Agent visit

[horselady]

Can anyone clarify whether an agent for a landlord can just ring and say they are visiting? A young girl at work was upset because the agent rang to say he would be there at her flat in 30 minutes and would need to be let in. Surely they have to give more notice?

[luckyeight]

Yes horselady they certainly do need to give notice. Not sure of exact time schedule but it's certainly more than 30 minutes!

[horselady]

Thanks luckyeight, that's what I thought.

[kempie]

A landlord, or his agent, or someone authorised to act on his behalf has a right to view the property to assess its condition and to carry out necessary repairs or maintenance at reasonable times of the day.

The law says that a landlord or agent must give a tenant at least 24 hours prior notice in writing (except in an emergency) of such a visit. Naturally, if the tenant agrees, on specific or odd occasions to allow access without the 24 hours prior written notice, that is acceptable.

A clause in the tenancy agreement which tries to diminish or over-ride a tenant�s rights in this respect would be void and unenforceable.

[luckyeight]

Kempie, impeccable work as always. I thought it was twenty four hours. Horselady you should definitely let ur colleague at work know her rights.

[JamesEverton]

If a landlord or their agent breeches this rule, what can the tenant do? Obviously they can complain that the landlord is in breech of the contract but if they want to stay in the property does it matter?

[flyciderman]

Look at the aggrement normally it states "at resonable notice" Clearly 30 minutes is not resonable.