Allowing buyers access to rented property.

[Recycledblonde]

We are currently living in a rented house and the landlord wants to sell. We are buying a property so we're not cross about leaving when our lease expires but the agent has told me we have to allow buyers to visit. Generally we don't mind but they can't come in without us being there as we have 2 dogs so visits would be limited.

Does anyone know what the legal position is on this? We're not going to be obstructive but I want to be prepared if the agents play silly buggers. They've already been incompetant with lots of things over the 3 year tenancy.

You don't have to allow them to do viewings. They can just wait until you move out.

The landlord has to let you have quiet enjoyment... there are very limited reasons to enforce access (safety for example).

If you want to be cordial... suggest a set time when viewings can happen, like 2-5on a Saturday afternoon. If you want to, its your home.

Legally you do not have to allow viewings.
It may be in the contract but no contract overrides the law.
You should contact shelter for wording to use.
That way you can tell the agents days or times you will allow viewings and to take it or leave it.

Thank you everyone, the estate agent is coming to take pictures on Monday. I expect we will allow viewings with notice but will expect an assurance that the landlord will allow us to finish our tenancy a couple of months early without any penalty as its a strange contract which was for 3 years.

Get that agreement in writing.
In exchange for allowing viewings etc etc

I know this is a big ask, but does anyone have a link to the piece of legislation that covers this? I have googled but don’t seem to be able to find it.

Try the shelter website, they have advice on all sorts of scenarios.

You don't have to allow any viewings.

This is from the Shelter Website and applies if you're in England -

england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/eviction/harassment_by_a_private_landlord/understand_your_tenancy_rights