Letting agency accessing my flat WITHOUT permission.

[PeedOffTenant]

Long story but we're moving and therefore the letting agency is doing viewings on our current flat - we had arrangements for times etc and I specifically asked that they do not access the property unless I am home. (Self furnished, pets etc)

Turns out they accessed the property recently, earlier than our arranged time, so I wasn't home. They even left some lights on! (Example, we had arranged for 12 noon but they accessed it at 11am.) They contacted me electronically twenty minutes before the proposed new time but I didn't get it in time.

I've checked our contract and it says the tenant (me) must allow access if the request is put in writing with 24 hour notice unless it's a emergency.

Obviously messaging me 20 minutes before the new time isn't 24 hours notice - and to then enter my home without permission?!

My question is do I have grounds to complain, and to who? I feel quite violated that two people have been in looking at my home without me being there (I had washing out hanging etc) plus I'm upset that the agent ignored me.

Phone them and tell them you don’t permit anymore viewings and then change the lock barrel (it doesn’t matter what your contract says, you are allowed to both!) but put the original one back when you leave.

You can buy a new one for about a tenner and it’s very easy to do, there are plenty of videos on YouTube.

They have to give you notice and get permission - neither happened so they are in breach. Not sure what you can do about it though without a lengthy battle.

Not sure what you can do about it though without a lengthy battle.

As I advised, change the locks!
Perfectly legal as long as the old is replaced at the end of the tenancy.

No need for a lengthy legal battle of any side. The OP is moving shortly!

Sorry, missed the moving part!

Definitely, and if you can get a camera set up by the door if you go out.

Complain to chief agent, in writing.

Change locks. Deny all further viewings.

Complain in writing and withdraw all permission for further viewings. Tell them you are installing cctv in the house and will report them to the police if they enter again.

If it was me I'd have laugh and leave lots of kinky underwear etc everywhere.. Or a stuffed bin bag tied with rope in the shape of a body....

But on a serious note I would ring them and have a go..

I would change the lock, deny future viewing and if you can get in touch with the landlord tell him why his flat is going to be empty for a while.

This happened to me so I changed one of the locks. Agent closed my kitchen door too so my cat couldn't access his food, water or catflap for hours. I was fuming. Also had stuff moved around on my dressing table (I notice these things). Legally they have no right to access your home without your specific permission. Good luck with the move!

Personally I would complain loudly, but I wouldn't change the locks or anything. You're leaving soon and you'll want your deposit back without a fight. You might even need a rental reference at some point.

I once had a viewing scheduled for 4pm and the couple viewing were delayed so the letting agent decided (without telling me) to move the viewing back a couple of hours. I returned from work at 6pm and jumped in the shower assuming they'd been and gone. They walked through the front door just as I was walking out of the bathroom completely naked

OP in your shoes I'd complain to the letting agency and not permit any further viewings.