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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that giving letting agents advance notice of a short rent delay is pointless and that some actually behave worse when you try to communicate properly?

58 replies

NewMauveScroller · 27/11/2025 16:17

I recently told my letting agent ahead of time that my rent would be a few days late due to an admin issue with incoming funds. I thought being transparent would help.

Instead, the reactions were:
-multiple pushy emails
-incorrect legal claims
-pressure to sign a contract instantly
-a surprise phone call despite my request to communicate in writing
-insistence that it was “unacceptable” not to speak on the phone
-the manager insisting on attending an inspection for no real reason

It’s left me feeling that some agents simply weaponise communication rather than appreciate it. Had I said nothing, it would’ve been a straightforward email from them saying “your rent is late”’and I would’ve replied “rent will be paid when funds clear” and done.

AIBU to think it’s actually less stressful to wait until they ask, instead of giving them advanced warning that they then use to behave unprofessionally?

OP posts:
Mandylovescandy · 31/12/2025 10:34

I am a landlord and if you told me in advance once in 2 years there wouldn't be a problem. I had a tenant who was late paying several times and I knew it was because of admin issues and people not paying her on time plus Covid times so I was sympathetic and told her to let me know but she never did and it was so irritating as it put me overdrawn.

Ocelotfeet27 · 31/12/2025 10:41

I would make a complaint about the agent's behaviour - especially what he said about you can't tell him what he can and cant do. Actually you can as you have a right to quiet enjoyment of your home under the contract. I would also complain to the regulator as PPs have said and speak to Shelter about what your rights are. But TBH I wpuld also simultaneously look for a new place, if these agents are going to continue managing the place and the guy you dealt with is senior I imagine they will cause you a massive headache you are best off without.

Bargepole45 · 31/12/2025 10:49

Buffypaws · 31/12/2025 10:27

I would strongly disagree. The OP seems to feel written communication is needed to protect their position and the agency being weird about it suggests they don’t want things in writing. The OP has reported mould and can therefore ask the council to delay the section 21. The behaviour from the inspecting agent was perceived as outwith the remit of a mould inspection and sounds like it may be considered harassment.

Complaining to the landlord about mould isn't necessarily enough to stop a section 21 eviction. If that was the case then everyone facing eviction would do it.

Insisting on certain things being in writing it fair enough. Insisting all communication is in writing could be seen as being difficult. The way OP writes about the late rent makes me think she is quite antagonistic. Maybe just my perception though.

Friendlygingercat · 31/12/2025 15:52

When communication is in writing there is a record of "he said she said" which helps to prevent misunderstandings. Any one who refuses to communicate in writing has something to hide. This is not being difficult. It is simply being businesslike.

To the posters who upbraided the OP for paying 3 days late. I have been in jobs where there was an admin cock up and I had to lean on payrole pretty hard to get paid. Not everyone has a large overdraft facility with their bank.

Tontostitis · 31/12/2025 15:58

I'm off to Tesco's going to do a nice big food and alcohol shop and tell them I'll drop in next week and pay.

singthing · 31/12/2025 16:07

Jc2001 · 27/11/2025 20:43

Sounds harsh but I have to agree. If I paid my mortgage late, there would be all sorts of consequences. Not sure I'd get away with sending a message and thinking that would be the end of it.

Edited
Show quote history

The first thing you should do if you cannot pay your mortgage on time is communicate with your lender. Never just leave them in the dark.

There are can't pays and won't pays. There is a lot more help and leeway given to the former if they ask for it.

Clarehandaust · 31/12/2025 16:25

Friendlygingercat · 31/12/2025 15:52

When communication is in writing there is a record of "he said she said" which helps to prevent misunderstandings. Any one who refuses to communicate in writing has something to hide. This is not being difficult. It is simply being businesslike.

To the posters who upbraided the OP for paying 3 days late. I have been in jobs where there was an admin cock up and I had to lean on payrole pretty hard to get paid. Not everyone has a large overdraft facility with their bank.

This will get worse with large organisations taking over rental properties in my opinion.
Currently, if you’ve got mum and dad landlords, they probably can just suck it up and won’t report the lateness to anybody.
In years to come with the large corporations owning the properties it will just be factual information that’s impacted on Credit references and rental references.
We won’t know what the criteria will be maybe three days late Will be fine. Maybe it will be enough to stop you being offered a rental property ever again. Who knows? And will they share that criteria with the general public?

Bargepole45 · 01/01/2026 08:44

Friendlygingercat · 31/12/2025 15:52

When communication is in writing there is a record of "he said she said" which helps to prevent misunderstandings. Any one who refuses to communicate in writing has something to hide. This is not being difficult. It is simply being businesslike.

To the posters who upbraided the OP for paying 3 days late. I have been in jobs where there was an admin cock up and I had to lean on payrole pretty hard to get paid. Not everyone has a large overdraft facility with their bank.

I agree if anyone refuses to communicate through writing on important matters then this is a huge red flag. However, equally insisting that all correspondence, no matter how trivial is done through writing can be onerous and inefficient. I deal with lots of businesses and individuals and almost everyone uses a hybrid of communication that reflects what is actually being communicated.

If not everyone has a large overdraft then why assume that the landlord just have on to cover OP's late payment?

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