Rental - inspection

[flumpybear]

Hi
We've rented a house fir6 months whilst we have our own house renovated

They've sent me a message at 3:15pm today stating they want to do an inspection on Monday - doesn't give much space for us to get time off work to be there for the inspection ... is this normal?

I'm really not keen on a random person wandering around my house with jewellery, paperwork etc that can be stolen or used to clone or identity etc
Thanks

Absolutely just ask them to rearrange. I've done it many times. We have an inspection every 3 months, it's fairly standard when renting. I let them do it when I'm not there, if they want to take stuff then it will be fairly obvious who did it and most likely far more trouble than it's worth. I don't leave anything personal out on the side and they generally have quite a few to do in a day so don't have a lot of time to snoop, although they might have a little poke around? I can't say I'm that bothered, I have nothing remotely interesting for them to snoop through mind you

We rent through an estate agent though, so it isn't the actual landlord coming by

@wowfudge how do you know her tenancy agreement doesn't prohibit her from changing the locks?

Checked and I can't change the locks as it's in the contract

@flumpybear your reasons are understandable. I'm sure if you call the agent you will be able to come to a sensible arrangement with them. They perhaps work Saturdays or one evening a week?

@Itsarainyday555 - and how would they even know if the locks had been changed?

@wowfudge they walk up to the front door and look at it? The OP has already confirmed she is prohibited under her lease from changing the locks.

@flumpybear it's simple. Just tell them it's not convenient and organise another day. Remind them that they are not to enter your house without your consent and an inspection is not an emergency.

If you don't want to change locks then you'll just need to either trust they're not going to go in or have someone in to turn them away until the agreed appointment date unfortunately. It's shit but I would not stay in a house where someone can and will just walk in when they want to.

As for those saying you should allow someone to inspect your home when you're not in, I would absolutely hate someone invading my privacy like that. You have no idea at all what they are doing. Having a good old root through your knicker drawers? Perhaps not. Having a peek at your paperwork left out (because you're not expecting a trespasser)? Possibly. You just don't know and that's the whole point.

@Itsarainyday555 when you change the barrel of a lock it doesn't look any different. Looking at it wouldn't tell them anything. Trying their key in it would be the only thing that would. Doing so would suggest they were trying to gain entry when the tenant wasn't there.

We had regular 6 month inspections from the EA. Pretty standard... we were in London. Knight frank were the agent.

You don't need to be there and they won't steal your stuff. They usually do a load in a day! Take pics and keep records to make sure you're not running a drug den / trashing the place.

You definitely can't just change the locks! What tenancy agreement did you sign PP. that's terrible advice!

As both a landlord and long term tenant, I can assure you that you are absolutely within your rights (and sensible) to refuse them access for a routine inspection without your presence. They can only insist in an emergency.

And don't listen to people who say they won't steal your stuff. Two of my neighbours rent from one of the most reputable/prestigious letting agents in London and have had stuff stolen during works/inspections this year and the agent takes no responsibility. It is also not covered by insurance if you have allowed access.

Thanks - I've emailed to day don't just come into my home, I'll phone Monday and arrange a suitable time when we're home

@runoutofnamechanges that's horrendous.

Fwiw, I still don't think it's standard behaviour. I've been renting for over 10 years through several different estate agents and have never had any problems whatsoever with not being present for the inspections.

@MarySibleysFamiliar I understand what you're saying and would rather be present, but I also can't arrange to be home all day for when they drop in or want to take the time as annual leave so just have to let them do it. I also think they probably don't do that sort of thing, would you poke through someone's underwear or personal documents? Highly doubtful and I expect most agents/LL wouldn't either. Of course, they MIGHT, but theyre probably far too busy and not in the least interested in anyone's knickers or papers

Had inspection - apparently software they use wasn't working ?!

So quick question - what software?! Surely it's a quick glance To ensure it's not wrecked?! ...
So they're coming back another day ... so another half day off work because of their software problems 🤨🙄

Did they wait til you were there to come? Surely they can carry out a visual inspection and write down any concerns. Take a photo with Their phone etc? What a ball ache. Tbh I would refuse another visit. The inspection has happened. You’ve taken time off work to be there for it, they’ve already inconvenienced you enough. I would say there is no need for a return visit as they have all the information they need and it’s not your fault they failed to record it.

Why don't you just ask them OP?
Our agents take photographs, check state of walls etc. Check garden.
We get quite a big document from the agents.
They have a standard report on file that they complete and upload I suspect that may be issue?

Software problem? Were you there? Sounds as though they were videoing in which case they should have informed you that was what they were going to do. I'd offer to send them some photos of specifics like the boiler, garden, etc but they can forget another visit, unless it's something that suits you and they are on time.

No way should you be taking holiday to facilitate another inspection. I'd be giving times that you can do, even if that is out of standard office hours.

My husband was here - apparently they complete the form online and take pictures - he only came to the lounge before realising the equipment wasn't working to record the notes - very annoying and I'm pissed off it'll mean time off work ! Saying that I think perhaps I'll insist it's out of hours as it's a failed first visit

That's crackers - the agent could have taken photos on his phone and made notes on it. Their lack of initiative does not mean they get to come back. Honestly, you're there as a stopgap; I'd be putting my foot down.

@wowfudge - yes that's what makes we wonder what's going on - very odd 😳 the house is very tidy and clean, he could see that and most of down stairs and the garden - all seemed fine, there's only 3 bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs - it's not Buckingham palace 🙄

Just say no to another visit. Not having the kit working is not a justifiable reason to put you out again. There is no way I would be wasting my holiday in their fuck up.