House in Disrepair Update: Landlord now Selling

solventblackbird

The roofer came on the sunday, refused to go into the attic because the hatch was too small, but worked for about an hour. We have had rain but it hasn't leaked, so I think - finally, he might have caught it.

Was on the internet this morning though, and I saw my house listed on Rightmove!

I rang the agent and asked them, they said it was an old instruction and the house was not up for sale. The photographs show a vase that I only put on my windowsill last week, so I know this isn't true.

I am safe until the end of my contract, when I was thinking about moving anyway. And the house is stupidly overpriced considering it needs redecoration, no double glazing and the state of the market at the moment. Last house to sell on this street went for 15K less than the asking for this one.

What I want to know is, is there any legal obligation for me to let agents in to show people around? I really don't like the idea of doing that and would prefer them to do it after I was gone. Which isn't until June. I have a feeling the agents let themselves into the house to measure up etc while I was on a recent holiday, when the agency knew I was going to be away. I can't prove this, but I'm nervous about the possibility now.

Thanks

zebulon

solventblackbird wrote: »

What I want to know is, is there any legal obligation for me to let agents in to show people around?

No

solventblackbird wrote: »

I have a feeling the agents let themselves into the house to measure up etc while I was on a recent holiday, when the agency knew I was going to be away. I can't prove this, but I'm nervous about the possibility now.

ouh...naughty agents!
some people might be able to give you more info about changing the locks - I think you're allowed to do that providing you keep the old one and put it back at the end...something like that...

Lavendyr

solventblackbird wrote: »

I rang the agent and asked them, they said it was an old instruction and the house was not up for sale. The photographs show a vase that I only put on my windowsill last week, so I know this isn't true.

Take a copy of the picture/screenshot it and challenge them on it, see what they say. Shocking behaviour on their part.

bryanb

Was it a photo from outside?

clutton_2

you do NOT have to let anyone into the property unless you choose to.

get a friend to phone the agent asking to buy a house like yours and see if they arrange a viewing - then you WILL know for sure if it is for sale.

Gorgeous_George

What did you agree in the tenancy agreement?

GG

hjb123

Where did they get the picture from? Did they take inside views or is there just external photos

moneysavinmonkey

might be worth getting friend to call the estate agency and make an enquiry - see what details the agents gives out - ie whether it is still on the market, new to the market? is the fact it is tenanted mentioned? etc.

dad-of-4

do you have a link to your orignal thread about the disrepare?

solventblackbird

Thanks for all the advice. I called the agent again and pointed out the facts of the photograph, and rang the estate agent who were quite willing to make me an appointment to look around the house. I asked if they wanted to check the time was convenient with the current occupier, and they said that wasn't a problem.

I then phoned the agent back again and let him know this. I also let him know I would be bolting the front door from now on so no-one could come into the house while I was out, and that the house was unavailable for viewings until I moved out at the end of my contract.#

He was a bit annoyed at this, and said the landlord only wanted the house valued, not put on the market. I said this was rubbish, reminded him that I had phoned the agents, and that I was acting well within my rights. I also said if there was any evidence anyone had entered the house during my absence I would be reporting it to the police as a break-in.

I also said I would be willing to end the contract early if they covered my deposit on the new house and my moving costs. I know it isn't likely, but you never know.

Thanks so much for your help and replies - sorry I couldn't answer back sooner, I've been at work.

clutton_2

Well done u for standing up for your rights - i do hope it all goes well - just make sure you take dozens of photographs when you leave as the LL may now try to with-hold your deposit .....