To not allow viewings during our tenancy?

[endcityspawner]

First off I’m gonna say I’ve ready previous threads, the housing act 1988 and done extensive research which says that they cannot go against common law. We’ve rang the estate agents and opposed to viewings this weekend mainly because it’s such a faff. We move out in less than a month, stuff is everywhere as you can imagine. We have an 18 month old toddler, dog, my partner works full time and I’m disabled. They have told us that they will be entering on the weekend because it’s in our contract we must permit viewings. Everything I’ve read says that’s absolute bollocks, yes the landlord can enter with 24hrs notice but that doesn’t extend to strangers coming into our home. It may be their house but it is still our home. They won’t budge on even when they’ll hold the viewings. Been told that because we’ve asked to either cancel this weekend our landlord is “really really not happy” and to expect a call. As far as I’m aware what they’re doing is illegal but what do I even do when they say they’re entering for viewings whether we like it or not?

there is this weird lack of understanding about how businesses make a profit.
oh no just when the business is providing accommodation. just weird.

Update - they’ve cancelled the viewings for the weekend and said they will wait for us to contact them about a suitable time. It was a battle but seems to be amicable now

Wonder if the pressure was coming from the estate agent not LL

Great news! If you really don’t want to allow any viewings at all, you really don’t need to.

Good luck with the move - it’s a stressful time!

Good news

Ah - so they’ve realised you know what you’re talking about, and all they can do is hope you suggest a viewing time convenient to you before you leave. Victory! Well done

I am not a lawyer but I work in this area and often assist Tenants who are leaving rental properties.
I liaise with The Agents and we offer set times and dates for viewings, this isn't strictly necessary as no Tenancy Agreement over rides your right to "quiet enjoyment" of your home BUT by doing that you maintain good relations with The Agent/Landlord. I have had to push back at Agents who took the piss with viewings but if its managed properly you can keep everyone happy(ish)

Is this really about the house being in a state in terms of not getting the deposit back and the op hasn’t repaired it yet? It might have been inspected but that might have flagged up some issues for the op to address. When I was a LL I did my repairs and tenants were expected to let trades in. Or we all get nowhere!

I'd do what a PP said and let them into the chaos, go up to the agent/LL and say "lovely to have the opportunity to talk. We've been saying X needs fixing for several months and the LL has ignored us. I'm also interested as to what the LL's legal obligations are for providing a wokring boiler, especially with a toddler and disabled tenant - I assume you can tell me what their obligations are? " and explain how LL went silent leaving you without heating.

@NotTheHair I think tenants are often better served renting where an agent manages the property. Most are proactive and have repair companies who do work for them. Much quicker and easier for small landlords.

We’ve had annual inspections for the last three years with zero feedback so as far as I’m aware there’s nothing for they were unhappy with as nothing was flagged up.

My DD’s room needs repainting from pale pink to magnolia, as per the estate agents wishes, and we were granted permission to paint it in the first place. I’ve retouched high traffic walls such as the porch as downstairs is pure white because even though I know general wear and tear is ok there was marks understandably on the white with having a dog and 1 year old. Again, they consented to the dog and we’ve done everything above board. We have never done anything without prior permission and the inspections were fine. LL asked if she’d need somebody to do the garden but DP has already arranged himself and someone to do a quick weed before end of tenancy. Curtains have been changed on the property and we kept the original ones and LL prefers the newer ones so we’ve said we will leave them for the new tenants. We purchased all the white goods and beds when we moved in so the only appliance that will be left in the kitchen is the oven which will be deep cleaned but I still use it daily so no point doing it yet!

We did this! Owner decided to sell so we were given notice; the agents just sent people around to have a look! First time we thought it was a mistake; second time, we pointed out the lack of electric points in the kitchen extension, the insufficient heating in half the house, the damp in the bathroom, and the noisy neighbours…. 🤭

If they did do a viewing you could advise the prospective tenant that the boiler doesn't work.