To be there for the viewings?

[SachaStark]

My landlord is selling the house we live in, and the estate agent is doing about 10 viewings tomorrow afternoon.

AIBU to be present for the viewings? The LL is totally fine with it, but the estate agent seems quite put out.

My reasonings are that, whilst it might be a property to sell to the estate agent, it’s also our home, and filled with our possessions, and I’d rather be in the house to keep an eye on things. Also, why should I inconvenience myself by making myself scarce for several hours? I’ve got a stack of exercise books to mark as it’s half term week (secondary teacher), and I don’t much relish the thought of dragging all those books out and about with me whilst I try to find an appropriate place to work.

If it were an ordinary day without these viewings, that’s what I would be doing, so should I just be able to carry on as normal?

Yes do whatever you want. It’s your house. Don’t feel pushed out.

Well it sounds like you’ve already decided so I’m not sure what you’re asking exactly. In my area of the South East it’s fairly unusual for the householder to be present for the viewings and I can’t say I like it. I can’t imagine that it’s going to be an environment conducive for working and may create and awkward atmosphere but if that’s what you want to do then do it.

Why should I inconvenience myself by making myself scarce for several hours?

I think this is quite a selfish attitude. It may be inconvenient but it's one afternoon.

However.... I understand you wanting to be there in order to keep an eye on your personal possessions.

The estate agent will only be taking one viewing party round at a time and should accompany them throughout but if you really aren't comfortable not being their then stay. The estate agent might not like it but ultimately, it's your choice.

It's obviously up to you OP but as a recent buyer the house we went to view had the owners there while the estate agent showed us round and it was really awkward. I felt uncomfortable as if I was invading their space (which I was, obviously) and it made me want to leave quickly. Slightly different situation for you, granted, as you don't own the house but if you are serious about it selling I'd just vacate for the afternoon.

You don't need to inconvenience yourself, you're under no obligation to allow viewings at all. If you wanted to be generous then you could offer to do a video that they can use for virtual viewings but you have the right to refuse to have umpteen people grampian through your home, touching your stuff, potentially being infectious with covid, and using up your valuable time. When we left private renting we didn't allow any viewings, they had to wait until we handed the keys back.

I always saw viewings as a totally normal and routine part of buying, selling or renting a house. As long as it’s pre- arranged and in convenient blocks, what’s the problem? We all participate in some way.

I really don’t like people being home on viewings, I feel like I’m intruding. It’s only one afternoon, and unless you’re going to be following them round the house then they’ll be around your belongings anyway. I think it’s best you go out, taking books to mark somewhere is hardly a huge hardship, you managed to get them home?

Don’t forget the easier you make it for the LL to let, the more likely they are to give good will gestures at the end of the tenancy (eg waiving a few days rent if you leave early, rolling a chargeable item into wear and tear repairs etc). It kind of feels like it’s in your interest for it to go smoothly as well.

@BlatantlyNameChanged if people did that all the time then rents would go up to cover the vacant time between lets that could be avoided if tenants allow viewings.

I base my income on 11.5 months occupancy. If occupancy was routinely below that I’d have to increase the rent which I’d rather not needlessly do.

If you make things difficult for your landlord, OP, they may be unwilling to give you a reference for your next rental. I've been on both sides of this over the years.

I know someone who had large expensive bottles of perfume and aftershave stolen after a viewing. The estate agent didn't care/said she couldn't prove it. She also allowed viewers to take a large amount of fruit from their basket

Hide any easily pilfered expensive items if you can. If the owner doesn't mind then just do it. You can't exactly follow people around however so hiding expensive items or putting them near you may be wise.

If the owner doesn't mind you being there during viewings is what i meant to say.

YANBU. Tell the estate agent they should be grateful you’re letting it happen at all as you’re entitled to quiet enjoyment of your home.

@honeygirlz

YANBU. Tell the estate agent they should be grateful you’re letting it happen at all as you’re entitled to quiet enjoyment of your home.

Another reason why some tenants get a bad name.

You’re being a bit unreasonable, unless you’re planning on following them then they’ll be alone with your stuff somewhere anyway

It really put me off viewing a house when the owner (I know you’re the tenant) was there because you feel constrained making observations about it in front of them

I own my home actually but that doesn’t mean I can’t see when landlords and their agents try and browbeat tenants into accepting shoddy treatment. You sound like a LL maddie.

The landlord should really wait until tenants have left before putting a property on the market. If yours hasn't done that then that's his risk, part of which is that tenants may be unwilling to vacate the property during viewings. You are under no obligation to be out, and it will put some viewers off. Not your problem though.

@honeygirlz Some tenancy agreements include a clause which states that the tenant is obliged to allow viewings. I know this because I always make sure to include it in mine.

I hardly think this is a case of browbeat tenants into accepting shoddy treatment FGS.

The landlord should really wait until tenants have left before putting a property on the market. If yours hasn't done that then that's his risk, part of which is that tenants may be unwilling to vacate the property during viewings

Absolute tosh. If the tenant wants this then they can pay for an extra month or two of the house being unoccupied after they leave, which is how long it usually takes to find new tenants and have them move in. Why should the LL be 8-10% out of pocket?

Your agreement means nothing Nanny, the tenant doesn’t have to allow access. The tenant has the right to possession and to the lawful use and enjoyment of the premises. You are under the impression that tenants lose their statutory rights when it comes to viewings. You can’t force your way in if the tenant doesn’t want you there.

@DelilahTheParrot

I hardly think this is a case of browbeat tenants into accepting shoddy treatment FGS.

The landlord should really wait until tenants have left before putting a property on the market. If yours hasn't done that then that's his risk, part of which is that tenants may be unwilling to vacate the property during viewings

Absolute tosh. If the tenant wants this then they can pay for an extra month or two of the house being unoccupied after they leave, which is how long it usually takes to find new tenants and have them move in. Why should the LL be 8-10% out of pocket?

Another LL who hasn’t read up on the law.

[quote NannyAndJohn]@honeygirlz Some tenancy agreements include a clause which states that the tenant is obliged to allow viewings. I know this because I always make sure to include it in mine.[/quote]
Not sure if this is legally enforceable, but this makes you a bad landlord. I would never have treated my tenants this way.

Anyway, the OP is allowing viewings.

OP - YANBU, the LL is happy which means you are fine and we stayed for viewings when selling our house recently because it helps make sure the EA does their job properly! Didn't seem to affect our sales process which went well.

@NannyAndJohn ours have them too but it doesn’t supersede tenants right to refuse, a bit complicated.

All a ridiculous conversation really. OP just go out for the afternoon!

@colouringcrayons you mean having a clause makes you a bad LL? Why?

Most standard contracts say the tenant needs to allow viewings,

Personally if they have been a good landlord I’d go out, but you need to do you.

[quote DelilahTheParrot]@colouringcrayons you mean having a clause makes you a bad LL? Why?[/quote]
Because you are trying to get round the law with it. No contract can override someone's statutory rights.