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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To refuse inspection due to covid

33 replies

Bellbell1199 · 02/12/2020 13:03

Am I allowed to refuse a rental inspection due to covid?
I'm almost 36 weeks pregnant, and my OH is on the CEV list due to immunosuppressive therapy.

Weve not had an inspection for over a year, due to covid, we have notice to be out by end of February and now suddenly they want to do an inspection next week.

Even though, I had already informed them yesterday (separate issue, works unable to be carried out) that I had been in and out of hospital with pregnancy complications / monitoring of baby, and waiting on whether I needed an early delivery via csection.
Should know tomorrow a definite plan.

Aibu to refuse access for an inspection, in light of everything going on with the baby, and our vulnerability in terms of catching covid.
We aren't having family visit the house, so I certainly don't feel comfortable letting strangers in to inspect the house!

OP posts:

bonjonbovi · 02/12/2020 13:09

Which country are you in?

If in England/Wales, you can refuse viewings/inspections. If they are evicting you anyway, you have nothing to lose!

CuriousaboutSamphire · 02/12/2020 13:10

Yes you can. Just tell them no, add that your DH is immunocompromised and that you are not in a peosition to comply YET!!

I am a clerk, I have had quite a few tenants refuse me entry this year, and quite a few landlords using an alternative method. Your agent SHOULD be aware of the self service alternative.

It's basically a simple form you add pictures and comments for each room and any issues you may want to report and send it back. It's been accepted by the industry for inspections and check outs since about April!

Maybe send them pictures and comments and explain again why you are saying no AT THIS TIME!

mooncakes · 02/12/2020 13:10

If they're already evicting you, then I can't see how it would benefit you to allow an inspection? Just refuse.

MissBaskinIfYoureNasty · 02/12/2020 13:10

I'd refuse if your leaving anyway.

CuriousaboutSamphire · 02/12/2020 13:11

And do you know if they served you with the covid correct version of S21, etc?

Snowpaw · 02/12/2020 13:12

If the person inspecting wears a mask and doesn’t touch anything and keeps over two metres from you I’m not sure what the risk to you is?

Smelborp · 02/12/2020 13:15

Snow paw: masks don’t completely reduce emissions, they reduce them. If they’re indoors, then of course they will be adding to the air inside the home from breathing. None of those measures completely stop COVID, together they help to minimise the risk. I’m surprised you can’t see why people at high risk would be cautious.

mooncakes · 02/12/2020 13:16

@Snowpaw

If the person inspecting wears a mask and doesn’t touch anything and keeps over two metres from you I’m not sure what the risk to you is?

Even if the risk is minimal, why have the stress and disruption of someone coming into your home for no benefit?

PhatPhanny · 02/12/2020 13:16

Your within your rights to refuse an inspection regardless of situation, so long as your being reasonable, the landlord won't care about your situation per se, they're there for the landlord and the property, not you.

Cancel this inspection, and arrange an approx date that you will be in contact to arrange a new date.

RenterNomad · 02/12/2020 13:18

Even without your health situations, you are fully entitled to refuse, citing the right to "quiet enjoyment" of your home. That's law which overrides anything written in your contract.

Hope you have somewhere safe and comfortable to go.

Original poster

Bellbell1199 · 02/12/2020 13:22

We have horrendous issue with mould, they've known about this since 2018, and they'd had pictures recently of the state of the bathroom and kitchen ceiling.

Yes @snowpaw, wearing a mask doesn't completely eliminate the risk.
Yes the risk might be small, but it's not one I'm willing to take, with a potential csection on the cards.
If my OH was to test positive in the next week or so, he wouldn't be able to be at the birth at all.
That's just not a stress we need.

We have had 6 months notice for eviction, but still it's not great timing with a baby imminent and potential csection recovery!

OP posts:

Cheeseboardandmincepies · 02/12/2020 13:51

I would offer them a video call where you walk them round on video to inspect.

Esspee · 02/12/2020 13:52

You could arrange to be out at the time of the inspection leaving all the windows wide open. The air exchange should be great enough to minimise any potential build up of virus and a quick wipe down of things that might have been touched e.g. door handles with anti viral product should be sufficient.
Of course you would have to explain why you are not going to be there on making the appointment.
The landlord needs to be able to plan for work to be done once you leave.
If you have a dampness problem even though you heat and air the property regularly then you will be better off finding alternative accommodation as presumably there is an underlying problem with the flat.

Zoolally · 02/12/2020 14:04

@Bellbell1199

We have horrendous issue with mould, they've known about this since 2018, and they'd had pictures recently of the state of the bathroom and kitchen ceiling.

Yes @snowpaw, wearing a mask doesn't completely eliminate the risk.
Yes the risk might be small, but it's not one I'm willing to take, with a potential csection on the cards.
If my OH was to test positive in the next week or so, he wouldn't be able to be at the birth at all.
That's just not a stress we need.

We have had 6 months notice for eviction, but still it's not great timing with a baby imminent and potential csection recovery!

You can refuse the inspection but I’m not sure what an imminent csection has to do with you moving out in February.

Seafog · 02/12/2020 14:07

Of you have issues with mold, wouldn't you want them there asap?!

user1493413286 · 02/12/2020 14:11

If they’ve given you notice then what are they realistically going to do if you say no? You could offer to show them the place over zoom or FaceTime to show good will.

Original poster

Bellbell1199 · 02/12/2020 14:16

@seafog we've been telling them since 2018 about the mould, the landlord won't do anything. Well he did put a 10quid fan in the bathroom instead of an open vent!
So we've given up.
Blessing he's given us notice really.
We can find somewhere better.

OP posts:

Original poster

Bellbell1199 · 02/12/2020 14:19

@zoolally nothing...
My point is refusing strangers in the house, when we're both at risk.
And going into hospital for a csection, if OH was to catch it, he wouldn't be allowed with me.
If I was to catch it this close to giving birth... It wouldn't be ideal either.

Is an inspection really needed 8 weeks before moving out when they haven't bothered for over a year...

OP posts:

Yeahnahmum · 02/12/2020 14:21

Would be more worried about the mold at this stage. Very unhealthy (understatement!!) For you and the baby op.

Cant you ask if the viewing can be virtual?

Heyahun · 02/12/2020 14:22

Yeah just reuse

You need you both to be definitely Covid free for the birth if you want him there so absolutely no way you should let anyone in your house

Primulachristmas · 02/12/2020 14:22

I'd let them do it. Also if it's a gas inspection it's imperative it's done annually

contrmary · 02/12/2020 14:22

Refuse to grant them access. The worst they can do is take you to court for breach of contract, but by the time that comes to fruition you'll be gone anyway.

Given your circumstances you'd have a good case, and anyway, the worst that could happen in court is that the judge orders you to allow the inspection.

oiwotaluvlyday · 02/12/2020 14:28

You sound very stressed OP but remember that most landlords don't do inspections just for fun or to make life difficult for their tenants. An inspection might benefit you if it results in problems being fixed, such as the mould (usually caused by inadequate ventilation). You should definitely try to get this sorted before your baby arrives as it can cause respiratory problems in infants, especially in the winter.

There is also a legal requirement for landlords to do a gas safety certificate annually which is for your safety.

If you open the windows, go out for a walk or drive when they arrive, wait half an hour or so after they've left and then disinfect any touch points the infection risk to you and your OH will be extremely close to zero. Good Luck with everything.

Justcall01189998819991197253 · 02/12/2020 14:28

[quote Bellbell1199]@seafog we've been telling them since 2018 about the mould, the landlord won't do anything. Well he did put a 10quid fan in the bathroom instead of an open vent!
So we've given up.
Blessing he's given us notice really.
We can find somewhere better. [/quote]
Fuck them. If they're willing to let you live like that, then don't do them any favours.

It sounds like somewhere I lived with all the mould, there isn't a loft conversion to make a "third bedroom" is there?

TheresNothingIWantMore · 02/12/2020 14:30

@Cheeseboardandmincepies

I would offer them a video call where you walk them round on video to inspect.

This is what I was going to suggest - I know it's tempting to say "fuck 'em" but remember you'll need a reference for your next place, so this seems like it should satisfy everyone

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