Entering rented property (just because you have a key)

Kittenplump_2

So we have just moved into a rental property. Been here a week. We went through an agent but they only now deal with the legal side of things. Rent and contract. They said I will be dealing with the landlord direct which is a Man and wife. Firstly she asked to meet us. Which she did Sunday and brought her son who lives in the same area and deals with things for them also if needed being he is local and there 30 mins or so away. They seem pleasant enough. Anyway on the the check in inventory it was noted 2 smoke alarms needed changing. As the ones present although work had a sticker saying needed replacing Jan 2025. So I received a message today saying and I quote : Just to let you know - my husband and son are planning to pop in on Friday to change the smoke alarms. They will also put some oil on the garage door mechanism. 

The meter housing should be looking better now.) 

I replied: Do you know what time? So I can arrange for my son to be there to access.

Her reply: Around 10. But they have a key anyway.   🔑

Now am I in the wrong to be thinking they should have asked if it’s convenient first off. And not just tell me they have a key so will let themselves in. 

We pay a lot of money for this property. And they should be asking if that’s ok and not just say they have a key?! I’m not impressed tbh as they shouldn’t just be entering, they have to ask?! 

I want to reply but I’m not sure with what as I don’t want to come across as rude, but equally regardless of them being the landlord and having a key. I am happy or impressed without being asked. 

housebuyer143

I think you are being a bit sensitive. Lots of landlords just let themselves in and most people don't care.. If you do, then that's completely fine just reply with something along the lines of "thanks for letting me know, I would prefer someone be at the property rather than you just coming in with the key, so my son will be there to meet you".

Hopefully this also gives them pause for next time they are thinking of just using the key.

Kittenplump_2

housebuyer143 said:

I think you are being a bit sensitive. Lots of landlords just let themselves in and most people don't care.. If you do, then that's completely fine just reply with something along the lines of "thanks for letting me know, I would prefer someone be at the property rather than you just coming in with the key, so my son will be there to meet you".

Hopefully this also gives them pause for next time they are thinking of just using the key.

A bit sensitive? We have a contract signed and as tenants should not expect landlords to just turn up and let themselves in. It may be their property but it’s courtesy to actually ask if someone is around and just not express they have a key so will come in anyway. We have possession of the property under the contract we have signed. Landlords should just not be letting themselves in! Not just dropping a message informing just to let us know etc. 

RHemmings

I don't think you're being too sensitive. Having someone coming into your home when you're not there isn't something I would be comfortable with either. 

You could ask something like "how will we arrange things in the future when you need to come over?" Perhaps you can say something like that a previous landlord would WhatsApp you or something and you'd work out a time and date. See what they say. If necessary, say something like as in @housebuyer143's post. 

If your landlord is reasonable, you should be able to sort things out. However, it's far  from guaranteed that your landlord is reasonable. 

The nuclear option is to change the locks. But, this is something that I would avoid unless it's really necessary. If your landlord feels entitled to walk in when you are not there, then if they find the locks changed it's probably not going to go well.

Assuming that S21 is abolished, then you will have more rights and can be a bit more (politely) assertive. 

Martico

Another vote for you not being over sensitive at all.

It's your home, and it's up to you when you let people in. As it's rented, it's reasonable to allow the landlord or a representative of theirs to come in when necessary, but that should be at a time that's suitable for both parties.

Tabieth

You’re absolutely not being sensitive. It’s their property but your home. They shouldn’t just be letting themselves in like that. You have a reasonable expectation of privacy. 

Kittenplump_2

RHemmings said:

I don't think you're being too sensitive. Having someone coming into your home when you're not there isn't something I would be comfortable with either. 

You could ask something like "how will we arrange things in the future when you need to come over?" Perhaps you can say something like that a previous landlord would WhatsApp you or something and you'd work out a time and date. See what they say. If necessary, say something like as in @housebuyer143's post. 

If your landlord is reasonable, you should be able to sort things out. However, it's far  from guaranteed that your landlord is reasonable. 

The nuclear option is to change the locks. But, this is something that I would avoid unless it's really necessary. If your landlord feels entitled to walk in when you are not there, then if they find the locks changed it's probably not going to go well.

Assuming that S21 is abolished, then you will have more rights and can be a bit more (politely) assertive. 

RHemmings said:

I don't think you're being too sensitive. Having someone coming into your home when you're not there isn't something I would be comfortable with either. 

You could ask something like "how will we arrange things in the future when you need to come over?" Perhaps you can say something like that a previous landlord would WhatsApp you or something and you'd work out a time and date. See what they say. If necessary, say something like as in @housebuyer143's post. 

If your landlord is reasonable, you should be able to sort things out. However, it's far  from guaranteed that your landlord is reasonable. 

The nuclear option is to change the locks. But, this is something that I would avoid unless it's really necessary. If your landlord feels entitled to walk in when you are not there, then if they find the locks changed it's probably not going to go well.

Assuming that S21 is abolished, then you will have more rights and can be a bit more (politely) assertive. 

They landlord seems pleasant and Hands on if any issues were to arise and we are locked in for a years contact. We rented elsewhere but dealt solely with an agent before and was there 10 years. He is selling that property so we had 8 weeks to vacate under the section 21 hence we are now in this new property. 

We are looking to buy a house but could not of had this completed in the time from having to vacate the last property. So having to rent again for a year. I just don’t want to come across as rude but equally. I’m not comfortable just someone coming in to do a repair without even asking if that’s ok. Then just telling me when I asked for a time so my son can give access. That they have a key anyway.  🤷‍♀️ it’s our home till the contact ends next year , so that’s what’s made me slightly annoyed. 

RAS

I'd be inclined to ask what time, so your son is in when they arrive, as this is regarding smoke detectors. 

Afterwards change the locks and when you are in either leave the key in the lock or add a door chain.

Kittenplump_2

RAS said:

I'd be inclined to ask what time, so your son is in when they arrive, as this is regarding smoke detectors. 

Afterwards change the locks and when you are in either leave the key in the lock or add a door chain.

I did ask what time so my son can be there to give access. That’s where she responded 10am but we have a key anyway. 

I’ve no issues then rectifying things and doing what they need. It’s how it was put to me and the response 

motorman99

I’m going to disagree. In this instance it’s a safety issue….ie smoke alarms. 

Suppose you said ‘no you can’t come Friday’ and the house burns down on Saturday, firstly, you’ll be homeless, secondly the landlords insurance will prob be void if smoke alarms out of date and thirdly you might die in the fire for the sake of a non working smoke alarm

although Tbqh they probably still do work. 

But in this instance it’s a safety matter and I reckon it’s good that they want to change them asap 

 

cr1mson

I think they are trying to be helpful as in don't worry we won't make you change your plans but understand your concerns. They have given you notice so not as if they are coming in unannounced and landlords do have a right of access in certain circumstances i.e. if given notice, emergencies etc..