Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not allow estate agent access

226 replies

LoverNotAFighter · 15/08/2023 20:24

Hello, I posted yesterday for advice following an eviction and court summons.
I cant afford the rent of £950 anymore I'm a single parent on UC, I've built up rent arrears over 4 months because the amount ive been paying is the UC housing element which is £510, I tried to speak with the landlord that my children's dad doesnt contribute financially anymore and I couldn't afford the amount, anyway I've got to attend court 21st September.

This afternoon I've received an email from your move saying my landlord has asked them to come over to the house and value it for sales and rental values. What date and time is convenient for him to come over.

I dont feel comfortable with this as I'm a single parent and dont want my landlord turning up aswell.
Would I be unreasonable to say I dont feel comfortable with this and ask them to wait until I've vacated the property?
I'm trying my best to find alternative living arrangements but it's really not that easy.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
MrsTerryPratchett · 15/08/2023 20:58

LoverNotAFighter · 15/08/2023 20:55

Some people just love to kick a person when they are down. I'm not here slagging off my landlord for evicting me! I was asking for advice I suffer with chronic depression and anxiety I didnt know this could be done whilst I'm not in the property. Now this information has come to light I will be more than happy for it to go ahead!
No more advice necessary now thanks.

The trick with MN is to ignore the people just looking to put the boot in. If you read a post and it's untrue or unfair, just ignore it. And think how terrible it must be to live in that person's head, rather than just having to deal with what comes out of them briefly.

All the best OP, it is shit. And not your fault, the housing crisis was made, it didn't just happen.

Original poster
LoverNotAFighter · 15/08/2023 21:00

No repairs have been done, my boiler broke down . This is how it's being run now off an extension lead, it took him 8 days to send an engineer to look at it. I cant actually use my central heating and cooker at the same time it blows the fuse box. Windows are all full of mould and damp because the frames are rotten, back door cannot be locked because he didnt have a key. I'm not here slating him for being a shitty landlord that never once signed a rent book nor allowed me to make payments via the bank since ive lived here. But hey I'm in the wrong, my children's father was paying me maintenance up until 4 months ago when I actually got into all this mess.

To not allow estate agent access
OP posts:
Original poster
LoverNotAFighter · 15/08/2023 21:03

Promised to have the front garden block paved since I moved in to allow more parking, never been done. Sent random family members every month to collect the rent but never sent a text saying they were coming. No gas safety certificate and no epc to forward to the homeless team to move my application forward but I'm not here complaining about any of that I was here asking for advice.

OP posts:
Daughtersandbristolian · 15/08/2023 21:05

@LoverNotAFighter sending you support at this very hard time. People do not realise the LHA amount has not been updated for a long time and certainly is not proportionate with the rentals market currently. I would be hesitant to let anyone in for fear of them changing locks or something - you just never know: can you contact the CAB for some proper advice. Good luck with everything xxxxx

NCForThisMessage · 15/08/2023 21:05

Jyas · 15/08/2023 20:38

You need to check your contract. It will say when/if/under which circumstances the LL can enter the property and do viewings/valuations.

Contract doesn’t override the law.

Legally speaking, no, you don’t have to let them in.

Morally speaking, you should consider it, as it’s not your landlords fault either that you can’t afford to pay the rent.

NCForThisMessage · 15/08/2023 21:07

LoverNotAFighter · 15/08/2023 21:03

Promised to have the front garden block paved since I moved in to allow more parking, never been done. Sent random family members every month to collect the rent but never sent a text saying they were coming. No gas safety certificate and no epc to forward to the homeless team to move my application forward but I'm not here complaining about any of that I was here asking for advice.

OP this is very very relevant. If he doesn’t have a gas or EPC, then the section 21 isn’t valid. Can you double check that?

Nanny0gg · 15/08/2023 21:08

LoverNotAFighter · 15/08/2023 21:03

Promised to have the front garden block paved since I moved in to allow more parking, never been done. Sent random family members every month to collect the rent but never sent a text saying they were coming. No gas safety certificate and no epc to forward to the homeless team to move my application forward but I'm not here complaining about any of that I was here asking for advice.

Have you spoken to Shelter for advice?

With what you've just said, your LL can whistle for your co-operation.

Original poster
LoverNotAFighter · 15/08/2023 21:12

@NCForThisMessage I've emailed him 3 times in the last week stating I urggently need it for housing to even think about helping me because they know if he doesnt have one he cant evict me. That however doesnt help me, I need to be out of here I'm so unsettled worrying all the time but it's not looking like he has one or why would he not just send it

OP posts:
Shadesofscarlett · 15/08/2023 21:12

i second speaking to Shelter. Did you pay a deposit btw and is it in a protected scheme? Have you spoken to Env Health re the mould? Lack of gas cert is breaking the law and that electric set up also looks dangerous.

I understood a landlord could enter if they gave 48 hours notice maybe? But Shelter are your best bet for free advice

Flopsythebunny · 15/08/2023 21:16

Jyas · 15/08/2023 20:44

@Flopsythebunny my contract says that LL has the right to do viewings in the last 8 weeks of the tenancy, for example. Contract via a major estate management company in London so I’m quite sure that it is within the law.

I think you'll find that it isn't.

Neonyellowfish · 15/08/2023 21:16

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster
LoverNotAFighter · 15/08/2023 21:18

I will ring shelter tomorrow and see what they advise. The electric is dodgy its already burnt out one extension lead, the plug inside was making a weird noise when I opened it up the wires were completely frazzled.

OP posts:
fettuccini · 15/08/2023 21:18

LoverNotAFighter · 15/08/2023 20:40

@Jyas I'll check now, thanks for that

It doesn't matter what is in the contract OP. It doesn't trump the law. You don't have to allow anyone into the property unless it's for an emergency. This isn't classed as that.

AzureBlue99 · 15/08/2023 21:18

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

NCForThisMessage · 15/08/2023 21:18

LoverNotAFighter · 15/08/2023 21:12

@NCForThisMessage I've emailed him 3 times in the last week stating I urggently need it for housing to even think about helping me because they know if he doesnt have one he cant evict me. That however doesnt help me, I need to be out of here I'm so unsettled worrying all the time but it's not looking like he has one or why would he not just send it

Dammit forgot to go back to my usual username!

He can’t evict without those documents. The council are probably asking for it because the eviction isn’t valid without it.

Honestly, say nothing. If he’s a slum landlord who doesn’t follow the most basic obligations, don’t make it easy it for him. It buys you more time.

You do need to be aware that the eviction will result in a court judgment against you and it will be on your credit file for 6 years.

Original poster
LoverNotAFighter · 15/08/2023 21:19

@Shadesofscarlett yes I paid £1050 and yes it was placed in a government protected scheme

OP posts:
poorbutgood · 15/08/2023 21:20

The thing is, you know you have arrears and have done nothing to help yourself.

The LL doesn't deserve to be out of pocket,

Original poster
LoverNotAFighter · 15/08/2023 21:20

It's all just too much at the moment being honest, the children are off school making it difficult to go into CAB, I will try and ring them and shelter tomorrow

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 15/08/2023 21:20

LoverNotAFighter · 15/08/2023 21:18

I will ring shelter tomorrow and see what they advise. The electric is dodgy its already burnt out one extension lead, the plug inside was making a weird noise when I opened it up the wires were completely frazzled.

Please please do.

And give all the detail because it's very important.

All the best. Flowers

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 15/08/2023 21:21

JudgeJ · 15/08/2023 20:34

So the landlord is to continue to tolerate a non-paying tenant? How many more months will the OP live there for free? Her situation with her children's dad isn't the landlord's concern.

Show quote history

The council will tell you to stay until eviction. All landlords know that is the risk. And yes I am a landlord.

Flopsythebunny · 15/08/2023 21:21

He's a slum landlord who doesn't deserve a penny in rent

Shadesofscarlett · 15/08/2023 21:21

also are you getting all the benefits you are entitled to? Seems to me like you get a v small amount. Website called EntitledTo is worth looking at if you get the chance too.

clarebear111 · 15/08/2023 21:21

it could be a section 8 eviction based on rent arrears. I would second speaking to shelter.

Good luck finding a new home OP

Original poster
LoverNotAFighter · 15/08/2023 21:22

@poorbutgood what would you suggest I do that I havent already?
I applied to child maintenance he works cash in hand so no proof of any earnings so I'm entitled to nothing.
I applied for a dhp they didnt allow it either
I've looked for cheaper accomodation, I still need a deposit and months rent and it's a tough market.
But please if you have any suggestions I would love to hear them

OP posts:
AlfietheSchnauzer · 15/08/2023 21:23

OCDmama · 15/08/2023 20:30

I think you don't have to let them in and it is reasonable to ask them to wait.

I'm pretty sure you don't have to let them. Especially in light of your situation (children and poor mental health, bless you).

Bless her?! She's not paying rent! The Landlord may have a mortgage to pay! Yes I know there's some rich, grabby Landlords out there on a mint but there's also many Landlords who have had to declare bankruptcy due to non payment of rent and some have had their rental properties repossessed due to it! So essentially lost their life savings as a result of someone not paying rent!