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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To refuse landlord inspection?

90 replies

purplefox · 27/10/2016 13:55

I've just been emailed by my landlord saying he wants to come and inspect my flat at 7pm tonight, giving 6 hours notice, not the 48 hours notice which is required. This isn't the first time they haven't given the required notice to visit and its really starting to piss me off that I'm supposed to drop everything and change my plans at a moments notice, especially as I have anxiety re. anyone being in my flat.

OP posts:
YelloDraw · 27/10/2016 13:57

"sorry, tonight doesn't work. How about Monday at 18.00?"

ThatIsNachoCheese · 27/10/2016 13:57

Yanbu.
All you need to say is this evening isn't convenient for you and suggest another time.

sooperdooper · 27/10/2016 13:58

Say no, remind them it's 48hrs minimum and suggest a time that works for you

MrsMozart · 27/10/2016 13:58

Ditto YelloDraw.

InfiniteSheldon · 27/10/2016 13:58

Unless you're growing cannabis he won't care just wants to check that everything is ok. Personally I'd prepare a quick list of things I'd liked fixed and have the kettle on.

myownprivateidaho · 27/10/2016 13:58

Depends, how long have you been in the flat for? What's your notice period? Legally it's fine to refuse (I don't think you even have to agree to the inspections in your lease though I may be wrong on that) but pragmatically if you've been there under 6 months I think you might be in a vulnerable position in terms of him kicking you out. Maybe call the shelter helpline?

whifflesqueak · 27/10/2016 13:58

if it's not convenient for you, just say no. perhaps suggest some times/dates that would suit you.

SuburbanRhonda · 27/10/2016 13:59

I think it's 24 hours, not 48, but definitely not 6. You don't have to agree, especially if you would have to change your plans.

However you are going to have to allow it at some point, regardless of your anxiety, as your LL has a legal right to inspect the property. Could you reschedule at a time that's convenient for you and ask a friend to be there with you?

Wolfiefan · 27/10/2016 14:00

Explain you have plans and that it would be helpful to have the 48 hours notice stated in the contract.
It's not actually your flat though and they are entitled to do inspections. I wouldn't want to piss off a landlord and would comply whenever I could.

PinkSwimGoggles · 27/10/2016 14:00

if it's not convenient call them to reschedule.
you do not have to allow inspections at all but it would be unwise to totally decline, after all it's for your benefit as much as the landlord.

PinkSwimGoggles · 27/10/2016 14:01

However you are going to have to allow it at some point, regardless of your anxiety, as your LL has a legal right to inspect the property.

no they don't.

SooWrites · 27/10/2016 14:03

It's not actually your flat though and they are entitled to do inspections. I wouldn't want to piss off a landlord and would comply whenever I could.

This isn't correct. While OP might not own the flat it is her home while she is renting it. The LL is entitled to request inspections and OP is legally entitled to tell him to go fuck himself.

He can only demand access in emergency situations such as gas leak, fire etc.

Obviously he can also serve her notice to quit at the end of the contract so pissing him off isn't a good idea.

OP I would just request another date that suits you.

Floggingmolly · 27/10/2016 14:04

Call the shelter helpline??? Seriously? You're going to have to find a way of dealing with anxiety at people being in your flat, op, because it actually belongs to the landlord and they're fully entitled to do the inspections. Would more notice really make it any easier for you?

lazymongoose · 27/10/2016 14:07

Just say 'no sorry tonight isn't convenient how about (date/time)' I'd be most annoyed with a landlord asking to view at 7pm the same day especially as that's my toddlers bed time!

SuburbanRhonda · 27/10/2016 14:07

A LL has three primary rights of entry to their property. One of these is to inspect the property, though 24 hours' notice must be given.

Toolateagain · 27/10/2016 14:09

If you have anxiety about it, it may be better to just get it over with now rather than delay it and spend days worrying about it.

Original poster
purplefox · 27/10/2016 14:09

I've been here for 3 years now, notice period is 3 months.

I've had 2 other inspections however these have all had over a weeks notice and I've been able to use that time to mentally prepare myself, the other instances where he's just turned up with less than a days notice have been far more difficult and right now my anxiety is going through a bad patch.

The actual inspection isn't the problem, it's the lack of notice.

OP posts:
lalalalyra · 27/10/2016 14:13

Tell him it doesn't suit you. He might be the LL but you pay for quiet enjoyment of your home. I'm a LL and 6 hours notice is absolutely taking the piss.

Tell him it's not convenient and suggest a time that is.

SuburbanRhonda · 27/10/2016 14:16

So if it's not the inspection that's the problem, just say it's not convenient and reschedule.

ThereIsNoSuchThingAsRoadTax · 27/10/2016 14:17

SuburbanRhonda the LL does has a right to access the property to inspect it, but they must give at least 24 hours written notice. The tenant can insist that the inspection takes place with them present, or they can refuse access. If they refuse access, the LL does not have the right to access the property. Of course, it would be silly to refuse access. If the time given is inconvenient, OP should just says so and arrange a mutually convenient time.

HanYOLO · 27/10/2016 14:18

Well you are within your rights to ask for proper notice, but does that not maybe prolong the agony?

I would personally find the refusing, to-ing and fro-ing and the waiting more problematic (also anxiety sufferer)

If you can be there at the time and you're not actually running a cattery from the premises and haven't trashed it I think I'd just do it whilst politely reminding the landlord about the notice period usually required.

Is landlord a pleasant individual, a human?

carmenta · 27/10/2016 14:19

Just say it's not convenient and arrange a suitable time that works for both of you. You don't have to agree to whatever time they ask for.

I've refused entry to agents before because they were late turning up to a scheduled inspection and our baby was asleep. It's your home and you have a right to quiet enjoyment of it.

myownprivateidaho · 27/10/2016 14:20

You're going to have to find a way of dealing with anxiety at people being in your flat, op, because it actually belongs to the landlord and they're fully entitled to do the inspections.

No, I think that as PPs have said, it's not that simple. However, asking the internet about a legal problem isn't necessarily the best idea so given that there is a free source of legal information on housing issues in the form of the shelter website/helpline, I think the OP would be wise to make use of this. For example, she may be within her legal rights to refuse inspection altogether, but shelter may advise that this would give grounds for ending the tenancy.

Scrumptiousbears · 27/10/2016 14:22

I think you are over thinking this OP. You say the LL in the past has given you over a weeks notice. Just mail back and say it's not convenient. Simples.

Sparklesilverglitter · 27/10/2016 14:24

It's no big problem.

Reply with something like "unfortunately I will be out this evening but would be available Friday/Monday"

I am landlady and I have done inspections at short notice before if I've been in the area and my tenants is fine with it but if they are not it's no big deal I am happy to go another day.