UK Landlord Forum / Life

Just wondering if anyone can offer some advice, please.

Our tenancy comes to an end about 10 days after we actually want to vacate the property. The rent is fully paid up. We've requested that the LA/LL do a walk around with us before we leave but no joy.

Based on the reality that we're responsible for the property up to the end of our agreement: Is it reasonable under these circumstances for us to decline permission for the LA/LL to show the property once we've vacated it? We're actually moving to another country and are concerned that, in our absence, damage may be caused and we would have no way of proving it wasn't us. In view of the fact that the LA seems reluctant to do even a cursory check out the day we're leaving, what should we do to ensure no funny business takes place? They know we're moving too far away to keep an eye on the house.

We've been very co-operative to date - we gave two months notice and have never once declined a showing. In fact, the agent has had us doing the showings. We feel that we've been very accommodating and we're absolutely confident in the condition of the house we'll be leaving. We even moved in early to suit the LL's needs. Is it not reasonable to receive a little reciprocation?

Would it be wrong to use the inside bolt on the front door to prevent them from accessing before we formally return the keys? We've been good tenants and we really don't want any trouble. We just want to ensure we get our deposit back. Unfortunately, we've recently discovered that LL has something of a reputation and we're concerned they'll make a spurious claim based on the knowledge that it would be inconvenient for us to attend any arbitration.

Any advice please?