Legal Rights With A New Flat Management Company

[Tee2072]

Our landlord, whom I have a very good relationship with, has just told us that they are handing over the day to day operations of the management of our rented flat to a management company, as of 1st May.

I already have two issues with them; -

1 They want to change our rent due date to 28th from the 1st. 2 issues with this: -
a. Our lease says the 1st
b. we don't always have the money on the 28th as my DH (I only work part time) doesn't get paid until the last Thursday of the month, which sometimes can be the 29th or 30th! Their reasoning is that they have to have the money to the landlord by the 1st.

2 They want to come inspect the flat.

I have already written to my landlord (hard to get him on the phone, usually very good about answering email, but I think the holidays are getting in the way this time) about the rent date and have told the new management company this. But was just wondering if I was correct that if our lease says 1st of the month, the management company can't just change it?

And what about the inspection? Our lease is not with them, it's with the landlord. So what right do they have to come inspect the flat?

TIA!

Not my field, but you're on stronger ground I 'spect with the rent day than the inspection. Landlord's agent is effectively the same as the landlord and just as he can appoint someone to look after his interest and inspect/manage the property, he can do so for rent collection. As for wanting the rent earlier, I really don't think they can compel you. It's one of the things your landlord should have thought about. And what about clearing? They'll have to wait while payments clear, so last Thursday of the month wont always mean he gets it by the first.
I'd suggest you write politely to decline the earlier payment date, explaining the reason (none of their business but they may be more understanding), and offer to continue paying it direct to the landlord. Ultimately if you're told to pay it to an agent you must do so until told otherwise.

Thanks. I'm not actually that bothered about the inspection, the flat is in perfect shape!

The rent thing is a problem though, since we just won't always have the money on the 28th!

Still waiting to hear from the landlord and we've told them we'll drop a cheque around this week anyway since there was no way the new standing order would be processed by the bank in time for next Thursday with the banks pretty much closed next week!