To refuse access

[OurMiracle1106]

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?

I wonder... if the landlord gets fined because you were being obstructive by refusing access, then could they sue you? Genuine question. I'm not a landlord, but I am someone who would not put a while building at risk nor force a fine upon a landlord because I didn't want maintenance people to see my undies drying.

Of course you should let them in OP, I mean how very dare you to think otherwise, not only should you let them in but you should fall at their feet in gratitude according to some fucking idiots i suspect landlords on here.

Tell them no and that you have provided them with other times more suitable for you, its up to them to pick which 1 they want.

Change - I thought cannibals-grower too!

*cannabis ffs

Fire alarms come under emergency works so they don't have to give notice. Yes they could have done it ages ago but they didn't they are doing it tomorrow. Change your plans if you want to be there

I told them after 5 today or Saturday or Monday. I'm not being obstructive I was just already out and have plans tomorrow.

If they need access and know they have a fine they would have been given more than 24hours Notice right?

YABU and quite weird actually.

I am a landlady and if my tenants are unavailable/uncomfortable for someone to come round then we always rearrange. I am very much hands on with my letting properties and understand that they are busy too. I think you are perfectly within your rights to say no and organise for another day. If its a letting agent then they may be more abrupt.

I'm surprised at so many people saying that you're being unreasonable. They have to give appropriate notice and I wouldn't want strangers in my home without me there; rented or owned it's still your home.

My flat mate has a dog. I have nothing illegal or immoral in my room. I do have a number of medications prescribed tho

You really sound like you have something to hide.

YABU and quite weird actually.

Still no cure for stupidity yet I see

I came from an abusive background. This is my haven and I'm possessive. I don't like the idea of a stranger in my room. I have diazepam lamotrigine and various sentimental items (photos and frames etc) that are irreplaceable should they be broken

You sound like you have something to hide

So what if she does? It's her HOME. Just because she rents it does not make it less her home than if she was paying a mortgage.

Never mind the whole "24 hours notice" bullshit (which is not, and never has been legally enforceable), the OP is 100% entitled to decide who comes into her HOME and when.

That's the law.

OP...don't get into a war of words. Send him a polite note saying, "Sorry, that does not work for me and I am not willing to allow access unless I'm there. I can do X,X or X. Let me know what suits".

Being busy and arranging another time is not giving Them the run around. I clearly said after 5 over weekend or Monday plenty of options

Oh, and there's no law which, if broken attracts a £5000 fine, that gives a landlord less than 24 hours notice to take action.

He would have known long before now if these alarms had to be fitted. It's his tough shit if he has left it too late.

For those that assume I have something to hide- sweets underwear bit of mess but nothing illegal.

@bellsandwhistles89 see this is a reasonable approach, if only all landlords were the same - but agencies and bad landlords can be so unreasonable and aggressive. Sounds like this one is being very lax about their duties and trying to blame the OP.

For gods sake just let them fit the bloody fire alarm and stop being so ridiculous

I am allowing them just not when I'm not present I'm not saying no.

I'm asking them To make an appointment at reasonable notice and not for tomorrow. I'm happy to do any other time between now and sept 3rd (so long as they make an appointment and don't just turn up)

I think your being a bit obstructive insisting on being there tbh this isn't a light fixture being done or an inspection this is something for your safety to keep your haven safe. I get it's inconvenient but such is life.

So you don't want 1 or 2 people possibly seeing your underwear in person but have no issue with possibly thousands of people seeing it online?

Of course Smeaton, I forgot that!