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Tenant won’t allow access for flat inspection

Started by Shanghai1, August 31, 2021, 08:37:26 PM

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Shanghai1

Hello everyone, new to this forum. I have been trying to do a flat inspection and the tenant keeps telling me he won't be in when I give him 24 hours notice. Can I view the flat without him there?
Thanks Gary.

heavykarma

I ask people if they wish to be present,in which case I arrange a suitable time.If they're not bothered I tell them when I will visit, and ask for permission to go in.I would always ring the bell and wait a few minutes. If this tenant keeps stalling I would state your intention to go in anyway,which you legally can do. I know some landlords worry about doing this in case the tenant makes accusations of theft,violation of privacy etc.Do you think he is like that?

eps501

The short answer is yes you an inspect the flat without him being present, however, I would always get permission for that option as well. As pointed out there are a few downsides to this and maybe it would be an option to take your handy person with you both as witness and to give you a professional opinion if you anticipate some maintenance work, therefore saving everyone's time avoiding a separate visit. You may want to consider such factors that if your tenant is new to renting, he might be under the impression that you will be inspecting how clean and tidy he's keeping the flat and be put off by that. Of course you want to see that your property is being looked after but standards of tidiness and cleanliness are both subjective and it's difficult to impose a certain standard. Personally I always try to reassure tenants my focus is mainly that everything is working correctly and not missing or broken. Sometimes, this means I bring along a handy person to look at whatever it is that needs attention and I know about it already. If you have been conscientious with keeping up maintenance on a regular basis on the flat then you'll not anticipate finding anything bad so it should be a quick inspection. However, if you think your tenant is being evasive because he is trying to hide something then that's another matter. Whatever it is, I certainly wouldn't leave it too long to find out why. Maybe give him a week's notice? If he says he wont' be in, ask when he will be. If he's working, ask when he's off or if you can do it while he's out?

Townie

I have a tenant who refuses an inspection - according to the council they can  they can say the refusal is on the grounds of health.  I would clarify that I was told this before Covid.

Hippogriff

Invisible health reasons exist. And shouldn't be pooh-pooh'd. Or we have learned nothing about bedlamites, the demented, deranged and paranoid-without-reason (or is that the definition of paranoid to begin with?).

I have some jittery Tenants. They don't like me visiting (of course they don't, then, who would?)... but I'm OK with it as they don't like anyone visiting. As long as it's not personal, I guess...


Townie

The tenant knows how to play the system, health is not an issue.  The property is now in a poor condition and neglected.