To think this wasn't an invitation to hold house viewings whenever?

[chasmic]

I'm moving out of my rented house and the estate agent is conducting viewings. Before anyone says, I'm aware I don't have to allow viewings but I don't mind and the landlord has been good to me over the last two years, so I'm trying to be helpful.

I got a text on Friday asking if they could hold a viewing on Saturday morning. I replied "I have guests staying at the moment, can you please reschedule? Thursday-Saturday next week should be ok"

I just received a call from the agent saying they'll be here at 2pm for the viewing and they have another at 6pm.

I get that the text said "should be ok" and I could perhaps have worded it differently, but I didn't think it was an open invitation to come round anytime Thurs-Sat. I was expecting the usual 24h notice for any viewings. Today is not convenient for them to come round.

AIBU to think they should still have given proper notice and to ask them to find another time?

Today for me would depend on how inconvenient it is as your text was vague. But if it makes life difficult for you then I would say no.

I'd then arrange with them some times they can do viewings that do work for you and make them stick to it as well as sticking to it yourself.

Yes definitely they didn't clarify in advance it's a bit bad to land it on you like that I wouldn't be impressed.

No they still need to confirm times with you as you are not sitting at home entirely for those 3 days. I also think Sat 6pm is taking advantage. I refused weekend viewings and gave 2 slots 2x a week that was convenient for me. You really need to be firm because these agents can become really annoying at how pushy they are.

If I was the estate agent I would read your text as giving the green light to book viewings for those days.

Just message them and say sorry I think my text message wasn't written well and can they please give you a bit more notice so you can be out/tidy up/adjust plans etc next time.

So I usually sent an email at end of the week to give my convenient time slots for the next week. They were evening slots so I was more than reasonable accommodating working hours for viewers. I refused weekend slots as we were simply not available.

What did you say when they called? I'd agree if convenient but say next time they need to actually confirm a time with plenty of noitice

To me your text just meant you’re open for them to contact you about a date/time between THurs-Sat - I think they’re totally unreasonable to take that as an open invitation and to assume you’ll be free last minute.

I would just decline and say you need them to contact you arrange an appointment at a mutually convenient time at least 24 hours in advance (or whatever you’re comfortable with).

I’d have read that to mean you were ok with viewings in that time line. I think you need to be clear becayse in reality you aren’t up for viewings so just own it.

"... should be okay..." suggests they still need to check. I'd call and tell them they still need to ask at least 24 hours in advance. Remind them it's your home.

If you are going to be in I'd perhaps agree but clarify that more notice is needed next time and they will have to take the property as they see it given lack of warning.

Thanks all.

I totally agree that my text wasn't worded in the best way it could have been! In hindsight I would have phrased it differently. What I really meant was my guests were leaving Wednesday so please don't book anything during that time, but after that feel free to book them in and let me know in the usual way.

The way it's been working until now is that I told the agent a range of times each week that work (Mon-Weds afternoons and evenings, Saturday late morning). They book viewings within these times and text 1-2 days before to confirm.

I told the agent I was expecting a bit more notice and had assumed that there were no viewings today after all, since I hadn't heard anything. Apologised for any confusion and said they can reschedule for tomorrow / Saturday and to just text me the times

YANBU, but sounds like you've sorted with your clarifications?

Bit stupid of them not to give you notice as it's a lot less likely to be viewing-friendly.