Entering rented property (just because you have a key)

ReadySteadyPop

_Penny_Dreadful said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

Kittenplump_2 said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

Kittenplump_2 said:

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. 

They are fitting smoke alarms which could save your life, and also oiling a garage door which they probably don`t need to do, and it is probably illegal for you to be in the flat/house without compliant smoke detectors anyway? I would let this one go TBH.

At what point did I have an issue then doing the smoke alarms?! In fact the alarms were out of date as of Jan 2025 this was highlighted in the inventory check in.. My point is the communication that it was were are coming round and when i asked what time in told and then they stated they have a key anyway. It’s not an issue them doing what they need! It’s the fact we are renting and key or not they can’t just think it’s ok to enter regardless! 

Yes, there is the hint of "we will just come in when we like", maybe, you would need other examples though I think to claim a pattern. All landlords will retain a key for their property in case of emergency, what works is politely telling them that you will move out if they access when not invited, most landlords will get focussed at that point as voids can be so expensive nowadays.

The OP has been in the property for a week so that would be an empty threat. Also, the landlord isn’t a vampire, they don’t need to be invited into the property. 

Demand is outstripping supply in many parts of the UK just now so most landlords aren’t worried about voids. 

https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/rental-market/rental-market-showing-clear-signs-of-softening/

"void periods are at their highest since 2021 and confirmed rents are meaningfully undercutting advertised prices."

If a landlord is annoying  you can give a month`s notice, do you think the landlord wants an empty flat after two months just because they can`t accept tenancy rules? I can`t remember the last time I saw so many To Let signs actually, must be a couple of decades at least, something is definitely shifting, the landlord doesn`t hold the cards you would like to have us think they hold.

Also remember that a lot of fixed rates are coming to an end, lot`s of landlords are going to be struggling, not wise to lose a good tenant over needing to be in the flat even although it is let out.

"the average rent per property during the last quarter of 2024 could be up to 24% lower than advertised in London and 20% lower outside it."

sheramber

BikingBud said:

_Penny_Dreadful said:

Kittenplump_2 said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

Kittenplump_2 said:

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. 

They are fitting smoke alarms which could save your life, and also oiling a garage door which they probably don`t need to do, and it is probably illegal for you to be in the flat/house without compliant smoke detectors anyway? I would let this one go TBH.

At what point did I have an issue then doing the smoke alarms?! In fact the alarms were out of date as of Jan 2025 this was highlighted in the inventory check in.. My point is the communication that it was were are coming round and when i asked what time in told and then they stated they have a key anyway. It’s not an issue them doing what they need! It’s the fact we are renting and key or not they can’t just think it’s ok to enter regardless! 

I think you’re getting bent out of shape over nothing. The way I read the LL’s message is that someone in your household doesn’t need to hang around for hours waiting for someone to arrive because the landlord can arrange their own access to the property. 

And I think that is the point that most are missing the LL seems to feel it is OK to enter when the tenant is not present.

An active and competent landlord would have changed the smoke alarms in Dec or Jan and at the very latest before the new tenant took over the property. The fact that they were not and had to be prompted indicates the LL is not on top of these things.

If they do not keep in top of periodic maintenance without prompting and feel they can swan in as they fancy I would be concerned, you might call it bent out of shape but I would call it reasonable concern.

I asked earlier how many would trust trades to be in their house when not present but got no responses.

I have done so when getting a new bathroom fitted. They have access to each day for a week when we were at work k.

My son went  on holiday for a week  while  a new kitchen was fitted. 

  New windows  and doors fitted while Everybody out at work each day. 

My dog walker has access when I am not in. 

KxMx

I moved out very happily when my kitchen was done last year! 

ReadySteadyPop

KxMx said:

I moved out very happily when my kitchen was done last year! 

Did the landlord pay for a hotel?

KxMx

No, having lived through renovations not that many years ago at previous address, I wasn't going to put myself through that again, and happily moved out at my expense. 

MysteryMe

If I have met the tradesman previously I don't have an issue with them working on my house if I am not in, I've got better things to do with my life then babysitting them. In the last year I have had flooring, double glazing, kitchen and painting all done when I have not been present all the time. I make sure I am present at the beginning and end. I did still live at home during the kitchen refit, it was challenging but it was just me so could cope with basically a microwave and kettle.

_Penny_Dreadful

ReadySteadyPop said:

_Penny_Dreadful said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

Kittenplump_2 said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

Kittenplump_2 said:

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. 

They are fitting smoke alarms which could save your life, and also oiling a garage door which they probably don`t need to do, and it is probably illegal for you to be in the flat/house without compliant smoke detectors anyway? I would let this one go TBH.

At what point did I have an issue then doing the smoke alarms?! In fact the alarms were out of date as of Jan 2025 this was highlighted in the inventory check in.. My point is the communication that it was were are coming round and when i asked what time in told and then they stated they have a key anyway. It’s not an issue them doing what they need! It’s the fact we are renting and key or not they can’t just think it’s ok to enter regardless! 

Yes, there is the hint of "we will just come in when we like", maybe, you would need other examples though I think to claim a pattern. All landlords will retain a key for their property in case of emergency, what works is politely telling them that you will move out if they access when not invited, most landlords will get focussed at that point as voids can be so expensive nowadays.

The OP has been in the property for a week so that would be an empty threat. Also, the landlord isn’t a vampire, they don’t need to be invited into the property. 

Demand is outstripping supply in many parts of the UK just now so most landlords aren’t worried about voids. 

https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/rental-market/rental-market-showing-clear-signs-of-softening/

"void periods are at their highest since 2021 and confirmed rents are meaningfully undercutting advertised prices."

If a landlord is annoying  you can give a month`s notice, do you think the landlord wants an empty flat after two months just because they can`t accept tenancy rules? I can`t remember the last time I saw so many To Let signs actually, must be a couple of decades at least, something is definitely shifting, the landlord doesn`t hold the cards you would like to have us think they hold.

Also remember that a lot of fixed rates are coming to an end, lot`s of landlords are going to be struggling, not wise to lose a good tenant over needing to be in the flat even although it is let out.

"the average rent per property during the last quarter of 2024 could be up to 24% lower than advertised in London and 20% lower outside it."

Lies, damn lies and statistics.  The article says the average void has increased from 21 day to 24 days which is nothing in the years you'll end up letting the property.  I can tell you from personal experience that I was inundated with applications for one of my rentals that became available in May.  I wasn't worried about the void period at all.  Voids are an opportune time to go in to the property to get any maintenance sorted and to freshen up the décor between tenancies.

Overall rents are up.  The rate at which rents are increasing might be slowing down but the upward trajectory continues.  Not every landlord is mortgaged up to the hilt you know.  

If the landlord is annoying you can't give a month's notice to move out especially if you're right at the start of a fixed term AST.  I'm assuming that as the OP only moved in the other week they've got the best part of at least 6 months still to go on that fixed term.

WIAWSNB

Hi Kitten.

I think, as said by others, that the LL's comment could be interpreted at least two ways, and it was as likely to have been intended as helpful, as it was presumptuous. You said your son could meet them there, and they were possibly suggesting, "It's ok - don't inconvenience yourself".

Until you know, I'd suggest not rocking the seemingly calm boat. "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."

That sounds pretty positive. It also suggests that, if anything else son-fixable needs doing, they should be more flexible about timings than many tradesfolk would be. 

No, they shouldn't just be letting themselves into your home without a valid reason, and that is usually an 'emergency', which this isn't. So, if something like this happens again, and neither you nor your son can be there on their suggested day and time, but they still suggest they will attend without you, then you can make your position clear - as you are entitled to. Just tell them you are uncomfortable with someone being in your home when you are not there too - full stop. 

So, no, you are not in the wrong here, and they should be fully considerate of your wishes. If, however, your timing restrictions begin to make repairs awkward, they wouldn't be in the wrong to feel annoyed too.

I wouldn't change the locks without asking/telling (depending on T&Cs) first, and giving them a copy - emergencies still apply. 

Meanwhile, why not get one of these, and set it up discretely to cover the hallway or similar: https://ebay.us/m/qItPoH ? Stick an SD card in there, and it'll record a couple of weeks on loop, and can also notify you of any persons or movement.

newsgroupmonkey_

_Penny_Dreadful said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

_Penny_Dreadful said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

Kittenplump_2 said:

ReadySteadyPop said:

Kittenplump_2 said:

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. 

They are fitting smoke alarms which could save your life, and also oiling a garage door which they probably don`t need to do, and it is probably illegal for you to be in the flat/house without compliant smoke detectors anyway? I would let this one go TBH.

At what point did I have an issue then doing the smoke alarms?! In fact the alarms were out of date as of Jan 2025 this was highlighted in the inventory check in.. My point is the communication that it was were are coming round and when i asked what time in told and then they stated they have a key anyway. It’s not an issue them doing what they need! It’s the fact we are renting and key or not they can’t just think it’s ok to enter regardless! 

Yes, there is the hint of "we will just come in when we like", maybe, you would need other examples though I think to claim a pattern. All landlords will retain a key for their property in case of emergency, what works is politely telling them that you will move out if they access when not invited, most landlords will get focussed at that point as voids can be so expensive nowadays.

The OP has been in the property for a week so that would be an empty threat. Also, the landlord isn’t a vampire, they don’t need to be invited into the property. 

Demand is outstripping supply in many parts of the UK just now so most landlords aren’t worried about voids. 

https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/rental-market/rental-market-showing-clear-signs-of-softening/

"void periods are at their highest since 2021 and confirmed rents are meaningfully undercutting advertised prices."

If a landlord is annoying  you can give a month`s notice, do you think the landlord wants an empty flat after two months just because they can`t accept tenancy rules? I can`t remember the last time I saw so many To Let signs actually, must be a couple of decades at least, something is definitely shifting, the landlord doesn`t hold the cards you would like to have us think they hold.

Also remember that a lot of fixed rates are coming to an end, lot`s of landlords are going to be struggling, not wise to lose a good tenant over needing to be in the flat even although it is let out.

"the average rent per property during the last quarter of 2024 could be up to 24% lower than advertised in London and 20% lower outside it."

Lies, damn lies and statistics.  The article says the average void has increased from 21 day to 24 days which is nothing in the years you'll end up letting the property.  I can tell you from personal experience that I was inundated with applications for one of my rentals that became available in May.  I wasn't worried about the void period at all.  Voids are an opportune time to go in to the property to get any maintenance sorted and to freshen up the décor between tenancies.

Overall rents are up.  The rate at which rents are increasing might be slowing down but the upward trajectory continues.  Not every landlord is mortgaged up to the hilt you know.  

If the landlord is annoying you can't give a month's notice to move out especially if you're right at the start of a fixed term AST.  I'm assuming that as the OP only moved in the other week they've got the best part of at least 6 months still to go on that fixed term.

To add to this, my Mum, who has a number of properties, always has around 30 days void between each tenancy.
She generally has long-term tenants, so the property will get a refresh in between.

Her Lettings Agency is inundated every time she puts one up for rent.

But then again, she's just sold one of her properties and that went for nearly 10% over asking price within a week of being on the market, so Crashy really won't like that.

Marvel1

HillStreetBlues said:

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.

And says replacement needed January 2025.