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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

New Tenants Coming Around

160 replies

Belladonna90 · 21/09/2023 15:26

Not sure if it’s the stress of moving that has made me feel extra sensitive and unreasonable… so please give me a steer!
DP and I are moving into our first home together in two weeks. I’ve given notice on my rental and estate agency did a day of viewings and new tenants have been found. Estate Agent got in touch to see whether new tenants can come around on Saturday to take measurements for their furniture. Feel slightly annoyed by this as I’m in the midst of packing and there are random piles/ boxes everywhere and last thing I want is strangers manouvering around my stuff. The new tenants also know that I’m still living in the property and it’s not empty. Am I being AIBU if I refuse? Thanks all 💕

OP posts:
SirCharlesRainier · 22/09/2023 10:07

Greenshake · 21/09/2023 15:52

Unfortunately that’s part and parcel of renting. I spent nearly 25 years in rentals until finally getting on the property ladder last year so that sort of thing is water off a ducks back to me.

No it's not part and parcel at all. The law is the law, and OP is entitled to refuse entry to whoever she likes until the tenancy ends. The new tenants ANBU to ask, and some might argue that it would be nice of OP to say yes, but she's decided not to and that's that.

SamphiretheTervosaurReturneth · 22/09/2023 10:07

You are still not being unreasonable to say no. It is your home and you have the right to quiet enjoyment of it.

They are not being unreasonable to ask but are being unreasonable in persisting.

Newestname002 · 22/09/2023 10:10

Belladonna90 · 22/09/2023 09:23

Update!
Thanks everyone for your sense check on this! I emailed the Letting Agency to know that it is a very busy time for me professionally (which it is as I’m going through the last of my professional exams!) and personally (as we are buying a house!) and she emailed back saying whilst she ‘appreciates’ it is a busy time she would still like if I could facilitate this as it would only take 10 minutes!!!

The agents don't care a fig about you - just their fee and keeping the landlord happy. Bear that in mind when you respond (a crisp "No" plus the phrase about "right to quiet enjoyment" - your right to be left in peace to carry on as you're doing). It's hardly a life limiting issue for the incoming tenants to wait a bit longer. 🌹

Dogsitterwoes · 22/09/2023 10:13

I always take a tape measure with me when viewing rentals to check larger bits of furniture will fit.

They probably want to measure up for curtains and stuff, which will take longer than 10 minutes. Whatever they want to do, the estate agent is cheeky for not accepting a polite no.

Say no again, less politely, and add that you do not give permission for anyone to enter your home while you are not there either.

ticketstickets · 22/09/2023 10:14

I don't think there is a wrong answer. If you feel up to it, say yes. If not, no.

I don't think they are wrong for asking. If they don't measure, they will have to move all their furniture, and only then find out if it fits. Waste of time and money and petrol.

Maybe offer to measure the rooms for them. House rental descriptions don't usually come with room layouts or sizes which is really annoying.

Bearbookagainandagain · 22/09/2023 10:24

Not sure why you are getting offended, they are just asking. If you can't spare 10 min of your life to be helpful then just say no.

tattygrl · 22/09/2023 10:26

Ooft, that reply from the agent would put my back right up!

"No, it will not work for us. We would like to exercise our right to quiet enjoyment of our home until our tenancy ends."

FallingAutumnLeaf · 22/09/2023 10:28

They weren't unreasonable to ask once.
You aren't un@reasonable to say no.

Ignore the response from the letting agent.

Ragwort · 22/09/2023 10:34

There's another thread on here about how to be more community minded and enjoy living in a caring & supportive community ... I can't see why having future tenants round for 10-15 minutes is such a big deal. They are probably really excited and looking forward into moving into their first home.

Seems very mean spirited.

Original poster
Belladonna90 · 22/09/2023 10:45

Again thanks all for your replies! I would hate to be considered as mean spirited. However, the first time the estate agent asked it was with less than 24hours notice for a Tuesday Morning at 0930… very hard to facilitate when working in A&E! She then asked which date would suit which I eventually had to cancel due to having to stay on at work… a trauma case just arrived as my shift was ending. She then asked for another date and that is when I outlined that with my professional and personal commitments it is not something that I am able to facilitate. She then came back again saying it would only be 10 minutes. I just wish she would respect my wishes instead of coming back each time 😔

OP posts:
Original poster
Belladonna90 · 22/09/2023 10:47

I’m only getting offended/annoyed as everytime I say no she comes back asking!

OP posts:
SomeCatFromJapan · 22/09/2023 10:48

Just go back to her and say no and that you now consider the matter closed. They have absolutely no right to enter your home under these circumstances.

Renting is an utter misery, it really is.

TrailingLoellia · 22/09/2023 10:54

I would let them measure the rooms. Honestly, it is only ten minutes they are not going to care that you have moving boxes and piles of stuff. I have lived in several rentals and we would always measure rooms because quite often properties on Rightmove either have no floor plan or if they do they often have incorrect measurements (which is why every floor plan has a disclaimer saying the measurements are not guaranteed to be accurate). It helps when moving between rentals to pre-plan what room each piece of furniture will go into.

Womencanlift · 22/09/2023 10:56

JudgeRudy · 22/09/2023 00:21

You are incorrect to say it's not a big deal when many people feel it is. If you had said it's not a big deal to me that would be correct, or maybe I think...the OP has already implied it is a big deal.

Show quote history

Have you asked many people? Because no one has so you can’t make general statements like that. As the poster you were chastising said, people have different opinions - the whole point of a discussion forum - so there is no correct answer

To me it is a bit mean spirited to not let someone in for 10 minutes. Obviously at a time convenient for the OP but 10 minutes is nothing and if they do turn into CFs that want to stay longer or come more than once that’s when you can turn around and say no it’s not convenient

ActDottie · 22/09/2023 11:08

Greenshake · 21/09/2023 15:37

I would just let them in, it’s not a big deal!

This or at least find a time or day that works for you

starfishmummy · 22/09/2023 11:12

Surely if it's "measurements for furniture" as you mention in the opening post they can work thst out from the plans - assuming the agent has them.

SlipSlidinAway · 22/09/2023 11:14

I'd let them in and don't think they're being at all unreasonable to ask.

FrippEnos · 22/09/2023 11:17

SlipSlidinAway · 22/09/2023 11:14

I'd let them in and don't think they're being at all unreasonable to ask.

They are not being unreasonable to ask, but the OP is not being unreasonable to say no.

mommymaple · 22/09/2023 11:19

It's an insane ask. If their furniture doesn't fit that's too bad. Everyone else on the planet makes it work upon moving day so can the new renters.

TrailingLoellia · 22/09/2023 11:20

mommymaple · 22/09/2023 11:19

It's an insane ask. If their furniture doesn't fit that's too bad. Everyone else on the planet makes it work upon moving day so can the new renters.

Most people get a second viewing so they can take measurements.

mommymaple · 22/09/2023 11:26

TrailingLoellia · 22/09/2023 11:20

Most people get a second viewing so they can take measurements.

Show quote history

No most people do not. At least not when the unit is still occupied by a tenant, that is the insane part. I would never allow such a ridiculous ask.

Ragwort · 22/09/2023 11:26

Bit of a drip feed that you work in A & E ....

Chimen · 22/09/2023 11:31

It’s no wonder society is going to shit if people are selfish.
If the landlord was good then I think it’s nice to return the favour.
10 mins of your time means potentially avoiding an empty property between tenants.
It means whoever is moving, moves in sooner rather than later.

CardamomGarden · 22/09/2023 11:33

Ragwort · 22/09/2023 10:34

There's another thread on here about how to be more community minded and enjoy living in a caring & supportive community ... I can't see why having future tenants round for 10-15 minutes is such a big deal. They are probably really excited and looking forward into moving into their first home.

Seems very mean spirited.

I would find it more self-centred to pester someone about this at such a fraught time.

Any measuring I’ve done - and when buying, not renting - has been completed way before the final stressful period of contract exchange and packing.

I try to put myself out for reasonable requests, but I do think asking to come round less than two weeks before a move shows that these tenants aren’t really considering the op. So I wouldn’t feel bad saying no to them. The repeated requests would make it a positive pleasure!

TrailingLoellia · 22/09/2023 11:35

mommymaple · 22/09/2023 11:26

No most people do not. At least not when the unit is still occupied by a tenant, that is the insane part. I would never allow such a ridiculous ask.

Show quote history

Yes they do per my relative that is a letting agent and was an estate agent. Been in the industry since 2007.

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