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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:
Original poster
OurMiracle1106 · 17/08/2017 16:02

I have offered over the weekend or Monday i even offered after 5 but before 8 this evening? It was very much a "we want access now or at 9am tomorrow" which for me is pressuring me into allowing you into my property unaccompanied

OP posts:
Mummaofboys · 17/08/2017 16:03

I very much doubt they are going to have a nosy around your room, they just want to put a fire alarm in quick as possible and then get off to the next room. They want to add a fire alarm to make you safe, what's the problem?

Deathraystare · 17/08/2017 16:04

After what happend at Grenfall Tower I would have thought a fire alarm is a PRIORITY!!!!!!

SapphireStrange · 17/08/2017 16:09

Why is everyone being cats-bum-mouth about it when it's clear they need to give the OP 24 hours notice? Hmm

Of course YANBU, OP. And you're right; if they're at the point of having been served a notice of an impending fine, they've clearly known they needed to do this for a while and just haven't bothered.

NannyRed · 17/08/2017 16:10

Tidy your room, put confidential shit away out of sight, get fire alarm installed tomorrow and stop being a dick towards your landlord. If the was a fire tonight it's him not you that would be fined! Ps no one is interested in your knickers hanging over the radiator.

JustADadHere · 17/08/2017 16:11

They really don't even have to ask. As long as they give you 24 hours notice, they can come in as they please (as long as it is reasonable hours). They are asking out of politeness. Be a good tenant and allow them entry.

Original poster
OurMiracle1106 · 17/08/2017 16:12

And it's the agency that should have done it within the x number of days not left it til they have less than 24hours to get it done?
Surely if it was that important they should have arranged it before they are less than a day away from a fine?

OP posts:
Syc4moreTrees · 17/08/2017 16:13

Yes, they should give you 24 hours notice, but you're being contrary for the sake of it. How wet is your underwear that it'll take over 12 hours to dry?

It's great to have rights as a tenant, it's also great not to be burned alive because you have no smoke alarm.

MrsTerryPratchett · 17/08/2017 16:15

They absolutely should. But they didn't and now we're where we are. It if was me, I would write a letter stating that you are allowing access this time even though it is inconvenient and interferes with your quiet enjoyment. In future you expect at least 24 hours written notice.

kittybiscuits · 17/08/2017 16:18

I think there are an awful lot of people with rental properties on MN, hence the pitiful replies. You don't need to explain or excuse. You have rights as a tenant and they are acting in contravention of these. In view of the fact that it's a smoke alarm, I would suggest a couple of options that suit you for them to do the essential work.

Original poster
OurMiracle1106 · 17/08/2017 16:18

Thing is I am actually not in the area tomorrow as I booked to visit a friend 2.5hrs away so I am genuinely not able to be present. every other time I have rearranged to be present at the property or asked a friend but at this notice it isn't possible.

I've actually been at home 4 times in the last 2 weeks for their engineers to attend to fix a leak and feel they now expect I can be present

OP posts:
SunnySkiesSleepsintheMorning · 17/08/2017 16:19

In most circumstances, I'd say that you are right to refuse access but this is a fire alarm. It's for your safety. Just let them in but stand your ground if they try to again.

Original poster
OurMiracle1106 · 17/08/2017 16:19

I should add which also was done by phone call an hour or so before

OP posts:
NetMumsBastards · 17/08/2017 16:22

YANBU. They should give you 24 hour notice and arrange to come at a time convenient for you. It's not your fault they're lazy bastards who couldn't be arsed getting it sorted out in time to avoid a massive fine.

Totally understand you wanting to be there when they come around and you're well within your rights. Stick to your guns.

MrsTerryPratchett · 17/08/2017 16:23

I think there are an awful lot of people with rental properties on MN, hence the pitiful replies. That's totally the reason. Totally. No one is concerned about the OP's safety or anything along those lines. They are a Dickensian arsehole landlord, every one. Rubbing their hands together and thinking up ways to mess with tenants. Hmm

dailydance · 17/08/2017 16:23

You said your landlord in your OP, not estate agent.

They asked if they can access for health & safety maintenance with under 24 hours notice. No big deal, you can consent or not; that's your right. They asked, not demanded or gave you an ultimatum I presume? However, they can access it after 2 as that is 24 hours notice. Yabu to be making such a big issue out of it.

Sounds like they were a bit rude in how they asked you and you are being difficult as a result.

Booboobooboo84 · 17/08/2017 16:24

After greenfall tower there isn't a judge in the country that wouldn't approve emergency entrance to a residence for fire repairs. The landlords are allowed access in case of an emergency repair being made. They don't have to give you notice of this. If you want to be there that much you'll have to cancel your plans. I doubt any of the builders will care about your grotty grundies or your medication so I think you need to get over your own inflated self importance

laureywilliams · 17/08/2017 16:27

If its so fucking important they shouldn't have waited until the last minute. Its not convenient. End of. YANBU.

milliemolliemou · 17/08/2017 16:28

It's rented through an agency so the landlord doesn't own it? sorry - explain.

If the landlord and agent are facing a huge fine due to hugely lax rental re fire alarms which you pointed out to them, then I would expect them to be moving heaven and earth to fit in with you. Technically they haven't given you enough notice, but since you alerted them to it (fire alarm legislation isn't new for landlords but the fines may be) then perhaps you could accommodate them for safety's sake?

They would possibly need to check every room to make sure the square footage is covered by the alarms/corridors/escape access etc.

As PPs have said, if you are in a multi-block of any type - including something like Grenfell or the smaller Lakanal - then you should just let them in. Whatever, you should be checking they are not just putting in fire alarms but have a gas certificate and safety certificate for electrics and - even if it's a block going up 2/3 storeys - a proper fire escape plan.

PatMullins · 17/08/2017 16:33

JustADadHere you are wrong about that Smile

Original poster
OurMiracle1106 · 17/08/2017 16:34

It's a property above a shop. There are 5 flats we are the top floor (3rd) there is a fire system in place, this is being done as we are there hmo and the regulation changed so they need a license. In order to get this licence they need to do this. However the legislation was due to come in last November which they were aware of but was delayed til February and they are only just choosing to do it now. We have been living here for a number of years

OP posts:
Original poster
OurMiracle1106 · 17/08/2017 16:35

The reason I alerted the local council was because they weren't doing what they should have been doing hence the threat of fines etc we have a gas safety but no electrical safety certificate.

OP posts:
PigletWasPoohsFriend · 17/08/2017 16:37

I think there are an awful lot of people with rental properties on MN, hence the pitiful replies

Wrong. Try again....

Allthebestnamesareused · 17/08/2017 16:37

Just let them fit the alarm.

Say you tell them to come back Monday and something happens over the weekend. You'll be to blame!

Your pants (if wet now) will be dry by then!

Changeofluckneeded · 17/08/2017 16:38

YABU

It's for your benefit! Unless you have something you shouldn't in the flat e.g. pets or you're growing cannabis just let them in to fit the alarm!