Tenants rights

[meowington]

Does anyone know anything about tenant's rights? We currently get letters from a building firm saying they are coming to do checks, etc in our flat and state on the letter that it doesn't matter whether we are present or not they will collect the keys from the landlord. This currently happens about once a month (sometimes more). It's a new flat and shouldn't need any repair - they seem to do things like check for scuffs in the paint work which i think seems a bit pointless and an invasion of privacy!
Does anyone know if legally I can demand to be there when they are and tell them they are not allowed in unless it's when i am there (weekends or after 6pm).

[Hammer]

It's your home, not theirs. They have no right of entry whether you are there or not, and you are entitled to tell them so.

[Loosehead]

Absolutely, if they enter without your permission they are trespassing. Write to them explaining that they should arrange a time when you are there. You can add your own lock if you have reasonable grounds to suspect they are ignoring your wishes.

[Cyril]

Privacy
A tenant has the right by law to quiet enjoyment of his residence. A landlord has a reasonable right of entry to the premises in order to inspect and make good any repairs. Wherever possible at least 24 hours notice should be given and a mutually convenient time arranged. The landlord must not enter the premises without the express permission of the tenant(s). The only exception is if delay would mean serious harm or damage to either the inhabitants or the property.

[Cyril]

Have a look at this Site

http://www.need2know.co.uk/LinkSubsectiondetail.cfm?id=2 8&sid=26

[meowington]

Many thanks for all your help!

[flaming]

The very idea!  They could help themselves to anything in your absence. It isn't even the landlord.  They must make  an appointment.  The entry seems far from reasonable.  Also, you have probably had to pay a deposit and at the end any repairs/decorations which need doing are deducted.  Anyone is allowed a fair wear and tear, though.  Make sure everything is recorded.  There should have been an inventory so that at the end everyone knows where they stand.  Advice about this might be on the link another poster has provided.

[cat woman]

We have been private renting now for 23 years and not once did the land lord enter the property with us not being there, there has always been a date and time set to suit us. We have had alot of repairs done over the years, we have regular gas & electrical checks once a year & we have always been there to let the tradesmen in. The only time we couldn't be around was when the bathroom was up dated as it was a long process which took two week as the floor had to come up, our land lord does'nt even have a key to property, it might be just bricks & morter to your land lord & mine! But at the end of the day its a home and no matter what your privacy should be respected.  :-)