Here is a question to the blog clinic from Tracy who is a student tenant
With 8 months left on tenancy in student accommodation can landlord start showing new tenants around for two days every week and want access to my flat by just giving me one covering letter stating that is what he wants to do without specific times?
All tenants have what is known as the ‘covenant for quiet enjoyment’ which is the right to live in the property without interference from the landlord.
This means that the landlord does not actually have any right to go into a tenants property at all (save in emergency such as fire) – so any rights of entry he may have must either fall under statute or be set out in the tenancy agreement.
There is no statutory right of entry for landlords to show round prospective tenants (unlike inspections for repair) and so you need to look at the tenancy agreement to see what it says.
The normal type of clause found says that landlords will be able to show prospective tenants round during the last month, or last two months, of the tenancy after giving written notice of not less than 24 hours.
I know with student lets, the accommodation is often let a long time in advance, so a clause allowing inspections at an earlier time may be considered reasonable.
However the landlord should not abuse this. I think it is implied also that the landlords written notice must give details of the actual time of inspection. One letter saying he reserves the right to come round whenever he likes will not suffice.
I would suggest you write to your Landlord asking him to provide the times of inspection visits at least 24 hours in advance of the actual visit. If he is on the University accommodation office list you could also speak to them about it as they may be able to help you.
If he is not, then you can, if the landlord continues to provide inadequate notice, speak to your Local Authority Tenancy Relations Officer. Part of their job is to help tenants experiencing problems with their landlords.
Do readers have any suggestions?
100% spot on Tessa access has to be sought on each occasion it is required and the timigs would need to be part of any agreed access.
Quite right too implied access as per hidden bits in 1988 Act and 1985 L&T Act (I thnk there is something in both) only apply for repairs, not other circumstances, including bog standard quarterly inspection visits
It would be perfectly reasonable to expect an agreed time and not open-ended access.