Letting Agent

[coolestmum]

We are moving in 3 weeks and the letting agent has advertised the house to potential tenants and there is a viewing scheduled for saturday. Thing is the agent says they will let themselves in if I am not in as according to my contract I have to let them do the viewing by law.

The problem is my 12 year old daughter will be here alone and i'm not comfortable with her being here while strangers walk around the house. not to mention the problems with coronavirus. Am I within my rights to say they can't come and reschedule for a time when I can be here, does anyone know or has anyone experienced the same?

No they're talking bollocks. You don't actually have to allow viewings full stop but if you do, it should be pre-arranged at a time convenient to you.

What sister said. It doesn't matter if its in your contract. Its unenforceable. Look on Shelter for guidance.

you need to read your how to rent guide (on gov.uk) and quickly.

you also need to email the agent (given the short time) and tell them that contracts don't override law and they cannot enter without your permission. Also let the landlord know what they are playing at.

I’m an estate agent and our professional guide lines say that we have to do viewings to ensure PPE is being worn, clean down surfaces etc. Even if we are showing a house that the sellers are living in, they can’t do the viewings themselves, we have to do them and the sellers either go out or sit outside in the garden/the car etc.

And that’s before we get to the fact that if you refuse to give entry they are not entitled to come on anyway.

Tell them they can’t take entry and why (daughter home, Covid concerns). But also tell your daughter to keep the keys in the door, turned so it can’t be opened from the outside.

Thankyou all. I think I’ll contact them tomorrow and tell them I’ll need to reschedule.