Been given less than 24 hours notice for a viewing...

[VixStarr]

I got a call from the EA at around 4:00pm, today asking if they could do two viewings tomorrow at 12:30.

I did call them up on giving me short notice although i said that I am happy for them to do their viewings tomorrow and would even arrange to go out. I also did say that I have two DS's who are 3 and 1 - hinting that in the future it would be best if they could give me as much notice as possible.

If i am given say 24 hours notice or less - how tidy does the place have to be - what would you in the very least expect?

I am not saying that the house is a tip - its just in the state that you would find it if you had two DS's and pregnant and you were trying to pack too. I am planning to tomorrow make sure that all the washing ( laundry is put away properly) and dishes. That the floors are clean and the toys put away. Admittedly the garden is a mess but i can't do anything about that now as my partner is at home and i can't lift the flipping lawnmower up the garden steps.

Just a bit worried about what landlords/EA's expect. Advice/opinions appreciated.

I don't think it needs to be particularly tidy but I do think it needs to be clean ( which I'm sure it is). A bit of untidiness wouldn't put me off buying a house I wanted.

I think if the house is on the market it needs to be kept in pretty good shape all the time.

Your plans sound ok. I would also make sure the lawn is mowed weekly.

Have you actually asked for more notice, rather than just hinting?
I would expect to view a clutter-free home. Prioritise tidying over cleaning.

Totally the opposite to the above poster. Sorry OP!

So it's not your house? You're renting it?

You do know you don't have to agree to any viewings at all? In which case they should be grateful you're letting them and they need to accept the house in whatever state its in. But yes if a viewing isn't at a good time for you you can refuse it.

If its your house you need to keep it tidy all the time when on the market! .

If you're renting and your all is selling, then it only needs to be as tidy as you need it to be to feel happy about people looking round. You don't need to live in a pristine show home so your all can maximise how much they get when they sell the place.

Is it your own home or are you renting?
If renting yes you should expect more notice.
If it's your own home just look at as doing whatever you can to secure a sale.

I am renting and the landlord is going to continue to rent it out.

Just don't want to create ill feeling to affect my deposit ..hence the anxiousness.

Are you selling the house or are you renting it and going to be moving?

If you're selling it then it needs to be ready all the time (I remember the pain of selling our house when the DC were 6 and 4 and once getting about 1 hours notice).

However if you're renting then there's not the same thing of wanting to present it at its best. Although I would probably worry that it would get back to the landlord and would get anxious

Ah we cross posted. I would worry about it affecting the deposit although rationally think that's unlikely.

and yes i did hint but the EA or rather letting agent finished my hint for me so he definitely got it saying he would give me more notice next time and asked what days suit me best.

"hinting" is not enough.

You should have said 'No, I can't do then but can do 4.30pm' or whatever, and 'Please give me at least 24 hours notice, thank you.'

you don't have to allow any access at all as you are renting - but being helpful is also good, although not being helpful is not a reason not to return your deposit.

your deposit should be in a protected scheme and any deductions have to be done by arbitration.

time to take charge - as it seems that you have. Be pro-active, tell the agent when suits (perhaps an 'open house' for all viewers') and work with them.

I wouldn't tidy up, just leave it as you would normally. If they are not happy with that, they can arrange viewings after you have left.