Property viewings while living in the property as a tenant

gingercordial

We will (hopefully) be in the same situation as you soon, as we are buying our own place and will be giving notice to our landlords who are nice enough.  I'm sure they will want there to be viewings via their LA to minimise a void period, but I am torn as I'm not very comfortable with it but also don't want to be unreasonable.  Of course personally I would not rent a flat without an in-person viewing, and when we originally viewed this place the previous tenants were present, but that wasn't during a pandemic.

We have also been extremely careful so far (online grocery shopping, no indoor guests, only visiting pubs/restaurants with outside tables) and I don't fancy a load of people in my flat.  The LA's website says existing tenants are required to vacate during viewings to reduce the number of people present, which I'm not happy with as I don't want to leave my valuables exposed or have to put everything away each time when we are in the middle of packing.  I am working from home so am constantly needed for online meetings/calls and have confidential papers around, and my husband works shifts including some nights, so things could be very inconvenient if they want viewings at short notice.

We intend to say the flat is only available for viewings on specified dates/times, and we will conduct the viewings not the LA and insist on masks, but worried that might come across as unduly restrictive when it is us causing the situation by giving notice.  

No real advice but sympathy!

Slithery

What does your tenancy agreement say about allowing viewings?

theartfullodger

Agree to such dates & times (only..) that you find reasonable, subject to an excellent written reference & at least 50% off the rent.  Any arguments, make that 75%

Artful: Landlord since 2000

grumiofoundation

Slithery said:

What does your tenancy agreement say about allowing viewings?

Likely irrelevant.

a) the landlord has no way of practically enforcing it.
b) chances are the clause (if present) will say something like (from my tenancy agreement)
To permit the Premises to be viewed during the last two months of the Term at all reasonable times upon previous appointment during normal working hours ...
Doesn't seem like a stretch to claim no times are 'reasonable' 

Obviously if a clause exists the landlord could take the tenant to court in order to claim their losses (seems unlikely). Surely the losses would likely be max. 1-2 weeks rent, any longer and may struggle to prove the earlier viewings would have resulted in the property being let. Of course in this situation defending yourself by saying I was worried about spreading covid-19 seems like a legitimate defense. 

Hannimal

Robbo66 said:

Make sure the agent and viewers are following Gov guidelines by wearing gloves and a mask, as you quite rightly say the risk of transmission is very small. 

I am not sure this really is something I have any power to make sure. If they don't (as I've seen most of them don't), how am I even to know?

Hannimal

grumiofoundation said:

Likely irrelevant.

a) the landlord has no way of practically enforcing it.
b) chances are the clause (if present) will say something like (from my tenancy agreement)
To permit the Premises to be viewed during the last two months of the Term at all reasonable times upon previous appointment during normal working hours ...
Doesn't seem like a stretch to claim no times are 'reasonable' 

Obviously if a clause exists the landlord could take the tenant to court in order to claim their losses (seems unlikely). Surely the losses would likely be max. 1-2 weeks rent, any longer and may struggle to prove the earlier viewings would have resulted in the property being let. Of course in this situation defending yourself by saying I was worried about spreading covid-19 seems like a legitimate defense. 

I am pretty sure anything in my lease doesn't matter. I am well within my rights to refuse viewings and government guidelines prohibit more than 2 people from different households indoors, so even if I just say I want to be present it would surely make viewing illegal. I have a lot of very expensive specialist equipment at home at the moment as well, and while I am not worried about someone stealing it (how'd they even know what they're worth unless they're also in this field?), I could just use that as an excuse as well. I am sure no one will force viewings while I am here, I just want to do what is fair. Sounds based on this thread that most people would not think not allowing viewings right now is unfair though. 

Wanderingpomm

I would do initial viewings via online then a 2nd viewing in person should they be interested. Insist on masks, hand sanitiser and I’d make them leave shoes outside too

Wanderingpomm

I would do initial viewings via online then a 2nd viewing in person should they be interested. Insist on masks, hand sanitiser and I’d make them leave shoes outside too. And they can’t make you go out. Just steer clear of them if you can 

Hannimal

I think following today's announcements I am going to be refusing to let anyone view the property whilst I am here. 

Hannimal

Haven't heard anything from the landlord but had to have a very frank conversation with the letting agency. they want to come here and film the property during working hours. I think given the alertness level is 4 this is wholly inappropriate to even ask. I have refused to let them in and offered to film the place myself for them.