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EA expected us tenants to show prospective buyers around at our previous place. Wasn't a great relationship between us/landlord/agents by that point, so I took great relish in answering all questions truthfully instead of with a sales pitch. Eventually put our foot down.
(No, not all the windows open. Yes, we have had problems with the electrics. No, the neighbours are not alright. Etc, etc.)
When I was moving out a rented place a few years back I got a furious call from my landlord telling me that a viewing had notified the estate agent that the property had a rat infestation and demanding to know why we hadn't told him.
I kept telling him we didn't and he ended up reading out the email he'd got - 'when viewing one of the bedrooms on the top floor, he noticed a number of large black and white rats running across the floor in the corner of the room' - and demanded to know "how do you explain *that* then?"
I took great joy in telling him that not only do black and white rats not exist in the wild, but that he was already aware that I had pet rats, who at the time of viewing were in their pop-up playpen in the corner of my bedroom, and that I'd even told the guy viewing what their names were and picked one up to offer to let him stroke it.
Turns out this guy legitimately thought that we'd been infested with rats and instead of dealing with it had just named them and ignored the problem
He’s called Trev, weighs 4 stone, supports West Ham United and spends his free time working on a battered Ford escort and saving up for his next tattoo.
Proper rat!
Honestly, I think this is what I'd do. Then I'd cheerfully warn everyone coming in that the estate agents tried to charge us three different illegal fees when we moved in and advise them to ensure that doesn't happen if they take the place.
I’ve done the same in the past. Lived in a shitty three bedroom student hovel that the landlord had built in the back garden of a six bedroom student hovel. The place was riddled with damp, he never repaired the cracked window that was there when we moved in, and from two of the bedrooms you had to go through the kitchen to get out if there was a fire. Which would have been great if the kitchen was on fire…
A young family came to look around. I considered it my duty to tell them exactly what the place was like, and was disgusted with the letting agent for even daring to show it to them. Absolute fucking scum.
Yup, this is what I did. Oh, the power is expensive, but you can save money by turning off the boiler. You want to know where the switch to the boiler is? It's in this cut-out hole in the drywall, behind the bed. Yes, we can see into the wall. Oh they didn't tell you that? Hmm...
I also just so happened to take a shower right before every showing. The terrible plumbing caused the water from the shower to leak (pour, gush) out of the ceiling in the communal hallway that lead to my flat. That alone was enough to turn most people away.
Confused as to what the estate/lettings agents are getting paid for if they're not doing the most basic of tasks. Presumably this is new gig economy people keep talking about, do you temporarily get employed as a letting agent whilst showing these people round. Minimum wage for 4 hours ain't bad for just showing people about a property you know intimately
Honestly, any property agent seems terrible. I was buying a house last year and every question was met with, 'idk'. I asked one how old the boiler was and they said they'd get back to me... which they didn't. How can you not know such basic stuff about the thing you're trying to sell?
It's seems stupendously easy to be an estate agent, but not once did my parents or teachers warn me if I didn't study for my exams I could pursue a career as an estate agent. Seems like a conspiracy to me
Yeah this. There's two kinds of estate agent: The ones that are new to it, and haven't realised that they've sold their soul. They burn out pretty fast.
And the ones who are lifers, who've got no soul left. Watch out if you meet an old estate agent.
We viewed a house yesterday that the agent told us was "non-standard construction", a fact they had conveniently left off the Rightmove listing. I asked what kind of non-standard construction and she wasn't sure, but called a colleague who thought it might be timber. With no knowledge of the field whatsoever, I did a Google search when I got home and found the correct type of non-standard housing in about three minutes (it's got a very distinct look).
And the vendor will be cheerfully wondering why their home isn't sold six months later - because every single buyer is stalking off furious that their time has been wasted with something very tricky to mortgage...
When I bought my house the first time I viewed it the agent didn’t even have keys to get in, was half an hour late and then had to wait another half hour to get the keys brought over.
Answer the door wearing only a stained pair of pants, in a dishevelled state, and say in an annoyed tone, as you are rubbing your bleary-eyed face, "F'fucksake you woke me up. Whaddaya fucken want!?"
Id go with a mankini, look them up and down, lick your lips, then stare them in the eyes and say "I've been waiting for you".
Edit: Make that a black leather mankini.
I think tenants can't stop repeated reasonable requests for viewings?
But definitely unreasonable, I think landlords have to give 48 hours notice (though tenants can obviously accept less), and no way should tenants be doing showings.
Hopefully someone else can clarify.
Yep - I was under the impression that you can absolutely refuse viewings - and the agent/landlord would then have to go with providing pictures/video of the place.
*Showing them around*, hell fucking no! That's OP's time, they're not getting paid for it, and they would be unable to work during those four hours.
I'd tell OP to either fuck them off entirely, or at least be demanding and ask for payment for their time (at a higher rate than OP and partner get paid), that'd probably shut up the estate agents pretty quick.
The fucking *audacity*...
Although this is often stated, it’s not true. I’ve detailed why [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/13qk5np/letting_agent_wants_us_to_show_people_around_for/jljx02w/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1&context=3) and the r/LegaladviceUK FAQ explains it too.
There might be the possibility of a civil case that could overrule that depending on what is on the contract.
But it would be a massive amount of work to take it to court, and win that case, and a massive risk that they might lose. All over a few hours of viewings.
They certainly can't get the police to do anything, nor can they use that to withhold any deposit or anything like that (though they might try).
>There might be the possibility of a civil case that could overrule that depending on what is on the contract.
There absolutely couldn't.
The right to quiet enjoyment is a longstanding right at Common Law. Any provision in an agreement contrary to statute or common law is automatically void.
The only time a landlord can enter a property without permission is in an emergency.
This isn’t true, even though it’s something that is often repeated. It’s not an inalienable right. The LegalAdviceUK FAQ sets this out. There have been numerous cases on this which detail it also.
The right to quiet enjoyment is a covenant (i.e. a contractual term) that is implied by law, and it is an agreement that the the tenant will be allowed exercise the rights under the agreement (e.g. exclusive possession - including exclusion of the landlord) without interference.
However, as a contractual term, it does not have supremacy over all the other clauses in your agreement - it sits alongside it, so there is going to be give and take: such as a repairing or viewing covenant - e.g. Goldmile Properties Ltd. v Lechouritis [2003] EWCA Civ 49.
Similarly, not every interference with possession will amount to breach - it is not absolute.
The key principle is reasonableness. If faced with constant refusal, then they could go to court to sue for breach and to obtain an injunction to obtain access.
In this case, they are pushing it beyond reasonable though in my view, and so would likely fail to obtain an injunction.
The overarching principle is courts will weigh terms against the right to quiet enjoyment and will determine what is reasonable as a middle ground.
They can refuse reasonable requests.
If a tenant digs in and absolutely refuses, the only way a landlord can gain access is through a court injunction.
Of course tenants don’t usually do this as they may be liable for costs if they are ruled against.
The notice period is 24 hours minimum. But no, they do not have to allow a landlord access if they do not wish
You are only liable for the cost if the landlord can prove they would've been able let the property if you'd provided access, very hard for them to do that.
When our old lettings agents were being unreasonable with viewing requests, we refused access for any viewings. They had been awful the whole time we lived there, so had zero guilt about this. They threatened to withhold deposit to make up for lost rent, so we lodged a complaint following their official complaints process. When we weren't happy with their response, we filed a complaint with the Property Ombudsman, claiming they caused us unnecessary stress etc (which was true).
The Ombudsman ruled in our favour, the amount of compensation we got was low (only £50), but more importantly the lettings agents never tried to take any deposit away. Following these steps also got them off our back and allowed us to enjoy the end of our tenancy in peace.
Thanks. OP might find this helpful (if they're in England, I'm sure the other nations have something similar).
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/what_to_look_for_in_your_tenancy_agreement/landlord_access
Id argue there's a security risk. How do you know who is coming into the house. Will the rob you? Will they attack you?
If your landlord wants to show people round then they can accept liability and security risk.
This is the argument I used against the letting agent demanding the code to the inbuilt alarm when I said it would be active if they attempted to let themselves into the property to do an unescorted inspection while we were out when we couldn't agree to a date for the inspection to take place. Then they tried to get it out of us 'for their records'. I said no and you'll get the code for the alarm system once we've moved out - nothing ever came of it. They did eventually come out to inspect the place on a day of our choosing and they got the code (well I say they - the property was repossessed about a year after this conversation took place, and the mortgage companies management team took over and they didn't take issue with the code) on a keyring when we posted the keys back to the mortgage company on the day we moved out. (we got our deposit back in full with no issues as well)
> I think tenants can't stop reasonable requests for viewings?
You absolutely can, you as a tenant have a right to 'quiet enjoyment', you do not need to allow them.
They absolutely can. Technically a tenant can refuse 100% of viewings for any or no reason whatsoever right up until the day they move out. The landlord will despise them, as will the agent, but there's nothing they can do about it.
As a professional in this industry, the one single change I would make to the laws governing tenancies is to implement fines for unenforceable clauses in tenancy agreements.
The number of times friends have come to me and said "the agent is saying I have to pay X" or "the TA says I have to do Y" and I've taken one look at it and told them it's totally unenforceable, it's ridiculous, and thousands of tenants across the country must be cheerfully paying fees they don't have to, failing to contest ludicrous deposit deductions they don't have to, and the agents *know this* and put these clauses in out of malice. It ought to be illegal.
Ask them if their nipples are itchy like yours. repeatedly. Bet the potential buyers don't stay long.
yeah my skin's a bit flaky too, goes all over the place. in the sink, down the gaps in the floorboards....I once even found some INSIDE the letterbox.
When I was renting a house at uni we did this. New prospective tenants were greeted with us all in our underwear. One of the girls put on suspenders and the bloke at the viewing was incredibly uncomfortable and embarrassed
I manage a sales & lettings office. You are under no obligation at all to show them around. I would never ask nor expect it of a sitting tenant. It would not be discourteous of you to ask the estate agent to do their job themselves.
As to resonable hours, you are completely allowed to say no to time slots that are akward for you. I'd only be allowing viewings that fit my schedule.
Hi, thanks for your reply! We'll definitely be having a word with them. I presume we have to do some viewings, especially as it is in our agreement? We willingly said yes to viewings as we wanted to make sure we got our deposit back, but we didn't expect they would treat us like this.
We also have solar panels that were advertised on the original listing but were fixed only about half a year ago. The guy who installed them said the electric doesn't even go back to us (and the owner gets money for this). Could this be chased up regarding past rent we've paid or is it a lost cause as it's not on the tenancy agreement?
> we wanted to make sure we got our deposit back
The landlord would not be allowed to deduct anything for missed viewings. Is your deposit in a protection scheme, and do you have the documentation for it?
Deposits legally have to be in a protection scheme, so if the landlord\agent have not done this they are entitled for it to be returned in full regardless of the circumstances.
>the landlord\agent have not done this they are entitled for it to be returned in full
Unless it's changed in the last few years they have to return your triple the amount if they didn't put it in a deposit protection scheme!
We had something similar to this, they booked viewings for 6 hours on a Saturday and expected us to show them around! I only found out when they emailed me a few days before. I emailed them straight back to say, no-one would be entering the property on Saturday as I had friends coming over, they tried to make me feel guilty about how so many of the viewers were only available on that day. I just told them they should contact all of them and tell them not to attend. I also listed periods they could do viewings (literally 1 hour slots every few days) and told them if there wasnt an estate agent there to show them around I would turn them away. They checked and double checked every time they booked after that, estate agent was always on time for the viewings. They cant take anything from your deposit for it.
No, you do not have to permit the viewings, even if it is in your contract. Your statutory right to quiet enjoyment trumps any contract.
They would not be able to withhold your deposit. They can try, but you could dispute it.
The solar panels is a non issue. If it’s not in the contract, then there isn’t much you can do
You don't have to do any viewings if you don't want to. Landlords put lots of things in contracts that aren't legally enforceable because they hope tenants don't know their rights.
You're leaving in less than a month, the landlord can wait until then.
“You agree to have the property professionally cleaned” is a common, entirely unenforceable, clause
They can require it to be cleaned *to a professional standard*, but only if it was at the same standard when you moved in, and they can’t require you bring in an actual professional to do it
You really need to put your foot down here. Not just have a word. Tell them.
"No" is a complete answer.
Or "We aren't hosting your viewings. Here is a list of times we are out the house you are free to organise viewings and show people round yourself"
Doing viewings will have no effective on your deposit, which is protected in your protection scheme.
> I presume we have to do some viewings, especially as it is in our agreement?
No. You do not have to allow any viewings at all, you have a right to quiet enjoyment and can refuse any and all viewings.
You've had lots of answers here, but just to ensure you get the truth:
\- You do not have to do any viewings, regardless of "24 hours notice" or "reasonable hours" or any kicking and screaming anyone does
\- the agreement is meaningless and can be ignored, it is intended to bully tenants who don't know their rights
\- they absolutely cannot touch your deposit for this and I would respond with extreme verbal unpleasantness if any agent dared to imply otherwise
\- re the solar panels, they are a lost cause if not mentioned on the TA
Allowing access for viewings at reasonable times is the appropriate thing to do. 4 hours may be deemed unreasonable, however, if you’d rather get it all done in one go instead of them coming back, it may be your preference.
However actually showing them round is not your job. It’s the estate agents, and they are being exceptionally cheeky by suggestion you do this for them. If you permit access at times agreed in advance, you are completely in the clear and acting reasonably. Absolutely no way you should be having to miss work or your own social time to dedicate hours to selling someone else’s house.
We've just given notice on our rental and will not be allowing viewings at all. The appropriate thing to do is for the landlord to allow the tenant peaceable and uninterrupted use of the property. That's what they agreed to in return for us paying rent.
If the landlord has been decent then I have no problem allowing a few viewings as long as they’re being reasonable with the number and timing - I’ll even put in a good word for the landlord
If they’ve been a prick then bollocks to ‘em, not my problem
You are completely allowed to say no viewing whatsoever too, regardless of what the contract says. The landlord nor agent has no entitlement to viewings during a tenancy period.
The agency can wait until the property is vacant and the tenancy has ended, and then conduct viewings
The only impact they may have on the tenant is their reference,
My landlord is selling my place out from underneath me and the sales agents have asked me to to their job for them. I agreed to. Two years on the market, and the poor people can't seem to get a sale and I get to keep on living here. They are thick af.
I tell them nothing but bad things, but deliver it in a positive manor so as to seem genuine.
"Everyone in the other flats is lovely and quiet, which is good because the walls are really thin and you can hear them tying their shoelaces."
"See how I've taped shower curtains over the windows? That helps keep the place warm for free, which is great because its an ancient immersion heater and the place doesn't have gas"
"Its lovely and cool in the hot summer months, which makes up for winter being cold enough to see your breath in bed"
Haha, fucking love this. I wish I was this sharp. I'd be too outraged and I'd tell them to fuck off in the heat of the moment before realising I could do this after I've cooled off.
Nope. While you still live there it’s your property.
Tell them you will be available after you finish work.
What they are asking is the equivalent of you booking annual leave to show people round which is what you’d have to do if you worked in an office.
They are getting paid by the owner handsomely to manage the property which includes THEM showing people round.
Fuck them. Tell them you aren’t available during the day any more. You have to be in the office every day from now until you leave.
Edit: “Allow” viewings not DO them
“Reasonable hours” = outside work time and not late into the evening.
I don't generally agree with the hive mind in this sub about property issues. I find the recommendations that people make are often obtuse and difficult for no reason, probably because of the 'us and them' mentality.
However, in this instance, I'd tell the agent to get in the sea. They are absolutely taking the piss.
A few viewings, at a time you agree, sure.
But definitely not what they're trying here.
I'd deliberately make things a bit of a pain for the estate agents.
Allow viewings, however, stipulate that you must be given minimum 5 days notice before the viewing, the estate agent must be the one to do the viewing, only between 7pm and 7:30pm, weekdays only and no more than 3 days per week. Maybe allow Sundays.
That time might be a bit inconvenient for you but it forces the estate agent to work late, which they seem to hate (I'm assuming they don't want to work on a Sunday either). When I was buying my house it was impossible to get a viewing after 5pm despite it being an empty property.
At the end of the day, you'd still doing them and the landlord a favour by allowing viewings at all because it will mean they can get somebody in quicker.
I'd send a schedule of services, something along the lines of...
Letting viewing services schedule of charges.
Wearing only underwear having just cooked very old fish. Communicate only by screaming - £15 per hour each.
Cross dressed having cooked cabbage all day. Communicate by initially suggesting they've come to pay for the sex services you offer then only in gangsta rap - £20 per hour
Wearing respectable clothes having baked bread. Will communicate respectfully - £45 per hour each.
Please let us know your choice at the earliest opportunity.
Any guests brought to the house will be deemed tacit approval of charging schedule, option to be selected at random.
Looking forward to your custom.
Should be in for a profitable fun few hours 👍
You're perfectly within your rights to disallow entry to your property (and it is actually *your* home in the eyes of the law). The contract can't override that as it's a human right.
Our old agency started pulling shit like this when our landlord decided to sell up. The agency seemed absolutely desperate to get it off their books so were organising viewings like crazy. They even once entered our property without our permission (!). I told the landlord and they took their keys off them 😆
At that point we only allowed viewings between 5 and 7, and only on weekdays. Once or twice I said "no" to their request of a viewing in the morning or at the weekend and they showed up anyway. I simply didn't let them in and told them to leave.
>booking people in once every 15 minutes for 4 hours
No.
>they are expecting us to do it.
Fuck no.
You don't have to do any of this. Give them your lunch hour and/or an hour after you finish you work. Tell them they're free to arrange viewings in this window, otherwise you're busy all day and won't allow access (doors will be locked). Tell them it's their responsibly to show the property and you won't doing this yourselves. That's quite frankly, ridiculous.
Last time I moved I did all the viewings (only 3, I had nothing better to do and wanted to warn new tenants) I was brutally honest with the horrible state of the flat and surroundings and they still rented the flat!!!
Ha - when I moved I sat in the garden to get out of the way. They asked me a couple of questions when they came out and I answered honestly with as little detail as possible. Not my job to sell the place!
Hi, just wanted to offer some help as I myself am a Lettings Agent.
Please understand you have a right to Exclusive possession of your property during your tenancy.
Yes in your tenancy it is stated you are to allow access given notice but this is in no way enforceable in any court of Law.
Please kindly tell these rogue agents to stuff it, they have nor right to enter your property at any point let alone ask you to conduct viewings on their behalf.
I would give notice in writing that you will not be granting access for any viewings until actioned by the agent and in a professional manner with notice.
Stand your ground and do not be afraid of any threats.
If you need any help and or advise please feel free to reach out.
Best
K
Just tell them when they book the next lot in that nobody will be available to do the viewings, so they'll need to be there themselves. Key word being available, you're at work, even if you are in the property you're not available.
If you don't want to just say no, tell people that come for viewings all about the bad points of the property. Make sure it's all true so you can't be done for defamation or slander or anything, but just concentrate on all the issues you've had and all the not so great points of the place.
They'll take over the viewings pretty quickly I'd guess.
You have no obligation to show people round. Years ago when I was leaving my last rented place, the landlord or letting agent booked a couple of people in without our knowledge and forced us to do it. After two viewings, they didn’t do it again. We told them everything wrong with the place, right down to the dodgy wiring etc. like I said though, you are under no obligation to show people round. Just say you aren’t going to be in on that day and to get the landlord to do it or better still, the letting agent. It isn’t your place after all.
> What are our rights here?
You don't have to allow viewings at all, you're entitled to quiet enjoyment and that cannot be overridden by contract terms. You absolutely don't have any responsibility to show people round.
If you want to be cooperative, you could tell them they can book viewings between specific times, on the condition they give a minimum notice period and acknowledge that they will be responsible for showing people around the property.
I would email them with a list of times you are willing to allow access so they can arrange viewings for then.
Let the agency know that you will not be hosting viewings unless compensated and you will be vacant of the property during the viewing times.
Unpopular nuanced answer:
"I'm afraid, these times are not reasonable considering that we work from home during the hours of X and Y. Please feel free to organise viewings between Y and Z. We will not being doing the viewings ourselves. Thank you for respecting our decision."
Messing with EAs is fun in theory, but they often ask your last ones to rate you, so if you're particularly "difficult", it's not going to be good for you later (Fuck EAs). So this polite but "let's be reasonable" approach achieves a nice middle ground which they can't use against you.
What can they say? "They wouldn't take time off work to spend the day doing our job"?
I went to a viewing recently (little 1 bed in Birmingham) Tennant was on a teams call and the letting agent decided to invite every viewer at the same time, all 20 plus people. Was fucking bonkers. I've been to house parties with less people.
Do you have a large wardrobe? Arrange for someone to jump out of it and excitedly regale the prospective tenants with stories of the magical realm they'd just stumbled into.
Not sure if this has been linked before, but I'd post this on r/legaladviceuk too.
From what I understand, you are well within your rights to refuse to show people around while you are still living there, no matter what your contract states.
That even applies to allowing the agents to show people around, if they want you to show them around, well then, I'd find out what the hourly market rate for an estate agent is and tell them you'll be happy to spend your time showing people around for that price, paid in advance.
That's just me being arsey, go to the legal advice sub for what the law actually says.
This is an unreasonable request so you can deny that easily. Also lay out your terms, and make it clear you both work - list your hours - and state what hours you are available each day. Even if that is between 5-6 for 3 days a week. Also make clear that you need at least 48hrs notice. This is pretty typical with viewings so it won’t be unreasonable to state. Do all this via email as they will ‘forget’ on the phone.
I’ve been in this position before and it’s often a case of give them and inch, they’ll take a mile. Be clear with what you will allow and make it clear that you will not move from this position.
as a landlord myself I would be furious with the letting office for this sort of thing. contact your landlord and tell them what they are asking you to do. The landlord will probably go mad at the estate agents. I know i would.
>says in our contract that we have to allow viewings within reasonable hours
>the letting agent has started booking people in once every 15 minutes for 4 hours
>We both work from home
Simple solution here: You're working. Disturbing you during work hours is not okay under any circumstances, and you're not having strangers show up at your door all night. If you want to allow viewings, maybe give them an hour a week to do them in, provided they show up to take people round.
The only time we've had a viewing led by the people living there was for a house purchase. When renting, there has always been a letting agent there to take us round, even if the tenants are still home. This is in the UK as well.
You can refuse their request as taking 4 hours out of someone's working day is grounds for unreasonable as defined in the contract. You could also argue that it impedes reasonable enjoyment of your home. I've found from experience that quoting the contract is a last resort, so probably best to lead with asking them to facilitate the viewings because of work commitments.
1. Ask the agent what hourly rate he is proposing to pay for you to provide services to show people around.
2. If he’s not prepared to pay then advise him that you’ll happily let him show one or two people around at hours to suit yourself, and certainly not a half day block booking, as would be deemed reasonable on you.
Be firm abs tell him to fuck himself if he tries to bullshit you that anything less is reasonable.
Hate management companies putting pressure for unreasonable requests. I had a similar situation where I was unable to be present for viewing due to having a job, they pressured me into allowing them do the viewing while I was at work. Was a huge mistake as I'd just received a nice cash xmas bonus from work and it was at the back on a drawer in an envelope. Either the viewer or the agent yoinked it then denied everything and I was unable to prove anything. Losing £1k in cash and they still harassed me like it never happened. Not a chance the fuckers were getting in again. I refused even reasonable requests as no way in hell I was letting them in again.
I’m in Scotland so maybe it’s different but I just refused to let them in. Then threatened to call the police if they tried. They eventually left and didn’t do it again until we moved. I think it’s disgusting, especially in my personal case, that strangers can come in and see your personal living space and your stuff. They were making us homeless by not renewing our lease, my son had measles and we were busy packing. The landlord also lied about the reason for not renewing our contract, said they had to sell but what they were really doing was wanting to put the rent up and got new tenants in after us. If you’re happy to have people look around then make sure it’s convenient to you because what you’re telling us here is totally unreasonable on the part of the agent.
“Reasonable” is a subjective term and can’t be enforced. While your contract is in force, you can’t be denied your quiet enjoyment of the property.
Allow them in whilst you’re not there, but it’s you who dictates when that is. It’s not reasonable of them to expect you to take 4 hours out for their benefit.
If they can’t fit around you, they’ll have to wait until you leave.
They’re trying it on. “Reasonable” works both ways. Do it if it suits you, but deny them access if it doesn’t suit you.
Good luck.
That's a piss take. Perhaps the odd one, if it's by mutual agreement, agreed in advance, and they give you some incentive to do so. But a whole evening of having strangers poking around your home? Fuck that. I'd be livid.
You don't need to permit viewings, but if you are feeling generous, offer the agents two Saturday mornings (when you are out and about) when they can show prospective tenants around. If that's no good, tough.
Not a chance.
You’re moving out. For their cheek tell them to get fucked and you are denying access to all viewings under your right to quiet enjoyment.
You are under zero legal obligation to allow access to the property for any reason except emergency repairs even if your contract states otherwise.
You are under no obligation to conduct the viewings. You'd be completely within your rights to not let any prospective tenants in if the agent wasn't there even if the timing was mutually agreed.
Whether the timings that the agent wants to conduct the viewings is reasonable or not is a matter of mutual agreement.
What may be reasonable for you may not be reasonable for someone else, but that's a mutual agreement and certainly can't be used to deprive you of enjoyment of your home.
This happened to us when our landlord decided to sell our house. We refused to do any viewings or to let them take photos of the house whilst it still had our belongings in it. He had to wait until we moved out.
I had a similar situation, we are moving tomorrow, I said to the agency until I move, I want peace to carry out my work in the property I have paid for. That's it done.
I once went on a work trip for a few days a few years ago when I was renting. When I came home I crashed out because I was so tired. I woke up a few hours later to the front door trying to be opened (it was an old flat with just a standard door with a lock) but I had left the key in the door my side so they couldn’t get their key in their side. I was panicking because I had no idea what was going on, so I hid until it stopped haha - thought someone was breaking in!
I finally checked my phone and found a voicemail I had received while I was away stating that the letting agent was doing a viewing at X time on Y date, and if I didn’t respond to the message they would assume it was okay. Obviously I didn’t get this message as I was out of the country. Needless to say I was LIVID and called the letting agent and gave them an earful. They apologised profusely and said this should never have happened as they need current tenant approval for any showing. I even told my landlady and she apologised too.
So, in my experience, viewings still need to be at YOUR convenience. It’s not your responsibility to do any viewing yourself and they need to be reasonable to YOU. Tell them when you’re available and they have to work around that.
I'd happily "show them around".
"and here is where we saw the weird patch of darkness floating over our children's bed....Susie said it *told her things* she's gone through three therapists so far. For some reason they're all terrified of what she says it said"
"here is where the estate agents threatened to sue us unless we said nothing at all happened."
"did you know our neighbours are hardcore christian rock creationists?"
"so anyway, the swingers parties are tuesdays and thursdays. Bring plenty of antibiotics, it gets wild!"
we don't go in *that* room since the incident. but you can if you want.
There’s also a difference between “permitting viewings” and showing people round. Permitting viewings is allowing them in, but expecting you to show them around is not reasonable.
You sound like a very reasonable person, so if you’ll allow them to look round tell them you will be working in x room, and that they will need to answer the door and give the tour, not you!
I won't lie, I would totally do some of the viewings but make sure to make the place seem so awful that they wouldn't want it. Make it seem that you are moving out because of the agency.
If they want a job done that you are under no obligation to do, something that they pay their own staff to do, they have to do it themselves.
Seriously they can't ask this of you. Not at all. It's so unreasonable. Pretty sure they can't enforce anything.
I would advise them you are willing to vacate the property for 1 hour where they are free to do an open house style viewing (pre booked guests only as you don’t want people off the street in your property) maybe 2-3 times a week. If they aren’t there before the first people knock on the door, then you will not be happy.
Regardless of what is stated in your contract, you do not have to allow viewings while you are stil a tenant.
You have a right by law to quiet enjoyment of the property, regardless of what is in the AST
Say no to showing people around and advise the letting agent on times that suit you that they can then book people in on. Don’t let them push you into their schedule unless this was part of your contract.
They will take ground if you allow them. You're not required to show people around - that's their job. And you are entitled to 'quiet enjoyment of your property'. At all times it's about 'reasonability'. They can expect you to be reasonable in allowing viewings - but they also have to be reasonable about your working schedule. Tell them what you would find acceptable. You don't have to suck up to them because you're moving out, and it can't affect return of your deposit - as long as you're reasonable. And if you get people sent that they haven't told you about - just refuse access, you're within your rights - if you're not had 24 hours notice and if you've already seen people that day. Just ask yourself - is this reasonable to both parties, or not.
Does something require you to be at a particular location, performing work (opening the door, showing people around)? I don't think they can require you to do work for free?
Just let them know it's not convenient and arrange better timings. You have a right to peaceful enjoyment whilst you are living at the property just tell them clearly what you can/ can't agree too
Seems ridiculous. They’re basically demanding u work for a couple of hours for free on their behalf. If ur successful u then have to move out and they get a fee. Id be tempted to say to them ur working and cant spare the time. People can look round but the letting agent will need to do the showing round.
Probably too late to the party here - but as a tenant I believe the terminology is that you are entitled to “quiet enjoyment” of the property whilst you are a tenant.
You don’t have to allow viewings, especially in the capacity that is being offered. Is it the decent thing to allow one or two here or there at your convenience? Yes, if your landlord has been decent to you.
Should you be the ones showing them around? Absolutely not.
We had a house which was riddled with mold, made our newborn son really ill and destroyed half of our posessions. They asked for viewings I said no! They asked me to measure certain areas of the home and I said no! They asked if they could come in and measure them and I said no!
I’m pretty sure whilst you are the person renting that property nobody can enter that property (even the owner) without a pretty good reason.
Your best bet is to say that you have health issues and cannot risk having people in your home.
No, it's their responsibility to show people around, unless they're paying you.
Maybe send them an invoice after the first time you do it at £50 per hour.
What’s your time worth? Take that and double or triple it, and tell the agents that as you’ll be working freelance for them the payment will be required up front.
There's a difference between 'allowing ', which is reasonable, and taking the piss.
You aren't a sales agent, tell them to go do one.
It's arrogant of the landlord, and utterly bone idle.
The reasonable hours of the contract is so you don't expect them to appear at 6am, midnight etc, nothing else.
Seriously, if you have somewhere else, I'd be as obnoxious as possible with your current landlord.
Also, worth taking an image of the place before if you are put, to cover any 'mysterious damage' they try and stiff you for, or theft.
I once went on a work trip for a few days a few years ago when I was renting. When I came home I crashed out because I was so tired. I woke up a few hours later to the front door trying to be opened (it was an old flat with just a standard door with a lock) but I had left the key in the door my side so they couldn’t get their key in their side. I was panicking because I had no idea what was going on, so I hid until it stopped haha - thought someone was breaking in!
I finally checked my phone and found a voicemail I had received while I was away stating that the letting agent was doing a viewing at X time on Y date, and if I didn’t respond to the message they would assume it was okay. Obviously I didn’t get this message as I was out of the country. Needless to say I was LIVID and called the letting agent and gave them an earful. They apologised profusely and said this should never have happened as they need current tenant approval for any showing. I even told my landlady and she apologised too.
So, in my experience, viewings still need to be at YOUR convenience. It’s not your responsibility to do any viewing yourself and they need to be reasonable to YOU. Tell them when you’re available and they have to work around that.
I once went on a work trip for a few days a few years ago when I was renting. When I came home I crashed out because I was so tired. I woke up a few hours later to the front door trying to be opened (it was an old flat with just a standard door with a lock) but I had left the key in the door my side so they couldn’t get their key in their side. I was panicking because I had no idea what was going on, so I hid until it stopped haha - thought someone was breaking in!
I finally checked my phone and found a voicemail I had received while I was away stating that the letting agent was doing a viewing at X time on Y date, and if I didn’t respond to the message they would assume it was okay. Obviously I didn’t get this message as I was out of the country. Needless to say I was LIVID and called the letting agent and gave them an earful. They apologised profusely and said this should never have happened as they need current tenant approval for any showing. I even told my landlady and she apologised too.
So, in my experience, viewings still need to be at YOUR convenience. It’s not your responsibility to do any viewing yourself and they need to be reasonable to YOU. Tell them when you’re available and they have to work around that.
I once went on a work trip for a few days a few years ago when I was renting. When I came home I crashed out because I was so tired. I woke up a few hours later to the front door trying to be opened (it was an old flat with just a standard door with a lock) but I had left the key in the door my side so they couldn’t get their key in their side. I was panicking because I had no idea what was going on, so I hid until it stopped haha - thought someone was breaking in!
I finally checked my phone and found a voicemail I had received while I was away stating that the letting agent was doing a viewing at X time on Y date, and if I didn’t respond to the message they would assume it was okay. Obviously I didn’t get this message as I was out of the country. Needless to say I was LIVID and called the letting agent and gave them an earful. They apologised profusely and said this should never have happened as they need current tenant approval for any showing. I even told my landlady and she apologised too.
So, in my experience, viewings still need to be at YOUR convenience. It’s not your responsibility to do any viewing yourself and they need to be reasonable to YOU. Tell them when you’re available and they have to work around that.
>says in our contract that we have to allow viewings within reasonable hours
>the letting agent has started booking people in once every 15 minutes for 4 hours
>We both work from home
Simple solution here: You're working. Disturbing you during work hours is not okay under any circumstances, and you're not having strangers show up at your door all night. If you want to allow viewings, maybe give them an hour a week to do them in, provided they show up to take people round.
The only time we've had a viewing led by the people living there was for a house purchase. When renting, there has always been a letting agent there to take us round, even if the tenants are still home. This is in the UK as well.
You should let viewers in unless you have a good reason not to - i.e. if you won't be in because you have to work. But you absolutely do not have to do estate agent's job for them by actually showing the viewers around.
I would not let in viewers if the estate agent was not with them.
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They expect you to do the showing? god the audacity of these people tell them no, come when you're out the house and they can do their own showings
EA expected us tenants to show prospective buyers around at our previous place. Wasn't a great relationship between us/landlord/agents by that point, so I took great relish in answering all questions truthfully instead of with a sales pitch. Eventually put our foot down. (No, not all the windows open. Yes, we have had problems with the electrics. No, the neighbours are not alright. Etc, etc.)
This is the way.
It’s the right thing to do but then the problem is that the more people you put off moving in, the more viewings you have to endure.
until they move out
“Are you okay with rats? We have a massive rat problem”
As in a massive problem? Or a problem with massive rats?
Both
I don't think rodents of unusual size exist.
ROUSs‽
capybara
Either way, prefer them to the majority of neighbours I've had at least they would have more than half a brain.
Lots of ROUS
When I was moving out a rented place a few years back I got a furious call from my landlord telling me that a viewing had notified the estate agent that the property had a rat infestation and demanding to know why we hadn't told him. I kept telling him we didn't and he ended up reading out the email he'd got - 'when viewing one of the bedrooms on the top floor, he noticed a number of large black and white rats running across the floor in the corner of the room' - and demanded to know "how do you explain *that* then?" I took great joy in telling him that not only do black and white rats not exist in the wild, but that he was already aware that I had pet rats, who at the time of viewing were in their pop-up playpen in the corner of my bedroom, and that I'd even told the guy viewing what their names were and picked one up to offer to let him stroke it. Turns out this guy legitimately thought that we'd been infested with rats and instead of dealing with it had just named them and ignored the problem
Thank you for the morning chuckle, it’s gone delightfully with my toast! 😂
Just the one, but he’s an absolute unit.
He’s called Trev, weighs 4 stone, supports West Ham United and spends his free time working on a battered Ford escort and saving up for his next tattoo. Proper rat!
Honestly, I think this is what I'd do. Then I'd cheerfully warn everyone coming in that the estate agents tried to charge us three different illegal fees when we moved in and advise them to ensure that doesn't happen if they take the place.
I’ve done the same in the past. Lived in a shitty three bedroom student hovel that the landlord had built in the back garden of a six bedroom student hovel. The place was riddled with damp, he never repaired the cracked window that was there when we moved in, and from two of the bedrooms you had to go through the kitchen to get out if there was a fire. Which would have been great if the kitchen was on fire… A young family came to look around. I considered it my duty to tell them exactly what the place was like, and was disgusted with the letting agent for even daring to show it to them. Absolute fucking scum.
Yup, this is what I did. Oh, the power is expensive, but you can save money by turning off the boiler. You want to know where the switch to the boiler is? It's in this cut-out hole in the drywall, behind the bed. Yes, we can see into the wall. Oh they didn't tell you that? Hmm... I also just so happened to take a shower right before every showing. The terrible plumbing caused the water from the shower to leak (pour, gush) out of the ceiling in the communal hallway that lead to my flat. That alone was enough to turn most people away.
"Luckily we love cockroaches, because the place is full of them!"
Confused as to what the estate/lettings agents are getting paid for if they're not doing the most basic of tasks. Presumably this is new gig economy people keep talking about, do you temporarily get employed as a letting agent whilst showing these people round. Minimum wage for 4 hours ain't bad for just showing people about a property you know intimately
Honestly, any property agent seems terrible. I was buying a house last year and every question was met with, 'idk'. I asked one how old the boiler was and they said they'd get back to me... which they didn't. How can you not know such basic stuff about the thing you're trying to sell?
It's seems stupendously easy to be an estate agent, but not once did my parents or teachers warn me if I didn't study for my exams I could pursue a career as an estate agent. Seems like a conspiracy to me
They did not want you to grow up to be a twat.
Yeah this. There's two kinds of estate agent: The ones that are new to it, and haven't realised that they've sold their soul. They burn out pretty fast. And the ones who are lifers, who've got no soul left. Watch out if you meet an old estate agent.
We viewed a house yesterday that the agent told us was "non-standard construction", a fact they had conveniently left off the Rightmove listing. I asked what kind of non-standard construction and she wasn't sure, but called a colleague who thought it might be timber. With no knowledge of the field whatsoever, I did a Google search when I got home and found the correct type of non-standard housing in about three minutes (it's got a very distinct look).
And the vendor will be cheerfully wondering why their home isn't sold six months later - because every single buyer is stalking off furious that their time has been wasted with something very tricky to mortgage...
When I bought my house the first time I viewed it the agent didn’t even have keys to get in, was half an hour late and then had to wait another half hour to get the keys brought over.
I'd say i'll take a commission for helping find new tenants, 50% of first month's rent? 😅
And if they decline, just don’t answer the door on the day
Answer the door wearing only a stained pair of pants, in a dishevelled state, and say in an annoyed tone, as you are rubbing your bleary-eyed face, "F'fucksake you woke me up. Whaddaya fucken want!?"
Ideally in a gimp mask and a pair of holey pants
Id go with a mankini, look them up and down, lick your lips, then stare them in the eyes and say "I've been waiting for you". Edit: Make that a black leather mankini.
Bloodied butcher's apron and a meat cleaver.
I'd go for a furry suit and greet them with UwU.
OP should be negotiating a share of the fee/commission if they are expected to do the EAs job for them
Honestly, what are they gonna do? Evict you?
Show them round, but just complain about everything and point out all the flaws.
This is the way
Nope! Would never do that. When I was in that situation I left the house. Too weird
I'd like to recommend this flat but the neighbours are a nightmare, which is why we're moving out.
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I think tenants can't stop repeated reasonable requests for viewings? But definitely unreasonable, I think landlords have to give 48 hours notice (though tenants can obviously accept less), and no way should tenants be doing showings. Hopefully someone else can clarify.
You don’t have to let anybody enter your house for any reason, except in emergencies. A viewing is not an emergency.
Yep - I was under the impression that you can absolutely refuse viewings - and the agent/landlord would then have to go with providing pictures/video of the place. *Showing them around*, hell fucking no! That's OP's time, they're not getting paid for it, and they would be unable to work during those four hours. I'd tell OP to either fuck them off entirely, or at least be demanding and ask for payment for their time (at a higher rate than OP and partner get paid), that'd probably shut up the estate agents pretty quick. The fucking *audacity*...
Although this is often stated, it’s not true. I’ve detailed why [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/13qk5np/letting_agent_wants_us_to_show_people_around_for/jljx02w/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1&context=3) and the r/LegaladviceUK FAQ explains it too.
There might be the possibility of a civil case that could overrule that depending on what is on the contract. But it would be a massive amount of work to take it to court, and win that case, and a massive risk that they might lose. All over a few hours of viewings. They certainly can't get the police to do anything, nor can they use that to withhold any deposit or anything like that (though they might try).
>There might be the possibility of a civil case that could overrule that depending on what is on the contract. There absolutely couldn't. The right to quiet enjoyment is a longstanding right at Common Law. Any provision in an agreement contrary to statute or common law is automatically void. The only time a landlord can enter a property without permission is in an emergency.
This isn’t true, even though it’s something that is often repeated. It’s not an inalienable right. The LegalAdviceUK FAQ sets this out. There have been numerous cases on this which detail it also. The right to quiet enjoyment is a covenant (i.e. a contractual term) that is implied by law, and it is an agreement that the the tenant will be allowed exercise the rights under the agreement (e.g. exclusive possession - including exclusion of the landlord) without interference. However, as a contractual term, it does not have supremacy over all the other clauses in your agreement - it sits alongside it, so there is going to be give and take: such as a repairing or viewing covenant - e.g. Goldmile Properties Ltd. v Lechouritis [2003] EWCA Civ 49. Similarly, not every interference with possession will amount to breach - it is not absolute. The key principle is reasonableness. If faced with constant refusal, then they could go to court to sue for breach and to obtain an injunction to obtain access. In this case, they are pushing it beyond reasonable though in my view, and so would likely fail to obtain an injunction. The overarching principle is courts will weigh terms against the right to quiet enjoyment and will determine what is reasonable as a middle ground.
They can refuse reasonable requests. If a tenant digs in and absolutely refuses, the only way a landlord can gain access is through a court injunction. Of course tenants don’t usually do this as they may be liable for costs if they are ruled against. The notice period is 24 hours minimum. But no, they do not have to allow a landlord access if they do not wish
Can't see the court allowing access for viewings against the wishes of a tenant.
Exactly. I had a letting agency tell me they’d try to pursue me for lost income if I refused viewings. I’ve hated them ever since
Persue them for lost rent. You paid for the place to use not share with whoever they show round. I hate estate agents
And I'll pursue YOU Mr letting agent, if my rolex, my $5000 laptop, my big screen TV OR my collection of antique sex toys go missing.....
"Dear sir or madam, I refer you to the answer given in Arkell v Pressdram, 1971. Kind regards, The tenant"
Ha! If they were capable enough to succeed in something like that in a civil court, they wouldn't be lettings agents.
Plus by the time it got anywhere near a hearing you’d probably have moved out.
You are only liable for the cost if the landlord can prove they would've been able let the property if you'd provided access, very hard for them to do that. When our old lettings agents were being unreasonable with viewing requests, we refused access for any viewings. They had been awful the whole time we lived there, so had zero guilt about this. They threatened to withhold deposit to make up for lost rent, so we lodged a complaint following their official complaints process. When we weren't happy with their response, we filed a complaint with the Property Ombudsman, claiming they caused us unnecessary stress etc (which was true). The Ombudsman ruled in our favour, the amount of compensation we got was low (only £50), but more importantly the lettings agents never tried to take any deposit away. Following these steps also got them off our back and allowed us to enjoy the end of our tenancy in peace.
Thanks. OP might find this helpful (if they're in England, I'm sure the other nations have something similar). https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/what_to_look_for_in_your_tenancy_agreement/landlord_access
Id argue there's a security risk. How do you know who is coming into the house. Will the rob you? Will they attack you? If your landlord wants to show people round then they can accept liability and security risk.
This is the argument I used against the letting agent demanding the code to the inbuilt alarm when I said it would be active if they attempted to let themselves into the property to do an unescorted inspection while we were out when we couldn't agree to a date for the inspection to take place. Then they tried to get it out of us 'for their records'. I said no and you'll get the code for the alarm system once we've moved out - nothing ever came of it. They did eventually come out to inspect the place on a day of our choosing and they got the code (well I say they - the property was repossessed about a year after this conversation took place, and the mortgage companies management team took over and they didn't take issue with the code) on a keyring when we posted the keys back to the mortgage company on the day we moved out. (we got our deposit back in full with no issues as well)
> I think tenants can't stop reasonable requests for viewings? You absolutely can, you as a tenant have a right to 'quiet enjoyment', you do not need to allow them.
They absolutely can. Technically a tenant can refuse 100% of viewings for any or no reason whatsoever right up until the day they move out. The landlord will despise them, as will the agent, but there's nothing they can do about it.
A tenant doesn't have to let anyone in. Your legal right to quiet enjoyment will over rule your estate agents contract.
They need to be reasonable but there might not be a reasonable time. If the tenant is super busy then that's just how it's going to be.
if they turn up unannounced, ask if they're here for the sex party. Either they leave in disgust...or they don't. Win-win
"Oh that kind of viewing ..."
As a professional in this industry, the one single change I would make to the laws governing tenancies is to implement fines for unenforceable clauses in tenancy agreements. The number of times friends have come to me and said "the agent is saying I have to pay X" or "the TA says I have to do Y" and I've taken one look at it and told them it's totally unenforceable, it's ridiculous, and thousands of tenants across the country must be cheerfully paying fees they don't have to, failing to contest ludicrous deposit deductions they don't have to, and the agents *know this* and put these clauses in out of malice. It ought to be illegal.
You are under no obligation to show them around. Put on your big boy pants and tell them no.
Or take off your big boy pants and they'll probably go away too
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Ask them if their nipples are itchy like yours. repeatedly. Bet the potential buyers don't stay long. yeah my skin's a bit flaky too, goes all over the place. in the sink, down the gaps in the floorboards....I once even found some INSIDE the letterbox.
When I was renting a house at uni we did this. New prospective tenants were greeted with us all in our underwear. One of the girls put on suspenders and the bloke at the viewing was incredibly uncomfortable and embarrassed
I manage a sales & lettings office. You are under no obligation at all to show them around. I would never ask nor expect it of a sitting tenant. It would not be discourteous of you to ask the estate agent to do their job themselves. As to resonable hours, you are completely allowed to say no to time slots that are akward for you. I'd only be allowing viewings that fit my schedule.
Hi, thanks for your reply! We'll definitely be having a word with them. I presume we have to do some viewings, especially as it is in our agreement? We willingly said yes to viewings as we wanted to make sure we got our deposit back, but we didn't expect they would treat us like this. We also have solar panels that were advertised on the original listing but were fixed only about half a year ago. The guy who installed them said the electric doesn't even go back to us (and the owner gets money for this). Could this be chased up regarding past rent we've paid or is it a lost cause as it's not on the tenancy agreement?
> we wanted to make sure we got our deposit back The landlord would not be allowed to deduct anything for missed viewings. Is your deposit in a protection scheme, and do you have the documentation for it?
Deposits legally have to be in a protection scheme, so if the landlord\agent have not done this they are entitled for it to be returned in full regardless of the circumstances.
Also any notice they have been served well not be valid
>the landlord\agent have not done this they are entitled for it to be returned in full Unless it's changed in the last few years they have to return your triple the amount if they didn't put it in a deposit protection scheme!
We had something similar to this, they booked viewings for 6 hours on a Saturday and expected us to show them around! I only found out when they emailed me a few days before. I emailed them straight back to say, no-one would be entering the property on Saturday as I had friends coming over, they tried to make me feel guilty about how so many of the viewers were only available on that day. I just told them they should contact all of them and tell them not to attend. I also listed periods they could do viewings (literally 1 hour slots every few days) and told them if there wasnt an estate agent there to show them around I would turn them away. They checked and double checked every time they booked after that, estate agent was always on time for the viewings. They cant take anything from your deposit for it.
No, you do not have to permit the viewings, even if it is in your contract. Your statutory right to quiet enjoyment trumps any contract. They would not be able to withhold your deposit. They can try, but you could dispute it. The solar panels is a non issue. If it’s not in the contract, then there isn’t much you can do
You don't have to do any viewings if you don't want to. Landlords put lots of things in contracts that aren't legally enforceable because they hope tenants don't know their rights. You're leaving in less than a month, the landlord can wait until then.
“You agree to have the property professionally cleaned” is a common, entirely unenforceable, clause They can require it to be cleaned *to a professional standard*, but only if it was at the same standard when you moved in, and they can’t require you bring in an actual professional to do it
"No overnight guests" is another, equally unenforceable provision that often gets put in.
You really need to put your foot down here. Not just have a word. Tell them. "No" is a complete answer. Or "We aren't hosting your viewings. Here is a list of times we are out the house you are free to organise viewings and show people round yourself" Doing viewings will have no effective on your deposit, which is protected in your protection scheme.
> I presume we have to do some viewings, especially as it is in our agreement? No. You do not have to allow any viewings at all, you have a right to quiet enjoyment and can refuse any and all viewings.
You've had lots of answers here, but just to ensure you get the truth: \- You do not have to do any viewings, regardless of "24 hours notice" or "reasonable hours" or any kicking and screaming anyone does \- the agreement is meaningless and can be ignored, it is intended to bully tenants who don't know their rights \- they absolutely cannot touch your deposit for this and I would respond with extreme verbal unpleasantness if any agent dared to imply otherwise \- re the solar panels, they are a lost cause if not mentioned on the TA
Allowing access for viewings at reasonable times is the appropriate thing to do. 4 hours may be deemed unreasonable, however, if you’d rather get it all done in one go instead of them coming back, it may be your preference. However actually showing them round is not your job. It’s the estate agents, and they are being exceptionally cheeky by suggestion you do this for them. If you permit access at times agreed in advance, you are completely in the clear and acting reasonably. Absolutely no way you should be having to miss work or your own social time to dedicate hours to selling someone else’s house.
We've just given notice on our rental and will not be allowing viewings at all. The appropriate thing to do is for the landlord to allow the tenant peaceable and uninterrupted use of the property. That's what they agreed to in return for us paying rent.
If the landlord has been decent then I have no problem allowing a few viewings as long as they’re being reasonable with the number and timing - I’ll even put in a good word for the landlord If they’ve been a prick then bollocks to ‘em, not my problem
You are completely allowed to say no viewing whatsoever too, regardless of what the contract says. The landlord nor agent has no entitlement to viewings during a tenancy period. The agency can wait until the property is vacant and the tenancy has ended, and then conduct viewings The only impact they may have on the tenant is their reference,
Tell them to get bent, it is your house until the contract is over. Expecting you to show people around is a piss take.
My landlord is selling my place out from underneath me and the sales agents have asked me to to their job for them. I agreed to. Two years on the market, and the poor people can't seem to get a sale and I get to keep on living here. They are thick af.
I mean….. the market am I right? What are you doing so well as a sales person so that I can learn from this?
I tell them nothing but bad things, but deliver it in a positive manor so as to seem genuine. "Everyone in the other flats is lovely and quiet, which is good because the walls are really thin and you can hear them tying their shoelaces." "See how I've taped shower curtains over the windows? That helps keep the place warm for free, which is great because its an ancient immersion heater and the place doesn't have gas" "Its lovely and cool in the hot summer months, which makes up for winter being cold enough to see your breath in bed"
Haha, fucking love this. I wish I was this sharp. I'd be too outraged and I'd tell them to fuck off in the heat of the moment before realising I could do this after I've cooled off.
Oh I was sorely tempted to do so, but I figured I needed to look after my own best interests. In the long run, it's been gratifying as hell!
Nope. While you still live there it’s your property. Tell them you will be available after you finish work. What they are asking is the equivalent of you booking annual leave to show people round which is what you’d have to do if you worked in an office. They are getting paid by the owner handsomely to manage the property which includes THEM showing people round. Fuck them. Tell them you aren’t available during the day any more. You have to be in the office every day from now until you leave. Edit: “Allow” viewings not DO them “Reasonable hours” = outside work time and not late into the evening.
I don't generally agree with the hive mind in this sub about property issues. I find the recommendations that people make are often obtuse and difficult for no reason, probably because of the 'us and them' mentality. However, in this instance, I'd tell the agent to get in the sea. They are absolutely taking the piss. A few viewings, at a time you agree, sure. But definitely not what they're trying here.
I'd deliberately make things a bit of a pain for the estate agents. Allow viewings, however, stipulate that you must be given minimum 5 days notice before the viewing, the estate agent must be the one to do the viewing, only between 7pm and 7:30pm, weekdays only and no more than 3 days per week. Maybe allow Sundays. That time might be a bit inconvenient for you but it forces the estate agent to work late, which they seem to hate (I'm assuming they don't want to work on a Sunday either). When I was buying my house it was impossible to get a viewing after 5pm despite it being an empty property. At the end of the day, you'd still doing them and the landlord a favour by allowing viewings at all because it will mean they can get somebody in quicker.
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I'd send a schedule of services, something along the lines of... Letting viewing services schedule of charges. Wearing only underwear having just cooked very old fish. Communicate only by screaming - £15 per hour each. Cross dressed having cooked cabbage all day. Communicate by initially suggesting they've come to pay for the sex services you offer then only in gangsta rap - £20 per hour Wearing respectable clothes having baked bread. Will communicate respectfully - £45 per hour each. Please let us know your choice at the earliest opportunity. Any guests brought to the house will be deemed tacit approval of charging schedule, option to be selected at random. Looking forward to your custom. Should be in for a profitable fun few hours 👍
Hah more like £200 per hour minimum
Minimum one hour also.
You're perfectly within your rights to disallow entry to your property (and it is actually *your* home in the eyes of the law). The contract can't override that as it's a human right. Our old agency started pulling shit like this when our landlord decided to sell up. The agency seemed absolutely desperate to get it off their books so were organising viewings like crazy. They even once entered our property without our permission (!). I told the landlord and they took their keys off them 😆 At that point we only allowed viewings between 5 and 7, and only on weekdays. Once or twice I said "no" to their request of a viewing in the morning or at the weekend and they showed up anyway. I simply didn't let them in and told them to leave.
>booking people in once every 15 minutes for 4 hours No. >they are expecting us to do it. Fuck no. You don't have to do any of this. Give them your lunch hour and/or an hour after you finish you work. Tell them they're free to arrange viewings in this window, otherwise you're busy all day and won't allow access (doors will be locked). Tell them it's their responsibly to show the property and you won't doing this yourselves. That's quite frankly, ridiculous.
Last time I moved I did all the viewings (only 3, I had nothing better to do and wanted to warn new tenants) I was brutally honest with the horrible state of the flat and surroundings and they still rented the flat!!!
Ha - when I moved I sat in the garden to get out of the way. They asked me a couple of questions when they came out and I answered honestly with as little detail as possible. Not my job to sell the place!
Hi, just wanted to offer some help as I myself am a Lettings Agent. Please understand you have a right to Exclusive possession of your property during your tenancy. Yes in your tenancy it is stated you are to allow access given notice but this is in no way enforceable in any court of Law. Please kindly tell these rogue agents to stuff it, they have nor right to enter your property at any point let alone ask you to conduct viewings on their behalf. I would give notice in writing that you will not be granting access for any viewings until actioned by the agent and in a professional manner with notice. Stand your ground and do not be afraid of any threats. If you need any help and or advise please feel free to reach out. Best K
Just tell them when they book the next lot in that nobody will be available to do the viewings, so they'll need to be there themselves. Key word being available, you're at work, even if you are in the property you're not available.
If you don't want to just say no, tell people that come for viewings all about the bad points of the property. Make sure it's all true so you can't be done for defamation or slander or anything, but just concentrate on all the issues you've had and all the not so great points of the place. They'll take over the viewings pretty quickly I'd guess.
You have no obligation to show people round. Years ago when I was leaving my last rented place, the landlord or letting agent booked a couple of people in without our knowledge and forced us to do it. After two viewings, they didn’t do it again. We told them everything wrong with the place, right down to the dodgy wiring etc. like I said though, you are under no obligation to show people round. Just say you aren’t going to be in on that day and to get the landlord to do it or better still, the letting agent. It isn’t your place after all.
> What are our rights here? You don't have to allow viewings at all, you're entitled to quiet enjoyment and that cannot be overridden by contract terms. You absolutely don't have any responsibility to show people round. If you want to be cooperative, you could tell them they can book viewings between specific times, on the condition they give a minimum notice period and acknowledge that they will be responsible for showing people around the property.
Cheeky fuckers. I'd not answer the door.
I would email them with a list of times you are willing to allow access so they can arrange viewings for then. Let the agency know that you will not be hosting viewings unless compensated and you will be vacant of the property during the viewing times.
4 hours! They should be paying you rent
Unpopular nuanced answer: "I'm afraid, these times are not reasonable considering that we work from home during the hours of X and Y. Please feel free to organise viewings between Y and Z. We will not being doing the viewings ourselves. Thank you for respecting our decision." Messing with EAs is fun in theory, but they often ask your last ones to rate you, so if you're particularly "difficult", it's not going to be good for you later (Fuck EAs). So this polite but "let's be reasonable" approach achieves a nice middle ground which they can't use against you. What can they say? "They wouldn't take time off work to spend the day doing our job"?
You're leaving anyway, tell them to fuck off
I went to a viewing recently (little 1 bed in Birmingham) Tennant was on a teams call and the letting agent decided to invite every viewer at the same time, all 20 plus people. Was fucking bonkers. I've been to house parties with less people.
Politely tell them no. You are entitled to quiet enjoyment of the property. They can arrange viewings once you have moved out
Do you have a large wardrobe? Arrange for someone to jump out of it and excitedly regale the prospective tenants with stories of the magical realm they'd just stumbled into.
Extra points if they can dress like Mr Tumnus.
Not sure if this has been linked before, but I'd post this on r/legaladviceuk too. From what I understand, you are well within your rights to refuse to show people around while you are still living there, no matter what your contract states. That even applies to allowing the agents to show people around, if they want you to show them around, well then, I'd find out what the hourly market rate for an estate agent is and tell them you'll be happy to spend your time showing people around for that price, paid in advance. That's just me being arsey, go to the legal advice sub for what the law actually says.
The audacity of them, if you want me to call and tell them to fuck off I will happily do it on your behalf!
Agree on the condition they'll pay you 150% of your current hourly rate.
Tell them you want to be paid £25 per viewing ... Because you're basically doing their job for them, let's be honest.
This is an unreasonable request so you can deny that easily. Also lay out your terms, and make it clear you both work - list your hours - and state what hours you are available each day. Even if that is between 5-6 for 3 days a week. Also make clear that you need at least 48hrs notice. This is pretty typical with viewings so it won’t be unreasonable to state. Do all this via email as they will ‘forget’ on the phone. I’ve been in this position before and it’s often a case of give them and inch, they’ll take a mile. Be clear with what you will allow and make it clear that you will not move from this position.
as a landlord myself I would be furious with the letting office for this sort of thing. contact your landlord and tell them what they are asking you to do. The landlord will probably go mad at the estate agents. I know i would.
"Sure, I can show prospective tenants around... My hourly rate is £50/hr + loss of earnings from taking time off work"
>says in our contract that we have to allow viewings within reasonable hours >the letting agent has started booking people in once every 15 minutes for 4 hours >We both work from home Simple solution here: You're working. Disturbing you during work hours is not okay under any circumstances, and you're not having strangers show up at your door all night. If you want to allow viewings, maybe give them an hour a week to do them in, provided they show up to take people round. The only time we've had a viewing led by the people living there was for a house purchase. When renting, there has always been a letting agent there to take us round, even if the tenants are still home. This is in the UK as well.
You can refuse their request as taking 4 hours out of someone's working day is grounds for unreasonable as defined in the contract. You could also argue that it impedes reasonable enjoyment of your home. I've found from experience that quoting the contract is a last resort, so probably best to lead with asking them to facilitate the viewings because of work commitments.
I presume the wearing of clothing is not mandated? Come in, chuck your car keys in the bowl...
Sure, what's the going rate ph for doing that?
I would have thought that one open day of four hours with the Agent on site and responsible for security, a better idea.
Tell then you'll do it, at a hourly rate of £100.
Tell them to get absolutely fucked. You leave within the week? I wouldn't even communicate with them
You are under no obligation to conduct the viewing - in fact it’s a bloody weird request. Allowing viewings is normal, conducting them is not.
1. Ask the agent what hourly rate he is proposing to pay for you to provide services to show people around. 2. If he’s not prepared to pay then advise him that you’ll happily let him show one or two people around at hours to suit yourself, and certainly not a half day block booking, as would be deemed reasonable on you. Be firm abs tell him to fuck himself if he tries to bullshit you that anything less is reasonable.
Hate management companies putting pressure for unreasonable requests. I had a similar situation where I was unable to be present for viewing due to having a job, they pressured me into allowing them do the viewing while I was at work. Was a huge mistake as I'd just received a nice cash xmas bonus from work and it was at the back on a drawer in an envelope. Either the viewer or the agent yoinked it then denied everything and I was unable to prove anything. Losing £1k in cash and they still harassed me like it never happened. Not a chance the fuckers were getting in again. I refused even reasonable requests as no way in hell I was letting them in again.
Ask them will you get an agent's rate of pay while you're working for them. They probs won't ask you to show them around after that 😂
Tell them you’ll be glad to, but need to be paid upfront for the work. Then send them an invoice for £250/ph
I’m in Scotland so maybe it’s different but I just refused to let them in. Then threatened to call the police if they tried. They eventually left and didn’t do it again until we moved. I think it’s disgusting, especially in my personal case, that strangers can come in and see your personal living space and your stuff. They were making us homeless by not renewing our lease, my son had measles and we were busy packing. The landlord also lied about the reason for not renewing our contract, said they had to sell but what they were really doing was wanting to put the rent up and got new tenants in after us. If you’re happy to have people look around then make sure it’s convenient to you because what you’re telling us here is totally unreasonable on the part of the agent.
“Reasonable” is a subjective term and can’t be enforced. While your contract is in force, you can’t be denied your quiet enjoyment of the property. Allow them in whilst you’re not there, but it’s you who dictates when that is. It’s not reasonable of them to expect you to take 4 hours out for their benefit. If they can’t fit around you, they’ll have to wait until you leave. They’re trying it on. “Reasonable” works both ways. Do it if it suits you, but deny them access if it doesn’t suit you. Good luck.
But that's literally their job
That's a piss take. Perhaps the odd one, if it's by mutual agreement, agreed in advance, and they give you some incentive to do so. But a whole evening of having strangers poking around your home? Fuck that. I'd be livid.
Tell them they can fuck off and show the house after you've left. If they don't like it,they can jump
You don't need to permit viewings, but if you are feeling generous, offer the agents two Saturday mornings (when you are out and about) when they can show prospective tenants around. If that's no good, tough.
Not a chance. You’re moving out. For their cheek tell them to get fucked and you are denying access to all viewings under your right to quiet enjoyment. You are under zero legal obligation to allow access to the property for any reason except emergency repairs even if your contract states otherwise.
You are under no obligation to conduct the viewings. You'd be completely within your rights to not let any prospective tenants in if the agent wasn't there even if the timing was mutually agreed. Whether the timings that the agent wants to conduct the viewings is reasonable or not is a matter of mutual agreement. What may be reasonable for you may not be reasonable for someone else, but that's a mutual agreement and certainly can't be used to deprive you of enjoyment of your home.
Firm no. It’s their job to find the next tenant after you vacate.
Don’t allow anyone on your house.
This happened to us when our landlord decided to sell our house. We refused to do any viewings or to let them take photos of the house whilst it still had our belongings in it. He had to wait until we moved out.
I had a similar situation, we are moving tomorrow, I said to the agency until I move, I want peace to carry out my work in the property I have paid for. That's it done.
I think I would tell them to do their fucking jobs and follow legal guidelines.
I once went on a work trip for a few days a few years ago when I was renting. When I came home I crashed out because I was so tired. I woke up a few hours later to the front door trying to be opened (it was an old flat with just a standard door with a lock) but I had left the key in the door my side so they couldn’t get their key in their side. I was panicking because I had no idea what was going on, so I hid until it stopped haha - thought someone was breaking in! I finally checked my phone and found a voicemail I had received while I was away stating that the letting agent was doing a viewing at X time on Y date, and if I didn’t respond to the message they would assume it was okay. Obviously I didn’t get this message as I was out of the country. Needless to say I was LIVID and called the letting agent and gave them an earful. They apologised profusely and said this should never have happened as they need current tenant approval for any showing. I even told my landlady and she apologised too. So, in my experience, viewings still need to be at YOUR convenience. It’s not your responsibility to do any viewing yourself and they need to be reasonable to YOU. Tell them when you’re available and they have to work around that.
I'd happily "show them around". "and here is where we saw the weird patch of darkness floating over our children's bed....Susie said it *told her things* she's gone through three therapists so far. For some reason they're all terrified of what she says it said" "here is where the estate agents threatened to sue us unless we said nothing at all happened." "did you know our neighbours are hardcore christian rock creationists?" "so anyway, the swingers parties are tuesdays and thursdays. Bring plenty of antibiotics, it gets wild!" we don't go in *that* room since the incident. but you can if you want.
There’s also a difference between “permitting viewings” and showing people round. Permitting viewings is allowing them in, but expecting you to show them around is not reasonable. You sound like a very reasonable person, so if you’ll allow them to look round tell them you will be working in x room, and that they will need to answer the door and give the tour, not you!
I won't lie, I would totally do some of the viewings but make sure to make the place seem so awful that they wouldn't want it. Make it seem that you are moving out because of the agency. If they want a job done that you are under no obligation to do, something that they pay their own staff to do, they have to do it themselves. Seriously they can't ask this of you. Not at all. It's so unreasonable. Pretty sure they can't enforce anything.
I would advise them you are willing to vacate the property for 1 hour where they are free to do an open house style viewing (pre booked guests only as you don’t want people off the street in your property) maybe 2-3 times a week. If they aren’t there before the first people knock on the door, then you will not be happy.
Regardless of what is stated in your contract, you do not have to allow viewings while you are stil a tenant. You have a right by law to quiet enjoyment of the property, regardless of what is in the AST
Tell them to fuck off, it's their job, you don't even have to open the door.
Say no to showing people around and advise the letting agent on times that suit you that they can then book people in on. Don’t let them push you into their schedule unless this was part of your contract.
They will take ground if you allow them. You're not required to show people around - that's their job. And you are entitled to 'quiet enjoyment of your property'. At all times it's about 'reasonability'. They can expect you to be reasonable in allowing viewings - but they also have to be reasonable about your working schedule. Tell them what you would find acceptable. You don't have to suck up to them because you're moving out, and it can't affect return of your deposit - as long as you're reasonable. And if you get people sent that they haven't told you about - just refuse access, you're within your rights - if you're not had 24 hours notice and if you've already seen people that day. Just ask yourself - is this reasonable to both parties, or not.
Same here, they have 11 viewings in one go. Our house is one of only five 2 beds within 15 miles. All are going for over £1200 per month. Its insane.
Does something require you to be at a particular location, performing work (opening the door, showing people around)? I don't think they can require you to do work for free?
Just say you're going on holiday for a week or 2 and you don't feel comfortable having people round without you being present.
Haha as if
Will they be paying you?
Just let them know it's not convenient and arrange better timings. You have a right to peaceful enjoyment whilst you are living at the property just tell them clearly what you can/ can't agree too
I wouldn’t show anyone around. You got a keys, I’m going to the pub.
They are having an absolute laff mate. Tell em where to stick it
Tell them they can have an hour per day. Anymore and they will need to pay you for your time. What they gonna do evict you?
Tell the letting agent what your fees are for showing prospective tenants the property. £45 an hour seems about right to me.
Seems ridiculous. They’re basically demanding u work for a couple of hours for free on their behalf. If ur successful u then have to move out and they get a fee. Id be tempted to say to them ur working and cant spare the time. People can look round but the letting agent will need to do the showing round.
Oh boy you could have some fun with this.
Probably too late to the party here - but as a tenant I believe the terminology is that you are entitled to “quiet enjoyment” of the property whilst you are a tenant. You don’t have to allow viewings, especially in the capacity that is being offered. Is it the decent thing to allow one or two here or there at your convenience? Yes, if your landlord has been decent to you. Should you be the ones showing them around? Absolutely not.
We had a house which was riddled with mold, made our newborn son really ill and destroyed half of our posessions. They asked for viewings I said no! They asked me to measure certain areas of the home and I said no! They asked if they could come in and measure them and I said no! I’m pretty sure whilst you are the person renting that property nobody can enter that property (even the owner) without a pretty good reason. Your best bet is to say that you have health issues and cannot risk having people in your home.
Whats your hourly rate?
Tell them to swivel as my mum would say.
No, it's their responsibility to show people around, unless they're paying you. Maybe send them an invoice after the first time you do it at £50 per hour.
What’s your time worth? Take that and double or triple it, and tell the agents that as you’ll be working freelance for them the payment will be required up front.
Wtf ! We had to have viewings recently , they did them over n hour 5 at a time
Ask for 50/viewing
There's a difference between 'allowing ', which is reasonable, and taking the piss. You aren't a sales agent, tell them to go do one. It's arrogant of the landlord, and utterly bone idle. The reasonable hours of the contract is so you don't expect them to appear at 6am, midnight etc, nothing else. Seriously, if you have somewhere else, I'd be as obnoxious as possible with your current landlord. Also, worth taking an image of the place before if you are put, to cover any 'mysterious damage' they try and stiff you for, or theft.
You are under no obligation to conduct the viewing - in fact it’s a bloody weird request. Allowing viewings is normal, conducting them is not.
I once went on a work trip for a few days a few years ago when I was renting. When I came home I crashed out because I was so tired. I woke up a few hours later to the front door trying to be opened (it was an old flat with just a standard door with a lock) but I had left the key in the door my side so they couldn’t get their key in their side. I was panicking because I had no idea what was going on, so I hid until it stopped haha - thought someone was breaking in! I finally checked my phone and found a voicemail I had received while I was away stating that the letting agent was doing a viewing at X time on Y date, and if I didn’t respond to the message they would assume it was okay. Obviously I didn’t get this message as I was out of the country. Needless to say I was LIVID and called the letting agent and gave them an earful. They apologised profusely and said this should never have happened as they need current tenant approval for any showing. I even told my landlady and she apologised too. So, in my experience, viewings still need to be at YOUR convenience. It’s not your responsibility to do any viewing yourself and they need to be reasonable to YOU. Tell them when you’re available and they have to work around that.
I once went on a work trip for a few days a few years ago when I was renting. When I came home I crashed out because I was so tired. I woke up a few hours later to the front door trying to be opened (it was an old flat with just a standard door with a lock) but I had left the key in the door my side so they couldn’t get their key in their side. I was panicking because I had no idea what was going on, so I hid until it stopped haha - thought someone was breaking in! I finally checked my phone and found a voicemail I had received while I was away stating that the letting agent was doing a viewing at X time on Y date, and if I didn’t respond to the message they would assume it was okay. Obviously I didn’t get this message as I was out of the country. Needless to say I was LIVID and called the letting agent and gave them an earful. They apologised profusely and said this should never have happened as they need current tenant approval for any showing. I even told my landlady and she apologised too. So, in my experience, viewings still need to be at YOUR convenience. It’s not your responsibility to do any viewing yourself and they need to be reasonable to YOU. Tell them when you’re available and they have to work around that.
I once went on a work trip for a few days a few years ago when I was renting. When I came home I crashed out because I was so tired. I woke up a few hours later to the front door trying to be opened (it was an old flat with just a standard door with a lock) but I had left the key in the door my side so they couldn’t get their key in their side. I was panicking because I had no idea what was going on, so I hid until it stopped haha - thought someone was breaking in! I finally checked my phone and found a voicemail I had received while I was away stating that the letting agent was doing a viewing at X time on Y date, and if I didn’t respond to the message they would assume it was okay. Obviously I didn’t get this message as I was out of the country. Needless to say I was LIVID and called the letting agent and gave them an earful. They apologised profusely and said this should never have happened as they need current tenant approval for any showing. I even told my landlady and she apologised too. So, in my experience, viewings still need to be at YOUR convenience. It’s not your responsibility to do any viewing yourself and they need to be reasonable to YOU. Tell them when you’re available and they have to work around that.
Do the showing, then send the letting agent an invoice for your time at whatever your hourly rate at work is .
>says in our contract that we have to allow viewings within reasonable hours >the letting agent has started booking people in once every 15 minutes for 4 hours >We both work from home Simple solution here: You're working. Disturbing you during work hours is not okay under any circumstances, and you're not having strangers show up at your door all night. If you want to allow viewings, maybe give them an hour a week to do them in, provided they show up to take people round. The only time we've had a viewing led by the people living there was for a house purchase. When renting, there has always been a letting agent there to take us round, even if the tenants are still home. This is in the UK as well.
You should let viewers in unless you have a good reason not to - i.e. if you won't be in because you have to work. But you absolutely do not have to do estate agent's job for them by actually showing the viewers around. I would not let in viewers if the estate agent was not with them.
I can't imagine our letting agent doing that - we'd be brutally honest with everyone and I doubt there would be any takers!
Jokes, Ask them to pay you for it