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Original poster

Tenants dont want to allow access for viewings

138 replies

Newhouse76 · 19/05/2020 18:14

Im not sure how best to deal with this. My lovely tenants are moving out of my rental flat in July and I would like to advertise this through the agent to relet it.

The tenants are not happy for the agent to visit the property to take photographs for the website, or to allow any viewings. They have askes that the agent confirms that they will not enter the property.

I dont want to be insensitive however I cant afford to wait for them to leave before I put the flat up for rent.
They really have been lovely and accommodating tenants and they have sent me a lovely note though.
Any ideas how to deal with this tactfully?

OP posts:
Muppetry76 · 19/05/2020 18:42

Are you in England? If so They have the legal right to refuse viewings, regardless of what your tenancy agreement or agent says. They’re entitled to “quiet enjoyment” of the property, and don’t have to allow you or the agent in at all.

This. Trumps whatever is in your tenancy agreement. Plus, y'know, there's this bug going round...

Being a landlord has its downsides. This is one of them. If there is a good relationship between landlord and Tennant, they might be more inclined to help you out. More so for someone selling their house willing to let an agent in to take pictures. But tenants, nope. YABU.

rossKemp · 19/05/2020 18:43

Thanks all - I have checked the tenancy agreement and it does allow access if 24 hours notice is provided. I understand their concerns however would prefer some professional photos to be taken

Unfortunately for you OP mid pandemic your contract will be trumped by govt advice

ClaraEccles · 19/05/2020 18:44

Another Landlord here.

Your agreement means nothing I’m afraid. It doesn’t/you can’t override the law.

They don’t have to let anyone in (in these circumstances)

You can’t make them.

Simples.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Property
BestOption · 19/05/2020 18:44

You can't opt out of the law with your tenancy agreement. The LAW says they don't have give you access.

would prefer some professional photos to be taken

It's not a professional taking them! Trust me.

ChandlerIsTheBestFriend · 19/05/2020 18:44

I cant afford to wait for them to leave before I put the flat up for rent.

Then you can’t afford to be a landlord. You must allow for void periods between tenants. That’s page one. If you don’t know that you have no business being a landlord.

ClaraEccles · 19/05/2020 18:44

Unfortunately for you OP mid pandemic your contract will be trumped by govt advice

Regardless of pandemic... the contract contradicts the law.

The law wins.

Original poster
Newhouse76 · 19/05/2020 18:46

Honestly the messages i am receiving are vile. I make no profit and actually lose 500 pounds a month on this flat. I rent elsewhere as i needed to move for work.
Its all very well assuming im a professional landlord however im a single parent who cannot afford for the flat to be empty for too long

OP posts:
DifficultPifcultLemonDifficult · 19/05/2020 18:46

Would you be happy to expose yourself to the risk of strangers traipsing about your house and you possibly catching the virus, or is that risk just for your tenants?

Everyone is having to make compromises and adjustments right now, and if they are usually good, accommodating tenants then you should really be more understanding. They are people, not pound signs.

Curious78 · 19/05/2020 18:47

I have seen a number of properties marketed as 'online viewing' only OP if that helps

Soontobe60 · 19/05/2020 18:47

Do you not have photos of the property? If not, ask tenants if they’re able to take some for you. I too wouldn’t let you in!!’

AnyFucker · 19/05/2020 18:47

The last property I marketed I took my own photos on my mobile phone. They were far better than the previous "professional" lot

I went in the day the previous tenants moved out (who were great and had left the place spotless) and took pics. Uploaded online and had a signed tenancy agreement within days.

ClaraEccles · 19/05/2020 18:47

im a single parent who cannot afford for the flat to be empty for too long

I understand, but the law on this is clear - and your contract can’t override it.

DameXanaduBramble · 19/05/2020 18:48

Not their problem, op. You still can’t demand anything.

AnyFucker · 19/05/2020 18:48

Vile ? Oh deary me. Smile

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 19/05/2020 18:48

People REALLY aren't getting this coronavirus thing, are they?

So glad I don't rent. It's an abomination. LL should have to sign on to a register.

DameXanaduBramble · 19/05/2020 18:49

Can’t see where anyone has been vile

AnyFucker · 19/05/2020 18:49

Do you live nearby, op ?

Thescrewinthetuna · 19/05/2020 18:50

It doesn’t matter what your circumstances are, your contract can not override the law so there’s nothing you can do. You asked, they said no.

Tinkletwat · 19/05/2020 18:50

The replies aren't vile, they're just not what you want to hear. How would you feel if your landlord was doing this to you?

nocoolnamesleft · 19/05/2020 18:51

There's this thing called a pandemic. Not surprised they don't want anyone in their home. And they're not obliged to let anyone. Ask them (nicely) if they can take some pictures.

creaturcomforts · 19/05/2020 18:51

I can tell you that as a current tenant, that when I agreed with my landlord to let estate agents access to take photos that they were in no way professional! I wouldn't let people in at the moment as it's mine and my daughter's health and I would not consider this unreasonable. Online viewings and previous suggestions about pictures from the tenants would work for both sides?

AnyFucker · 19/05/2020 18:51

If you live nearby, do it all yourself through OpenRent. I cannot recommend them enough. You will save a shitload of money.

Idododoidadada · 19/05/2020 18:52

Use the photos from the last listing?

Regardless of pandemic... the contract contradicts the law
The law wins

If it can’t be enforced that shielding tenants let gas engineers in for gas safety certificates I hardly think op would be able to force an estate agent coming in to take a few photographs Hmm

Op if you don’t have photos from the last listing just get them to tidy up and take some decent ones for you.

ChandlerIsTheBestFriend · 19/05/2020 18:52

Honestly the messages i am receiving are vile.

Report any vile messages to MN and they’ll delete them.

I make no profit and actually lose 500 pounds a month on this flat.

So you have no money to make repairs??? What happens if the boiler goes bang? How will you fulfil your obligations as a landlord to provide your tenants with the services they are paying for?

You absolutely should not be a landlord. Sell the property.

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 19/05/2020 18:53

Given that they have refused, and that it is their legal right to do so, I honestly think you will need to decide what is the next, best option, @Newhouse76 - some good suggestions here we’re asking the tenants to do a video tour and photos, and to ask if they would consider Zoom/Skype viewings.

Yes, the photos/video will not be of professional standard, but I am sure that most house hunters will understand why you haven’t been able to get professional pictures taken, and anyone sensible will be able to see past less-than-perfect photos.

It isn’t the best option for you, I understand that - but it would allow you to start marketing the flat before the tenants move out.