Entering rented property (just because you have a key)

HillStreetBlues

motorman99 said:

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burns down on Saturday, firstly, you’ll be homeless, secondly the landlords insurance will prob be void if smoke alarms out of date and thirdly you might die in the fire for the sake of a non working smoke alarm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 

 

Today is Tuesday, want to come Friday, so can't be that urgent.

RAS

Emergency means there's plainly a water leak, which need dealing with today, not a EIRC assessment that can be re- scheduled to next week or next month.

Myci85

At this point I wouldn't overly worry that they're planning on just letting themselves in whether they like. They have given you several days notice they are coming, and perhaps are letting you know they have a key so that you don't feel you have to put yourself out to provide access. It is perfectly normal for landlords, and agencies to keep keys, so that if maintenance needs doing and tenants can't be in, they can gain access as needed. 
I would simply reply saying thank you, you would prefer someone to be home when work is carried out, and it is no problem for your son to be there to let them in. That let's them know for next time, and doesn't come across rude. 

_Penny_Dreadful

Kittenplump_2 said:

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. 

What does the tenancy agreement you’ve signed say about access for repairs? My money is on there being a clause saying the you (the tenant) will give the landlord, or anyone acting on the landlord’s behalf, access to the property to carry out the landlord’s repairing obligations meaning the landlord has already asked and you’ve given your permission. There’s also implied rights of access for repairs in Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2019 and the Housing Act 1988.  All that’s required is for the landlord to give at least 24 hours written notice before doing so. 

As a landlord I wouldn’t enter a property if a tenant expressly told me not to despite the clause in the tenancy agreement giving me permission. The tenant would then be in breach of contract and if I had to go to court seeking an injunction to enforce the contract I’d be seriously unimpressed. Having been both a landlord and a tenant I’ve found communication with some give and take on both sides to work well. 

Going forward you may wish to be present whenever the landlord requires access to the property, e.g. when a Gas Safe engineer requires access for the annual gas safety certificate, but good luck trying to tie a tradesperson down to a specific window during the day. 

MikeyPGT

I note several comments suggest you change the locks, I'd be interested to know how that would pan out.  My tenancy agreement forbids me from having new keys cut so would be very doubtful if changing the locks and not  letting the landlord have the new key would be acceptable behaviour from a tenant ...

user1977

MikeyPGT said:

I note several comments suggest you change the locks, I'd be interested to know how that would pan out.  My tenancy agreement forbids me from having new keys cut so would be very doubtful if changing the locks and not  letting the landlord have the new key would be acceptable behaviour from a tenant ...

But how would the landlord find out (other than by trying to let themselves in when the tenant hasn't permitted it...).

RHemmings

user1977 said:

MikeyPGT said:

I note several comments suggest you change the locks, I'd be interested to know how that would pan out.  My tenancy agreement forbids me from having new keys cut so would be very doubtful if changing the locks and not  letting the landlord have the new key would be acceptable behaviour from a tenant ...

But how would the landlord find out (other than by trying to let themselves in when the tenant hasn't permitted it...).

A friend of mine changed the locks, but changes them back any time someone is going to come over. So far, it is working as a strategy. The EAs etc. will use their own key to enter if he doesn't open the door quickly enough, but with the old locks changed back, they don't notice that anything is up. Most of the time, the new locks are in, and he feels more secure. These are standard cylinder locks, and they can be changed very easily and quickly. 

BikingBud

MikeyPGT said:

I note several comments suggest you change the locks, I'd be interested to know how that would pan out.  My tenancy agreement forbids me from having new keys cut so would be very doubtful if changing the locks and not  letting the landlord have the new key would be acceptable behaviour from a tenant ...

Not having new keys cut is to limit the risk of previous tenants retaining keys at end of tenancy period. 

But if you change the locks you have not had new keys cut.

marcia_

Not being sensitive first thing I did when I was renting was change the locks on a new tenancy. Keep the old locks safe in case the landlord wants to keep them. 

RHemmings

When I rented, I never changed the locks. In hindsight, I wish I had. Who knows who had keys? Though, I can't think of anything particularly bad happening. I don't remember seeing a clause in a contract not to cut keys, but such would have been impossible. It was always necessary to cut new keys to make sure that there were enough for everyone that needed keys to the house. I always returned all keys that we had, which sometimes was quite a lot.