Landlord wanted to enter the property while I'm on holiday

aReallyNiceGuy

Hi, I'm on Holidays now but My landlord Estate Agent just emailed saying that they need to enter the property to take some video for marketing the flat,

I will be back in 1 week and I left some valuables and work confidential documents un protected. Can I just answer just that?   "Sorry, I left some personal valuables and confidential work documents unprotected, so please wait until I return." is this enough to stop him to enter or what happen if I ignored the message? cheers

pinkshoes

Yes, just say that it is not convenient for you so you do NOT give permission for them to enter until you return from holiday due to sensitive documents in the property.

Give them a date that they CAN come.

I would perhaps make it clear that CCTV is in operation at the property (even if it isn’t) as a deterrent.

[Deleted User]

Do not identify that there are valuables to anyone or that you are on holiday. Basic security. Make clear that you do not agree to entry until your prefered date. It does not have to be said but if they are planning to take a video at least some of your items would need repositioned. Unacceptable in your absence, and because of covid. Secure your work documents.

NortheastEA

I take it your moving out at some point in the near future?
If so, The agent will be keen to get marketing started to avoid the property being left empty for to long after you leave.
You do have the right to refuse access to them and the agent should respect this and agree a mutually convenient time to enter.
We try and work with outgoing tenants during marketing as if we are doing a video or new pictures we would like the property to be as clean and tidy as possible however many agents will ignore you and just enter.
Legally they cant if you say no but that doesn't stop them. Its not worth taking legal action however you can change the locks on your return and refuse access for viewings etc - there isn't much they can do if you take this action.
Its in everyone's best interests to work together on this so it depends on the agents attitude.

Comms69

NortheastEA said:

I take it your moving out at some point in the near future?
If so, The agent will be keen to get marketing started to avoid the property being left empty for to long after you leave.
You do have the right to refuse access to them and the agent should respect this and agree a mutually convenient time to enter.
We try and work with outgoing tenants during marketing as if we are doing a video or new pictures we would like the property to be as clean and tidy as possible however many agents will ignore you and just enter.
Legally they cant if you say no but that doesn't stop them. Its not worth taking legal action however you can change the locks on your return and refuse access for viewings etc - there isn't much they can do if you take this action.
Its in everyone's best interests to work together on this so it depends on the agents attitude.

Just curious what are the interests of the tenant in 'working together' on this? Do you pay tenants to allow marketing?

NortheastEA

Why be so negative? Legally your right the tenant owes me or the LL nothing and could sit and be obstructive
I explain what I would like to do in respects of marketing and finding a tenant and often help/advise on how to return the property in the right manner so they get there full deposit back.
I also sometimes end up helping in the tenants property related matters aswell.
We often give them gifts when they leave as a thankyou for being accommodating for viewings etc as usually when they work with us we find tenants quicker as the home is in a good condition and i dont have to arrange cleaning etc at the end of lease so the void period is alot shorter.

princeofpounds

In theory, they have given you 24hrs notice. So if you do not actively object, they can enter. 

If you do object, they should not enter. But practically-speaking, if they still come in, then there is no sanction unless they cause you loss or damage. They are not committing a criminal act or anything like that, just breaking your civil right to quiet enjoyment.

That's why practical measures like changing lock barrels are so important if you actually want to enforce your own right.

Comms69

NortheastEA said:

Why be so negative? Legally your right the tenant owes me or the LL nothing and could sit and be obstructive
I explain what I would like to do in respects of marketing and finding a tenant and often help/advise on how to return the property in the right manner so they get there full deposit back.
I also sometimes end up helping in the tenants property related matters aswell.
We often give them gifts when they leave as a thankyou for being accommodating for viewings etc as usually when they work with us we find tenants quicker as the home is in a good condition and i dont have to arrange cleaning etc at the end of lease so the void period is alot shorter.

No, you said it's in everyone's best interest. So im asking you how it is in the tenants best interest? 

It's not negative, i'm simply asking you to clarify what you meant. 

theartfullodger

Just say no & change locks (keep to change back when you leave) .

Marketing for what - next tenant or sale?  For either there's no way Landlord can enforce access for photos without a court order which likely they won't get (they won't try or judge refuses)

The smart Landlord would offer incentive (eg 50% off rent and excellent references).

Artful:. Landlord since 2000

theoretica

Comms69 said:

NortheastEA said:

I take it your moving out at some point in the near future?
If so, The agent will be keen to get marketing started to avoid the property being left empty for to long after you leave.
You do have the right to refuse access to them and the agent should respect this and agree a mutually convenient time to enter.
We try and work with outgoing tenants during marketing as if we are doing a video or new pictures we would like the property to be as clean and tidy as possible however many agents will ignore you and just enter.
Legally they cant if you say no but that doesn't stop them. Its not worth taking legal action however you can change the locks on your return and refuse access for viewings etc - there isn't much they can do if you take this action.
Its in everyone's best interests to work together on this so it depends on the agents attitude.

Just curious what are the interests of the tenant in 'working together' on this? Do you pay tenants to allow marketing?

When I last left a rental property the landlord gave the full deposit back despite a couple of things they could have charged for and offered a free extension for a couple of days to make my move easier.  I doubt this would have happened if I had been a pain over viewings.

Comms69

theoretica said:

Comms69 said:

NortheastEA said:

I take it your moving out at some point in the near future?
If so, The agent will be keen to get marketing started to avoid the property being left empty for to long after you leave.
You do have the right to refuse access to them and the agent should respect this and agree a mutually convenient time to enter.
We try and work with outgoing tenants during marketing as if we are doing a video or new pictures we would like the property to be as clean and tidy as possible however many agents will ignore you and just enter.
Legally they cant if you say no but that doesn't stop them. Its not worth taking legal action however you can change the locks on your return and refuse access for viewings etc - there isn't much they can do if you take this action.
Its in everyone's best interests to work together on this so it depends on the agents attitude.

Just curious what are the interests of the tenant in 'working together' on this? Do you pay tenants to allow marketing?

When I last left a rental property the landlord gave the full deposit back despite a couple of things they could have charged for and offered a free extension for a couple of days to make my move easier.  I doubt this would have happened if I had been a pain over viewings.

That's great. With a simple search i can find 100+ threads on this forum where tenants who did all that then had to go through DPS to get their deposit back.