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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to not let estate agents in?

13 replies

earplugged · 22/06/2018 21:25

I probably am being unreasonable but long story short I've found somewhere new to rent after an epically awful tenancy in a flat where the woman above me has made my life hell with noise and anti social behaviour.

I had a six month break clause and at that time in March let the agent and my landlady know that I wouldn't be renewing my lease and was actively looking for somewhere else to live. The market locally is dead so it's taken over three months of daily search to find somewhere. When I found a flat and had my offer accepted I called the agent to check that I needed to give one months notice, he confirmed that this was the case so I emailed my landlady to let her know that my new agent would contact her for a reference and that I was giving one months notice.

Landlady is beside herself with fury as she knows it's going to be very hard to get any tenant to stay while there is the nightmare neighbour issue, so got the agent to call me and tell me that it is in fact a two month notice period. He was really aggressive and nasty and bizarrely quite angry and hung up on me, I'm not sure what the situation here is and have been told by another agent that a tenant only ever has to give one month.

I'm inclined to not allow any viewings if this is the case, I may even get the locks changed at the estate agent was threatening in his behaviour and I don't trust him having keys to where I live. Can I just say no to any viewings during my notice period?

I feel vulnerable as a single woman living alone who they've obviously thought they can bully Sad

OP posts:
LadyGAgain · 22/06/2018 21:27

What does your tenancy agreement state is your notice period? Ask for a copy of the one you signed. Then it's crystal clear. Can you also report the agent who called you to his superiors and put in writing his misconduct?

SmileAndNod · 22/06/2018 21:28

Yep you can refuse viewings. You can also change your locks (as long as you change them back as you leave).
Some LA/LL are complete shits. Hope you'll be much happier in your new home.

Stephisaur · 22/06/2018 21:28

What does your tenancy agreement say? Your notice period should be outlined in that and you should have been given a copy of it when you signed the lease.

I think you can refuse access for viewings, but I’m not 100% certain on that one.

MsSquiz · 22/06/2018 21:31

Notice periods vary, so the agent that told you that it is always 1 month notice is wrong. Your AST will have outlined what the notice period is. As it will have outlined your break clause terms too

WeeDangerousSpike · 22/06/2018 21:31

You are absolutely within your rights to refuse viewings. It comes under your right to 'quiet enjoyment' of the property. Even if your agreement says you have to allow viewings they can't force you to as the contract would be trumped by the law.

I agree with checking / getting a copy of your contract to confirm your notice period.

kikashi · 22/06/2018 21:33

Most rental agreements are 1 months notice if the tenant wants to leave. It is the landlord who has to give the tenant two months notice. Sounds like you were on a 6 month AST which has now become a rolling monthly contract. Call Shelter. I've had agencies try to pull this.

In future it is always wise to email the agents to confirm what was discussed and I would always actually write to the agent and LL to give notice (not just email) - a papertrail is so useful

londonrach · 22/06/2018 21:35

No matter whats in the tenancy agreement you can refuse viewings. Doesnt effect deposit which should be protected

earplugged · 22/06/2018 21:36

Thanks so much all, I will check the tenancy agreement. I'm a bit weirdly phobic of reading these things, I didn't read it when I moved in as I was in shock as my longterm relationship had ended and I found myself suddenly and unexpectedly homeless. I tend to panic at this stuff and when people get aggressive like this agent I get scared.
Flowers to you all. xx

OP posts:
londonrach · 22/06/2018 21:36

One month but talk to cab. Everything in writing☺️☺️

specialsubject · 22/06/2018 21:39

england? on a periodic? one month from you. read your how to rent.

change locks, put back when you leave.

WhenISnappedAndFarted · 22/06/2018 21:41

You'll have to check your tenancy agreement, all of the ones I've ever had have said two months.

Maelstrop · 22/06/2018 21:42

Tenants are meant to give one month’s notice. It would be useful to check this on Shelter’s website so you can just remind your landlady of the law. You can refuse viewings, but if you change the locks, I think you must give your landlady the new key. Don’t take any shit, it sounds like you’ve had enough to tolerate with shitty neighbours

earplugged · 22/06/2018 21:48

Thanks lovelies xx

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