To refuse ongoing access to my property for viewings?

[Lizzie523]

I'm moving out of my current property in 2 weeks. The landlord has told me they now require access to carry out viewings from this week and they will carry these out until they find a person. They are saying they will give me 24 hours notice. The gov advice clearly says you should clean after every viewing and not be present during them. There is no way this is possible.

I'm working late from home most nights and frankly I'm not going to able to keep the entire property squeaky clean all day every day (I'm getting a professional clean next week ). There are boxes everywhere too because it is a small flat.

It is dark and freezing here from 5 o'clock, there is nowhere to go and I dont currently have a car.

I also just feel like extra emotional because I have endometriosis and my period started today. The thought of having to be out in the freezing cold following a day of working and wanting to curl up on the couch isnt something I feel I can do.

Just say no. He has no right to force this. You are legally entitled to refuse.

Are you in England? If so you are entitled to quiet possession of the property until your lease expires. That means the landlord has no right to carry out viewings, regardless of what your tenancy agreements says. In the circumstances I’d just inform the landlord, in writing, that you do not consent to any viewings and they do not have your permission or the legal right to enter the property for viewings. They can just wait a couple of weeks. I am a landlord btw - I always appreciate it if tenants allow viewings, but i wouldn’t even ask them to during covid.

This page from Shelter gives some useful guidance with regards to viewings: england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/what_to_do_when_you_leave_your_rented_home

FWIW when we left rented accommodation, we refused viewings - but we didn't need a reference.

Say no, the law is on your side.

Is your LL sending a cleaner round before and after each viewing? I'd offer a block of time when you will be out for shopping/exercise and tell them they can arrange viewings during that time. Daytime if you prefer, and the window to be left open during the viewing and closed at the end. Doesn't have to be every day.

No the LL isnt sending a cleaner. They have asked me to keep the place extra clean and tidy.

I'm having shopping delivered to avoid shops and not going out for exercise alone when it is dark (which is always after I finish work). Looking forward to the lighter nights!

I dont need a reference fyi. I am leaving because I have bought a property.

As above, tell him no and that you do not consent to him entering the property. If you are at home then leave the key in the back of the lock and/or the security chain on so it can't be opened from the outside to stop him letting himself in.

If you don't need a reference just say no. It's not mandatory and you're not willing to take the risk.

haven't I just answered this? Anyway, if England your how to rent guide tells you that landlord/agent doesn't come in without your permission. 24 hours notice is the minimum but still doesn't mean you have to let them in.

tell them no access and secure the lock. You are leaving in two weeks. They can do viewings then.

No no no! You absolutely do not have to consent to this. Regardless of whether they "give notice", you do not have to legally allow access for any reason other than an emergency (flood etc). Tell them no.

I moved during the last lockdown. Refuse all viewings, you have the legal right to quiet enjoyment while you are paying for the property. If they say you are in breach of contract then invite them to take you to court. If they persist, ignore them.

We tried to get our landlord to give 24 hrs notice and pointed out the law etc, they just ignored it and turned up anyway. It's basically unenforceable

Ignore for 3 days, "self isolate" for 10, move out. Job done.

It's not unenforceable if you don't let them in

So put the chain on / chair in front of door

Yes to needing to self isolate 👍🏻

We didn't have a chain so they would just enter

If you think they'll try and force you to allow it / turn up anyway if you say no then I think I'd be tempted to tell them you've been told to isolate by test and trace. Tell the estate agent, as well as the LL.

Refuse all viewings, the law is on your side. It doesn't matter what the landlord says or does, he has no rights if you refuse. Check out Shelters website for clarification.

I'd refuse, but if you don't feel brave enough I'd be claiming to have covid symptoms and have to isolate. It's only 2 weeks and you'll be out.

You are legally entitled to ‘quiet enjoyment’, which does not include random strangers traipsing around your home.
Just tell him no. He can wait 2 weeks until you’re gone.
I say this as a LL myself.

I’d say it’s not possible due to the covid restrictions you’ve mentioned and the fact you are also WFH full time. At best I would offer a couple of 30 min slots at the weekend and go out for a walk during this time.

Just say, No, that is not convenient. You can arrange viewings when I have left on X date.

Keep repeating it .

It is tricky times for everyone right now and if you have had a good relationship with your landlord I would be inclined to offer some assistance to help their cash flow (they are not immune to financial struggles.)

So you could allow them one viewing slot of say 1hour. And all viewings should be completed then.

Or, offer them one opportunity to come and do a video of the property which can go to prospective tenants. (Or you do the video). In current climate it is not unusual for viewings to be carried out in this manner.

@Lizzie523

I dont need a reference fyi. I am leaving because I have bought a property.

Congratulations on this btw :)

Say no and then if they do tun up point out to the viewer that you had said to the landlord that he couldn't do the viewing, don't want people traipsing around the flat disrupting your right of quiet enjoyment and that it is a real shame that the landlord does pay a blind bit of notice to anything you say to him.....

I can guarantee that he won't want to show anyone else around until you've moved out.