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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:
BlondeFool · 22/09/2023 11:36

It wouldn't bother me in the slightest but you are totally within your rights to say no.

TrailingLoellia · 22/09/2023 11:38

CardamomGarden · 22/09/2023 11:33

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!

Show quote history

Rentals move faster than buying. Two weeks prior isn’t unusual at all. It’s a fraught time for both OP and the new tenants.

CardamomGarden · 22/09/2023 11:48

It’s a fraught time for both OP and the new tenants

I managed to move without taking measurements for every property I ever rented, furnished and not. I don’t remember it being a big deal, and tbh, it’s hardly the end of the world to make do for a few weeks more when you do get access.

When I say fraught, I’m thinking of the packing, last minute wobbles, booking removals/storage and all the rest of the stress that comes with moving. Not taking measurements.

TrailingLoellia · 22/09/2023 11:52

CardamomGarden · 22/09/2023 11:48

It’s a fraught time for both OP and the new tenants

I managed to move without taking measurements for every property I ever rented, furnished and not. I don’t remember it being a big deal, and tbh, it’s hardly the end of the world to make do for a few weeks more when you do get access.

When I say fraught, I’m thinking of the packing, last minute wobbles, booking removals/storage and all the rest of the stress that comes with moving. Not taking measurements.

Good for you never taking measurements. We always have and most of my relatives clients whether renting or buying take measurements. I agree it’s not a big deal which then begs the question, if it isn’t a big deal then why not allow it?

I’m also thinking of the same thing with “fraught time” are you implying that the new tenants are also not packing, booking removals and having the rest of the stress that comes with moving?

SlipSlidinAway · 22/09/2023 11:55

@FrippEnos - did I say the OP was being unreasonable to say no? She asked opinions ...

ItsJustNotHappening · 22/09/2023 11:56

Just say no OP. It is not up to you, or your responsibility, to facilitate another tenant's wish to measure up. If you don't want to, or cannot, accommodate this then say no. What part of 'no' is the letting agent having trouble with?

FrippEnos · 22/09/2023 11:57

SlipSlidinAway · 22/09/2023 11:55

@FrippEnos - did I say the OP was being unreasonable to say no? She asked opinions ...

And we both gave them.

SD1978 · 22/09/2023 11:58

Nope . You've facilitated the viewings, unless they want to pay you for further access, I wouldn't

OhComeOnFFS · 22/09/2023 12:05

I think it's really meanspirited of you to say no. All you need to say is "I'm in the middle of packing so the place is upside down" to warn them it's not normally like that. They've seen it anyway, presumably, so know how it usually is.

If you're really determined not to let them in you could send them detailed measurements, but that would take you a lot longer than ten minutes.

SlipSlidinAway · 22/09/2023 12:05

@FrippEnos - it was the op who asked for opinions. Not me.

NannyOggsWhiskyStash · 22/09/2023 12:06

Just let them in, but make sure you stipulate the time and for how long.

dcsp · 22/09/2023 12:11

I would have hated this and would have wanted to say no.

But I'd also have stopped to consider whether there was a benefit to me building up some goodwill with the landlord/agent. In your case are you moving to another of their properties so want to maintain a good relationship, and/or are there likely to be a few things they find when you leave that you'd rather not have them quibble over whether they're wear and tear or chargeable damage?

But then again, they don't seem to realise that it's not "just 10mins", but is quite disruptive to you, so maybe there wouldn't be any goodwill anyway.

Lucanus · 22/09/2023 12:14

So many people on this thread sound like complete doormats. As for saying "it's only 10 minutes" - how do you know? No guarantee they won't be complete CFs who take half an hour or more. Could move things, break stuff, steal something - OP doesn't know these people, why would she want them traipsing through her house?

OP has already said no - very unreasonable of the agent to keep pestering her about it.

Crossinsomekindaline · 22/09/2023 12:18

Just tell the agent to fuck off. You are paying the landlord very well for quiet enjoyment of the property. If the agent or landlord care so much they can have the house sat empty for a few weeks after your departure so the new tenants can measure up at the landlords expense.

An old mumsnet favourite but No is a full sentence.

NoSquirrels · 22/09/2023 12:20

Just say

Dear letting agent,

I can’t accommodate any extra viewing before we move out on X date. I’m sorry it’s not convenient to the new tenants.

Yours
etc.

Give no fucks! You don’t need a good reference, after all Grin

Pudmyboy · 22/09/2023 12:21

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.

I was going to say this, also: if they did come in and measure up and it turns out their furniture is too big, would they back out of the rental?
@Belladonna90 no means no, I have rented a lot and have never had this until the rental property I was on was sold, I was asked by the estate agents if the new owners could come in to look around and measure up (one of them had been away and hadn't seen it in real life, just pics). Told 10-15 mins, over one hour later they were still there, I had gone into the bedroom to give them privacy and eventually came out to them sitting on the sofa chatting about the place!

Birch101 · 22/09/2023 12:22

Landlords do not have an automatic right to conduct viewings with prospective tenants so the first thing to do is to look at your tenancy agreement. If there is no mention of viewings for prospective tenants, then you can refuse permission as of right. Or rather, your landlord will have no right to do viewings but will be dependent on your goodwill.
If the tenancy agreement does provide for this, then you are contractually bound to allow viewings. However, you may be justified in refusing permission in certain circumstances.

1stTimeMummy2021 · 22/09/2023 12:23

Can't they just get the measurements from the online advert? I've rented many places in my life and never once been round for a second viewing. I now own a house and only viewed it once also. I am now buying a new house and will be doing a second viewing of that but the owner no longer lives there. Just say no.

CardamomGarden · 22/09/2023 12:24

I’m also thinking of the same thing with “fraught time” are you implying that the new tenants are also not packing, booking removals and having the rest of the stress that comes with moving?

Yes, all of that is bloody stressful and I’m not implying the tenants aren’t also doing it. But we aren’t talking about something making those aspects more difficult for the tenants, but a nice to have (which is how I see measuring up when the alternative is a two week wait!) which will inconvenience the op at a stressful time.

The two situations are not equal in my view.

Rockschooldropout · 22/09/2023 12:26

Personally it would be a no from me - You have a right to quiet enjoyment of your property and I see no reason why new tenants need to come in and “measure up “ it’s not like they are planning alterations or new kitchen etc .. if they need specific measurements (for their sofa for example ) say you’ll be happy to take those and email over . YANBU

Pudmyboy · 22/09/2023 12:26

TrailingLoellia · 22/09/2023 11:35

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

Show quote history

Never happened to me (either as mover-out or mover-in) and I have been renting in the private sector since the 1980s!

pikkumyy77 · 22/09/2023 12:32

This is ridiculous! If it takes ten minutes its not important and if it takes more than ten minutes its not trivial and is a big imposition.

At any rate given the timing and OP’s work schedule arranging for it takes way more than ten minutes from OP.

Definitely say no. Firmly. Stop replying.

jay55 · 22/09/2023 12:35

Never ever known anyone get a second viewing as a renter, my current flat I didn't even get a first viewing I'd lost out on another in the building the week before and said yes as soon as this one up.

FrippEnos · 22/09/2023 12:38

SlipSlidinAway · 22/09/2023 12:05

@FrippEnos - it was the op who asked for opinions. Not me.

I'm not sure that you understand how discussion forums work.

TheBarbieEffect · 22/09/2023 12:41

It’s 10 minutes. You can find 10 minutes, you just don’t want to.

In which case, be firm. “No, that doesn’t work for me.” On repeat.

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