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Original poster

Any landlords out there?

12 replies

finallypregnant · 23/06/2008 10:41

Do you know what happens when a tenant refuses you access (well the plumber really) to service the boiler and carryout a gas safety inspection? My tenant won't let him in!

First trip he said it wasn't convenient so second trip we managed to leave spare keys with plumber as we got permission from tenant that he could let himself in. Turns out tenant was in and left keys in otherside of door so plumber couldn't get in. He could hear tenant wandering around flat!

Next, we got a call from tenant to say that the washing machine was faulty. We always have a spare so agreed with him yesterday to go down and replace. Again, he wouldn't let us in.

I wanted to be able to quickly check the flat yesterday and more importantly check the battery in the smoke/carbon minoxide detector but just can't get in.

Any tips?

OP posts:
RubyRioja · 23/06/2008 10:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

windygalestoday · 23/06/2008 10:49

i think they have to agree if you formally give notice that you intend to visit and inspect?

years ago we rented our home out and the tenant sublet it t various criminals and they had a fire

are they private tenants or do they get the rent paid for them?

i would send a letter by recorded delivery stating a date and time at which you will be visiting to inspect and ask that if its not suitable they ring you before x date and should you be unable to gain access you will force access and use their bond money to pay for the damage (or is that too harsh?)

Original poster
finallypregnant · 23/06/2008 10:51

Thanks. He's a private tenant and the thing is, he has been for 4 years and we've never had a problem. He pays his rent bang on every month too.

Trying to get through to the CAB as well to ask them their opinion.

OP posts:
windygalestoday · 23/06/2008 10:57

when was the last time he allowed you access? a lot could be going on in 4 years?
Cab IS A GOOD IDEA

windygalestoday · 23/06/2008 10:57

when was the last time he allowed you access? a lot could be going on in 4 years?
Cab is a good idea

windygalestoday · 23/06/2008 10:58

ohhhh i tried to remove my shouty lol

lalalonglegs · 23/06/2008 11:41

How strange. Write to him saying that he is in breech of lease for refusing you and plumber pre-arranged access (shd be clause in any lease to allow for this). Say that you will be charging for your and plumber's time if this happens again.

Original poster
finallypregnant · 23/06/2008 12:43

We were last in the property 3 months ago.

OP posts:
LazyLinePainterJane · 23/06/2008 12:52

Well, regardless of the ins and outs, you can't just nip in to have a look round, if you are inspecting, you have to tell them. Sounds odd though.

LazyLinePainterJane · 23/06/2008 13:58

Surely it is in the terms of the contract to let people in with notice?Do you use an agency or sort it out yourself?

I would send them a letter advising what has been going on and that they are obliged to let people in under arrangement. Ask them to call to advise an acceptable time.

When was the last time you inspected? An old neighbour of mine wasn't inspected for years and when it finally went tits up, the landlord came in only to discover that he had been pissing on the carpets and all sorts, the whole place had to be gutted.

notcitrus · 23/06/2008 15:55

You have to give 24 hours notice (or more if feasible). If they don't let you in... have you tried phoning the tenant and asking what the problem is?

I had a tenant who was fine for a year, paid rent generally on time, communicated well, etc. And then got paranoid, refused to let me or anyone in to do repairs/maintenance, even ones that were necessary to keep the place safe (and that the tenant complained I wasn't doing, just like in your situation), and claimed my putting letters through the door was harassment and called the police on me. I gave the tenant notice, they didn't move, and I had to get a court order for eviction. And then bailiffs to enforce it.

I should have gone to the courts earlier, as the tenant still owes me over £2000. Getting a court order was easier than expected except the postal strike meant everything was delayed and the tenant could claim not to have received anything...

windygalestoday · 24/06/2008 07:26

After our tenant sublet and had a fire in our property causing major damage we gave them notice.....thn we got a letter from the council solicitor sing us not to harass our tenant i telephoned them and said i would love to harass our tenant except for the fact shed sublet and gone living with her new husband leaving the council paying her rent .......funnily enough she moved out 2 weeks later leaving a scene of total devstation behind-dirty tampons stuck to skirting boards secret rooms in the attic and she seemed such a nice woman......

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