewings easier.
  • theartfullodger
    theartfullodger Posts: 15,671 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 1 July 2019 at 9:42PM
    Tell them no, tell the agent to go away, your home.
  • markin
    markin Posts: 3,860 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    How many keys do you have currently, it may be simpler to just change the lock to get new keys, and take it with you when you move.
  • lookstraightahead
    lookstraightahead Posts: 5,558 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    What bullies.
  • getmore4less
    getmore4less Posts: 46,882 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper I've helped Parliament
    Do you ever had any issues with the place or the agents or the landlords past or present

    You could conveniently be available for a viewing and just reel off every issue you have ever had especially any current ones.

    They will probably find a solution that allows viewing when you are not there
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.5K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.3K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.5K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.7K Life & Family
  • 256.6K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.
Update Your Picture