Can the letting agent enter my home whenever he likes, without notice?

[AcrobaticSunflower]

Hi there
Just wondering if anyone might know where I stand with all this legally.
To be as brief as possible: I have the most vile landlords. Renting a one-bed flat in London. I only agreed to the let because I was told the flat’s available long-term and as a mature woman with her own furniture and with health issues, I’m not looking to keep upping and moving every year. I’d been living here 3 days when the creepy letting agent called me to say he was bringing some people over that afternoon to view the flat as the landlord is “vaguely considering selling.” It turned out the flat was up for sale all along, even as I was signing the lease.
Since then letting agent has constantly been calling me to arrange to bring over various buyers to view the flat. When I explained I’m not willing to have people traipsing in and out of my flat when I’m not home the letting agent began using expletives and saying he has keys to my flat and will use them whenever he wants.
On 2 occasions now I’ve had people simply let themselves into my flat unannounced, having been given sets of keys by the letting agent. Once I was naked and in the shower.
The lease started out as a 12-month Assured Shorthand Tenancy, and then after a year it became a periodic month to month tenancy.
The landlord is aware of the situation. When I complained, the landlord sent me a Section 21, expiring 1st November.
I’ve given notice that I’m leaving on 20th October as I have a new, decent home to go to.


However, today I’ve had a Section 8 Notice To Quit served on me, claiming that in the past my rent has sometimes been paid late. The Notice states that I must leave in 2 weeks — ie by 25th September — or be taken to court for a possession order.

Given that I am already leaving on 20th October, how does this work? It seems likely that any court date would be listed AFTER 20th October when I’ve already gone?

Also the letting agent is STILL harassing me with viewings, refusing to take into account whether it’s a convenient time/day for me or not and just saying he has the legal right to enter my home using his own set of keys, without any notice, and whether I like it or not.

How can I make my last few weeks here bear-able and sane? What are my rights legally with regard to people just forcing their way in?

[dementedpixie]

I'm sure they cant just let themselves in and they have to give notice (and have it agreed by you)

[dementedpixie]

homelet.co.uk/landlord-insurance/tips/your-rights-for-inspecting-or-viewing-a-property-as-a-landlord

[lastqueenofscotland]

They can’t come in
Report them to the ombudsman

[MzHz]

Change the locks

Change them back when you leave

You do not have to allow them access at all for any reason, ever. Even if it says so in a contract.

For them to evict you due to rent arrears, iirc you have to be at least 2 months in arrears. By the sounds of it you aren’t

Go to CAB for advice, call shelter too and they will tell you all of the above.

Then put it in writing that if they continue their harassment of you, you will involve police and authorities

Is your deposit in a registered scheme?

You do not have to put up with any of the crap they’ve put you through

[ShellieEllie]

I'd call Shelter for advice

[johnd2]

Changing the locks would be a good start for peace of mind if you can afford it. And change back or give them the key when you leave

[dementedpixie]

When you are in, leave the door locked with the key in the lock slightly turned so it cant be pushed out

[TeacupDrama]

if you have not been in property for 6 months you can't be given section 21 notice unless it is effective after 6 months, you can't be given section 8 without being 2 months in arrears late is annoying but not arrears make sure you have proof of payment the court will laugh if conditions not met they are trying to frighten you
24 hours notice is required as a minimum but you can refuse suggest a more reasonable time ie only viewings between 10-12am on Saturday mornings
you should write and email stating quite clearly that under "quiet enjoyment you do not allow any viewings or visits and that no-one is to let themselves in while you are out
the landlord can only let themselves in; in an emergency ie flood, fire smell of gas or major structural damage such as roof fallen in
The law applies regardless of what is written in contract

[PigletJohn]

As well as changing the locks, print a notice saying "No admittance without prior written permission by the occupier" and blu-tak it to the door. If the door has a glass panel tak one to the inside. Print several as a crimal agent may rip them down.