to be absolutely fizzing with landlord

[lemondropcake]

For the past couple of days my landlord has said about getting someone to paint the outside of the house. Last night she said they would come today and could I just leave the back gate unbolted for them to come in and out of the garden. No problem.
Today they arrive at 7.30am and ask to come in to plug in machines and such. I said yes but I have to leave for work at 10.30am. They told me they will be there all day.
I texted my landlord and said my house will be open all day and I am not happy about leaving it unattended with complete strangers whilst I'm at work. I texted her hours ago and still haven't had a reply.
I've had to leave my house unattended, the door is literally open ajar for the cables and the workmen will be in and out all day. I do not feel happy about this at all but I am not long in a new job and don't want to phone in sick when the landlord could come round and lock up at the very least.

If I had known they would be in and out the house I would have declined and said someone has to be here. I work Mon - Fri so have very little time to be home but do not want workmen in my home when I am out.

She also texted me last night to say she had been round to cut down some bushes at the back of the house. Also when I was at work, without permission.

Why cant they work around your shifts.

Tbh I would have been suspicious if the LL said that they didn't need access & then they turned up saying that they did.

Why the sudden activity? Is the house going up for sale?

I'd imagine it's a paint sprayer. Also just bloody say no to Monday.

surely they can run a cable out of a nearly closed window not a wide open door?

Surely landlords and HAs need to stop operating like its still the 1970s and drag themselves into the 21st century Others have to work around a 24 hour society Why do they get to insist on a Monday to Friday work week

Eh? Where are all these builders who work evenings and weekends? Or boiler servicers? Or washing machine repairers? Whenever I need to get any tradesperson in, except in the case of emergency call-out, it's always Monday to Friday 8 to 5. What magic way do you think LLs have of getting around this?

Common law states a tenant has the right of "quiet enjoyment" which means the landlord is entitled to enter the property after giving notice (that will be in the lease) where there is no emergency. Not right to enter the house to make repairs unless notice given and will be responsible for damage to tenant's effects.
It is her problem if she wants work done where her workmen need access to the house -- she needs to sort times either convenient to you or when she can supervise the work herself.
Tell her she is not to give the keys to any other workmen after this work is completed unless you have expressly agreed and ask if she has insurance to cover any damage to or theft of your property.
If she wants to do work in the house that seriously inconveniences you ask for a reduction in the rent
Good luck

Diddl I'm wondering that too! For painting?

I would ask the LL to find a solution. She could come and be present herself. Or she could buy a very long extension cable to be threaded from an upstairs window. She will need to supply the workmen with a key to gain access to your garden but cannot reasonably expect you to be there to supervise and provide access.

Jus tell her. YANBU.

Depending on how long it would take to do the house, Op could probably plug in somewhere inaccessible, lock up & then unplug when she gets home.

Are outside sockets rare?

Yes Wally, I wondered if its going on the market

Your landlord is BU, YANBU.

No-one should expect someone to either go to work leaving their property unlocked and unattended or take a day off with no notice.

Landlords are allowed to carry out essential repairs and tenants have to allow them access for this eg gas leaks or floods. But repainting the front of the house is not an emergency and your landlord should have made sure well in advance that you or your dh could be there.

Cheeky bugger. Typical selfish and unthinking landlord, IME.

I'd be more worried about them having a key tbh and want reassurances that they took the key back again. Although, they could get a copy done.
The ll should be there if the workmen need access then there would be no need for extra keys.
It has been known for unscrupulous people to pose at workmen to gain access to peoples homes.

If theres no outside powerpoint just run one lead out a window. No need for them to access the house.
At worst lock all internal doors if they do have a house key.

Can you get a extension lead and put it through window so they can plug their equipment into it without coming into the house?

Personally I'd never let anyone enter my house that I didn't know. I think you need to be a bit more authoratitive with your landlord and with the painters.