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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

House for sale - viewings AIBU?

48 replies

KinkyAfro · 02/03/2016 18:32

We privately rent and after 3.5 years in this house, LL is selling up and moving darn saaaarf. Estate agent phoned today to say they've arranged for a viewing at 3pm tomorrow and are we ok to let them in. He seemed very surprised when I informed him that we wouldn't be taking time off to be in for all viewings. AIBU?

OP posts:
Collaborate · 02/03/2016 18:35

No.

Happy to help.

MatildaTheCat · 02/03/2016 18:35

No, of course not. Does he realise you are the tenant not the owner?

He's just try it in to get out of doing the viewings himself.

Roseberrry · 02/03/2016 18:37

Er why would he want you to do the viewings? It's not your house to sell!

Tell him you will do it for £5 per viewing Wink

DPotter · 02/03/2016 18:37

He's being paid - you're not ! So no - YANBU. Don't get suckered into evenings / weekend viewings either for the estate agents - let them do them.

DPotter · 02/03/2016 18:38

Only a fiver Roseberry - £50 surely!

sooperdooper · 02/03/2016 18:38

How bloody ridiculous, no the EA should do the viewings and give you a decent amount of notice too

Original poster
KinkyAfro · 02/03/2016 18:39

Oh EA coming along too but apparently they don't have a key. Have left message for LL, telling him I'm not taking time off for viewings, it's his job. Not had a response yet but the EA needs him to drop keys off otherwise they are screwed. They cant have my keys and DP is working away

OP posts:
madmother1 · 02/03/2016 18:40

I didn't do any viewings at all in the past and I owned the house. The estate agents can be given the keys and as long as they check it's ok with you that it's convenient then that's fine.

maybebabybee · 02/03/2016 18:41

IME estate agents have got no respect whatsoever for tenants. Our flat is currently being relet and despite me being about to give birth any moment and me saying specifically I need 24 hours notice for viewings and want them at set times they still try it on.

SmellySourdough · 02/03/2016 18:46

the agent should do the viewings but you should be there to make sure the viewers don't steal supervise.

you don't have to allow viewings at all if you don't want to.

RedRainRocks · 02/03/2016 18:52

According to the Housing Act 1988, the landlord is obligated to provide tenants with at least 24 hours’ notice before entering the property unless there is an emergency, ie: a gas leak for example.

Are they selling the property as tenanted or have they given you notice? There is legislation around who they are allowed to bring with them - other people - so if they are not selling it with you as tenants and haven't yet given notice, you may actually be able to refuse full stop if they are being unreasonable, but that could just end up with notice being served anyway.

You do not have to do the viewings.

Original poster
KinkyAfro · 02/03/2016 18:52

It's impossible to be here. I leave for work at 5.30 and don't get home until 20.00, DP works away Monday-Friday. I'm happy for the EA to do it alone, if the LL isn't happy then he needs to sort something out.

OP posts:
hereiamagain22 · 02/03/2016 18:53

YABU. Of course you won't take time off work for someone else's benefit, EA has a bloody cheek even asking.

You are aware that you don't have to allow any viewings whatsoever while you are still the tenant?

Original poster
KinkyAfro · 02/03/2016 18:54

Not, not selling as tenanted. Again, I have no issues them doing without us, they said they'd have to check with LL as he said we'd be there

OP posts:
Original poster
KinkyAfro · 02/03/2016 18:55

*doing viewings without us

OP posts:
19lottie82 · 02/03/2016 18:55

You don't need to allow viewings AT ALL if you don't want to.

I certainly wouldn't be allowing people in when I wasn't there.

If you want to be cooperative I'd specify one or two set time frames a week where you will allow viewings when you're present. If the LL / EA tries to argue just remind them that legally, you don't have to allow any viewings. They may claim this is incorrect, it's not.

PosieReturningParker · 02/03/2016 18:55

This sale should in no way inconvenience you and you shouldn't have to do anything AT ALL toward it.

MyLocal · 02/03/2016 18:56

so not only is the EA being lazy but so is the LL. Tell the LL NO you WONT be there.

Original poster
KinkyAfro · 02/03/2016 18:59

Have told LL Smile I've not got a problem with them doing it without us there. All valuables are looked away, hopefully EA will notice if they try to walk out with the telly

OP posts:
seafoodeatit · 02/03/2016 19:02

YANBU, you're not there to do their jobs for them! we had a similar problem in the past but our estate agents kept "forgetting" to let us know they were going to be showing people around and would just show up and let themselves in until we pointed out that it's illegal.

PovertyPain · 02/03/2016 19:04

Just be careful if the owner gives them the key. They could end up doing the viewings while you're at work, without informing you, if they know your shifts. Make sure there are no valuables lieing about as things have been know to go missing during viewings.

greathat · 02/03/2016 19:14

I was in a rented flat once, was off sick after having been throwing up all night. Lying in bed with a bowl and heard my front door open. Was agent showing people round! No idea how many times it had happened while I was at work!

Phalenopsisgirl · 02/03/2016 19:14

I think you are being very reasonable and sensible, no benefit would come from annoying ll by being as difficult as poss but you shouldn't be inconvenienced. A better idea would be to arrange a couple of open house dates so you can relax in between and not have to keep everything pristine 24/7

cansu · 02/03/2016 19:22

Op does not have to keep everything pristine anyway. It is not her house.

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 02/03/2016 19:25

I wouldn't put myself out at all. Definitely no extra cleaning/tidying. If LL wants house immaculate for viewings they can wait until after you've moved. EA is taking the piss.