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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To refuse access

109 replies

OurMiracle1106 · 17/08/2017 15:30

My landlord called at 2pm today to gain access to the property in order to fit a fire alarm (first we've heard of it) and wanted to visit the property this afternoon or at 9am tomorrow.

Firstly we all work. I'm currently on leave as I'm term time only but they require access to all of our rooms (I flatshare) and secondly I have plans today and am actually out of London visiting a friend tomorrow.

I told them it wasn't possible so they asked if they could enter without myself present which I denied

They have stated they may need to access the property regardless to not having consent as they are facing a £5000 fine if it is not done and will be delivering letters today

However I've stated I do not want them present in my room and 9am tomorrow is not in my opinion "reasonable notice"

Aibu to refuse?

OP posts:
WhereWhyWhat · 17/08/2017 15:32

They're trying to fit a fire alarm in a dwelling in which you reside and in which I presume therefore there is currently no fire alarm.

YABU

DandySeaLioness · 17/08/2017 15:32

They have to give you 24hrs notice.
www.gov.uk/renting-out-a-property/making-repairs

PinkHeart5911 · 17/08/2017 15:33

Do you have a fire alarm currently? I think it's very important to have a working fire alarm so I would only refuse if you don't currently have one in working order.

If you have one that is working fine ( you can test it) then I'd arrange for when I didn't have plans.

Shoxfordian · 17/08/2017 15:34

Yeah you're being unreasonable

Why can't you let them in when you're not there?

MumIsRunningAMarathon · 17/08/2017 15:35

You are being stupid

DopeyDazy · 17/08/2017 15:38

We just write to tenant giving them a date work is to be done and advising them engineer will have key if they do not wish to be there . Tomorrow would not be enough notice imo for you to make arrangements

Original poster
OurMiracle1106 · 17/08/2017 15:38

We currently have 3 fire alarms in the communal areas. And I am happy to allow them to access the property but at a time where I can be present.

Seeing as they have been served a notice of impending fine they would have been given reasonable notice so why are they expecting to be able to fit it today?

OP posts:
Tiptoethr0ughthetulips · 17/08/2017 15:39

YABU

Original poster
OurMiracle1106 · 17/08/2017 15:39

And I would rather no one be in my room when I'm not there. My underwear is drying the letting agents are never present they just give the builders etc the keys, they have no idea of their history. I have medications and confidential stuff in my room and my underwear drying

OP posts:
Threenme · 17/08/2017 15:39

I'd just let them come tbh then it's done! It's just a pain having to tidy every room if they need access to them all instead of dumping all the crap in one room until they goneGrin (just me)?[grinBlush

PigletWasPoohsFriend · 17/08/2017 15:41

Sorry but yes YABU

Threenme · 17/08/2017 15:41

Op you could just put your underwear away

Original poster
OurMiracle1106 · 17/08/2017 15:41

I said I am happy to be present over weekend and on Monday. So I haven't said they can't do it just not today or tomorrow.

OP posts:
Alpacaandgo · 17/08/2017 15:41

They need to give you at least 24 hours notice. They cannot just enter unless there is an emergency of some kind. Fitting a fire alarm isn't an emergency. let them know when you are available and they can come then and fit it.

Original poster
OurMiracle1106 · 17/08/2017 15:41

And how can I put my underwear away when it's wet?

OP posts:
MumIsRunningAMarathon · 17/08/2017 15:41

Your excuse is you have underwear drying?!?

Original poster
OurMiracle1106 · 17/08/2017 15:41

And I'm not at home?

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 17/08/2017 15:42

I advise tenants (not the UK) and often say, "on't cut your nose off to spite your face". If they have been given a fine, clearly you dwelling isn't safe enough. I would want the work done more than I would want to make a point. A valid point absolutely. But one that leaves you without a fire alarm that is up to standard.

OfficerVanHalen · 17/08/2017 15:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

littlemisssweetness · 17/08/2017 15:45

Tbh I think you are, if theyre being threatened with fines it means your house isn't safe enough. Why you would to drag out living in an unsafe place?

dailydance · 17/08/2017 15:46

They have given you notice so can enter the property that they own after 2pm tomorrow.

Original poster
OurMiracle1106 · 17/08/2017 15:50

if they are being threatened with fines because it isn't safe enough Why hasn't it been dealt with in the last 4 years? And after 2pm is not 9am tomorrow morning

OP posts:
OfficerVanHalen · 17/08/2017 15:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
OurMiracle1106 · 17/08/2017 15:51

It is rented through an agency so they don't actually own it. I suspect it's in regards to new hmo regulations which came in in February (I know because I informed them of this) and therefore they have had 6 months to do the necessary measure

OP posts:
uglyswan · 17/08/2017 15:59

If the slot they've suggested doesn't work for you, just offer them another time. You don't have to waive your right to quiet enjoyment of your home because of their poor planning.