To dread handing my notice in to LL during lockdown?

[Rae34]

I posted a month or so ago having problem after problem with my flat due to faulty installations that predated me. It lead to endless stress and people coming out to for repairs.

Next several people came to do checks required by law plus some other bits and pieces. The last guy that came wore no PPE and kept standing close to me and touching my belongings so I reported him.

Long story short - I've bought my first home and can move in whenever. Like clockwork the LL has phoned me again wanting to do a PAT test this time. I have to give 28 days notice and I have a feeling the second I hand it in they'll be sending people round for viewings each week (need to clean after very time and with lockdown there is nowhere to go/it is freezing outside) and no doubt will think up even more repairs.

The current flat is small & the area I work is open plan so every time someone comes it is disruptive. They are always asking when is convenient but the truth is I work in an industry where last minute client calls are required often. It is becoming so stressful trying to balance these.

I've half a mind to just give my notice in shortly before going but it would mean paying a full month of rent that isnt cheap. Thoughts?

Didn't the excellent replies on your last thread give you a clue ?

Just get on with it.

You don’t have to go out of your way for him to do viewings-I wouldn’t do any special cleaning at all! I’m not even sure if legally you are required to let him show people around while you still live there (I’m sure someone more knowledgeable than me will advise), but unless I was legally required to I would refuse. You still have the right to peaceful enjoyment of your home.
Don’t pay an extra months rent unnecessarily!

You don’t have to allow viewings?

@AnyFucker

Didn't the excellent replies on your last thread give you a clue ?

Just get on with it.

Ah.

I found this advice last night: www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

It seems to say that viewings can go ahead (so no doubt the LL will refer me to this) and to avoid being at home when people come. Oh and also to clean after every viewing.

So if that is the legal position can I really refuse? Does anyone know where I can find my legal rights to refuse viewings?

@AnyFucker I think the situation is a bit different now we're into another lockdown

Viewings need to be convenient for you. Clearly, they can't be convenient. So don't do them.

He can’t legally make you clean up after viewings

Why are you dreading it? Rent payment aside, you have ZERO obligation here. Absolutely no drama required.

I think the situation is a bit different now we're into another lockdown

It isn't. You are still strangely petrified (as in turned to stone) and immobilised at the thought of doing a totally commonplace thing like moving out of rented accommodation.

I don't mean that @Summersun2020 - the Gov says you should clean after viewings for your own safety. Clearly this would be on me every time.

I was hoping there was something in writing I could send to say 'this is my rights so you'll need to wait until I leave'. They are really pushy and i think they will push the viewings.

@AnyFucker but I am moving during a period in time that is not at all commonplace.

If someone can point me towards the actual bit that highlights my rights then ideal, but all that gov advice seems to say yes viewings can go ahead. Every time they contact me about repairs they reference the gov advice about it too.

"Long story short - I've bought my first home and can move in whenever."

So, why don't you just move in now? Why do you need to stay in rented accommodation when you can move into the home you own today?

Op why not agree a day with your LL for viewings and make yourself scarce? Then you only have to clean before they come and at the end of the day. Alternatively explain you’re not comfortable. The LL cannot force his way in whilst you still have a valid tenancy agreement

Just give your notice and if they try to gain access for any reason say you have covid if you can't say no 🤷‍♀️.

access [[https://www.pettyson.co.uk/about-us/our-blog/342-landlord-access-rights-can-tenant-refuse-entry#:~:text=In%20most%20instances%2C%20yes.,they%20wish%20to%20do%20so.&text=There%20are%2C%20however%2C%20some%20occasions,property%20without%20notice%20or%20permission.]]

Oh ffs

You DON'T have to allow viewings at all. You DO have to be assertive.

Tell him viewings are not happening. It is YOUR home until the last day of the tenency.

If you can move in whenever you like, do that. Just give in your notice whenever you like and move, and if you pay extra then it's worth it to you for the stress, isn't it?

Why keep stressing yourself out over these things? Just get on with it.

Same as pp have already said if you can move out at anytime do it now and give notice. If you stay you'll be paying rent anyway 🤷🏼‍♀️

Look.

Jan 6th: Give 1 calendar months' notice (or whatever your contract says - I've made up 1 month cos it's convenient)

Jan 7th: LL says allow viewings. You say sorry, not convenient.

Jan 8th-Feb 5th: rinse and repeat.

Feb 6th: move out.

@UKsounding because there have been delays on the furniture I ordered and the van removal service. These are now in place for late this month although I am told it could still be subject to further delays.

As I dont fancy living in a sleeping bag I've decided to wait until I have furniture.

Thank you @Otocinclus ! That is exactly what I was looking for, very helpful.

I'm a bit concerned about the bit that says I am contractually obliged to give them access. I actually think it does say that in my contract- but are they really likely to push it?

Why don't you just move out?

Are you quite well?