In wanting a rent reduction?

[oxcat1]

I privately rent a 1-bedroom flat in a super-expensive part of the country, paying £950 pcm. My flat is a basement, although I do have a small patio garden at the back. This always receives limited light due to the tall buildings that surround me, which block most direct light.

However, yesterday they installed scaffolding on the front of the property, and today they have spent the day passing through my property to install scaffolding on the back. They've done 1 days and they say there will be another couple to go: they have only got 1 level erected and they will need 4. Photo attached but apparently it will only get darker.

AIBU in thinking that I should be owed some level of rent reduction for this? I pay for a property with a garden, but now will have no access to the garden for the next 2-3 months (minimum).

The contractors will be taking off all the render and replastering & painting the building. They have therefore suggested I should seal off my windows and doors at the back, to protect against the dust. This will hugely restrict light, which is limited anyway due to being a basement.

I have also had contractors walking through my house throughout the day, with no warning. I could have refused them access, but only for 24 hours so I saw no point, but I didn't expect multiple days of being used as a thorough-fare.

I don't believe I should be paying the full rent as I do not have the full property I pay for. Is there any truth in this, and if so, how would I Word it to the agent?

If it's really going to be 2 plus months, yes definitely but that seems like a long time.

I don't know the landlord. I believe it may be the director of the agency, and that they own a large portfolio of property in the local area.

To be honest, because my 'garden' is just w small shady square, my plants are just in pots and could be moved - although I have nowhere else. There won't be damage to grass or anything like that.

One thing I haven't mentioned so far, because I was not sure it was relevant, is that two weeks I gave notice, moving out on 3rd March. I was obviously aware that this work was scheduled (albeit only from conversations with those asked to quote, not from any official correspondence), and when the scaffolding went up with no notice, I panicked and paid the deposit elsewhere -which I have today heard has gone through.

I have severe lung disease (home oxygen, multiple hospital admissions etc) so I am genuinely afraid of the impact of being exposed to so much dust. This is why I have been chasing them for a start date, etc etc.

I gave the agency five weeks' notice of intent to move, but this was not exactly in line with my rent due date, which was the 19th. I have therefore been 'gifted' two weeks for which they could have insisted I paid rent (3rd-19th). Saying that, I handed in notice the day the scaffolding went up....

So perhaps I am being unreasonable and should be grateful for this leniency so far?
(Although a dark flat with no garden and men walking all through feels expensive at £950....)

@Dontdisturbmenow: I am simply going on the length of time the scaffolders suggested. I don't think my agency is that fussed how long the scaffolding is up - the building next door (same landlord/agent) had it up for 5/6 months.

By the way, I didn't want to drop-feed, I just wasn't sure if that info mattered? I am moving when I am because of the sudden commencement of work.

Do you deal with agents? Tell them you will be refusing access until you have a full rent rebate. You haven't even been given proper notice.

Do not let the scaffolders in tomorrow - why would you? I don't presume your flat is secure, you can't use your garden and you've been advised to keep your windows closed. You have people in and out - which won't stop after the scaffolding has gone up since the plasterers will also need access. If you work from home this is disturbance, if you work elsewhere there is no guarantee that things can't be stolen (not by the workmen but anyone seeing an open door) or damage done to your possessions including dust, mud etc.

gosh, didn't spot the important bit that they are walking through. Stop access immediately, not your problem.

I want to know what crosstalk thinks.

@HakunaRattatas I’m not sure @crosstalk had anything to say on this.

They can wait until you’ve moved out then. They can have access when it’s vacant. Simples.

@crosstalk!!!! Ha ha!

Tell me again....?!

Tell us more @crosstalk I think we need to hear a little more from you

Oh dear @crosstalk, we're sorry! It seems Mumsnet has the hiccups tonight. We're aware there's some techy issues going on - our tech team are on it so please bear with us.

(reminds me of playing a record & the needle stuck, stuck, stuck, stuck) sounds a bit rude

You should deny access until you've negotiated a rent reduction.
It's up to the LL/letting agent to liaise with you to arrange this and they haven't so work shouldn't start until you've been appropriately compensated

Walking through? What are they going to do when you're not in?! YANBU.