To deny landlord access to property

[Boohoomaloo]

I’ve been notified by landlord who happens to be a close friend mother's partner (ha ha hope that made sense) that they plan to sell. Not a surprise but things have been really tense about maintenance of the property so it all came to a head lately and was made to feel very uncomfortable the last time he was here with the way he was talking to me and raising his voice.

they want access to the property to start doing it up to get it ready for sale before I move out in few weeks but am I unreasonable to deny them access till after I’ve vacated?

They’re also stressing out my young DS who noticed him glaring at me the other day so really don’t want him near us at all.

YADNBU. And I used to be a landlord. Your LL is a CF.

No, you’re being reasonable. But, he may respond by not supplying a reference.

No, but if you're feeling generous you could offer them one visit to have a quick check of the property, so they can start getting quotes and trades lined up for after you've left.

Yanbu. No way would I allow this. You are entitled to quiet enjoyment of the property. You are paying for that in your rent and it is your home until you move out. It's a massive pita having trades coming and going even when it's of benefit to you, which it obviously isn't as you are leaving soon. You will also be needing to pack and that'll be made more difficult with other people around. I wouldn't worry too much about a reference as it's in his interest for you to be able to find a new property and move out. I'd probably try to avoid too much animosity and say you'll think about it as you go along and possibly allow access for quotes but definitely not to start any work.

He can wait till you've gone. You are not legally obliged to allow him access. Especially as the work will not benefit you in any way. Just decline, and if he sends workmen just turn them away.

He can wait until you’ve left. Legally you have the absolute right to ‘quiet enjoyment’ of your rented property, which does not include decorators etc. coming in.

I say this as a LL myself.

thank you for the advice and for confirming my thoughts, I’ll reply as kindly as I can that this is not convenient for me

besides what feels like harassment from the landlord what hurts the most is how it’s damaged my friendship 😞 certainly won’t be doing this again