Tenancy inspection - more than one inspector?

[templar018080]

Good evening,

I'm a tenant with an amicable relationship with my agent and landlord.

I've been notified that the landlord and agent would like to inspect the premises at the same time together. (Just a routine inspection.) My question - is there currently anything in the COVID government guidance to suggest it may be against this? I.e. multiple inspectors. (I'm fine with just one person attending).

I'm aware that I have rights to refuse any inspection, however, would prefer to reference some guidance if possible.

Many thanks

[DoricPixie]

In England a maximum number of 30 people are allowed at indoor events. In Scotland people are being asked to gather in groups of no more than 3 households. In Wales nightclubs are re-opening later this month. All in all I can't see any COVID related restrictions that would prevent both the landlord and letting agent entering your home at the same time.

[theartfullodger]

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/70/section/11

(6) In a lease in which the lessor’s repairing covenant is implied there is also implied a covenant by the lessee that the lessor, or any person authorised by him in writing, may at reasonable times of the day and on giving 24 hours’ notice in writing to the occupier, enter the premises comprised in the lease for the purpose of viewing their condition and state of repair.

Is where the right to inspection comes from. Debateable if both are permitted.

Will you ever need a reference from landlord or agent??

Make it easy for agent/landlord by providing a list of issues needing fixing when they walk through the door. I'm sure they'll appreciate the help..

Anything other than inspection (eg survey, valuation, photos, complaints about you keeping coal in bath..) are to be refused...

You can refuse on basis of unreasonable: e.g. if you work night shifts and they want to visit 11:55 am then you'd normally be asleep. Dunno about Covid.

Which country are you in? (NI, Wales...)??

[boletus]

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/70/section/11

Make it easy for agent/landlord by providing a list of issues needing fixing when they walk through the door. I'm sure they'll appreciate the help..

Anything other than inspection (eg survey, valuation, photos, complaints about you keeping coal in bath..) are to be refused...

Say goodbye to your amicable relationship...

[templar018080]

Thanks very much.
Relevant country is England.

[ash72]

It may be that the LL is making sure the LA is doing their job with their property, rather than checking up on you. Is there any reason you don't want both of them looking at the same time, I would have thought it was more efficient then each come separately.

You just need to ensure you have your precautions, ventilate the rooms, wipe surfaces down, and ensure they wear marks and sanitize hands.

[mokka]

Say goodbye to your amicable relationship...

Won’t care if buying property as I did

[jpucng62]

As a LL who uses a letting agent, I like to look around my properties occasionally in order to ascertain whether I need to be doing anything - I find my views and the agent's often differ! There is no reason to be particularly alarmed by this - I would see it as an opportunity to raise any issues with the LL & show him how well you keep the property.

I would ask them to wear masks and to avoid touching surfaces where possible if you are concerned about covid.

[boletus]

Won’t care if buying property

The OP isn't buying a property and doesn't sound like a tw*t.

[templar018080]

Thanks,
I'll allow the inspection to proceed with both agent and landlord and request that they take COVID precautions, masks etc.

[DPT57]

Incidentally, you don't have a right to refuse the inspection. It a landlords legal right under s11 HA1985 and probably a contractual right under the tenancy agreement you signed. If you refuse or prevent access a landlord could sue you for compensation.

[templar018080]

Indeed, the contact makes a provision to allow inspections, however, does not specify that the landlord may sue for financial compensation in the event that I refuse one. Would a landlord be brave enough to even insert a clause for monetary compensation or even attempt to sue given the Tenant Fee Act 2019 and prohibited payments?

[jpkeates]

Indeed, the contact makes a provision to allow inspections, however, does not specify that the landlord may sue for financial compensation in the event that I refuse one. Would a landlord be brave enough to even insert a clause for monetary compensation or even attempt to sue given the Tenant Fee Act 2019 and prohibited payments?

The Tenant Fees Act doesn't impact a landlord (or tenant) being able to sue for compensation for a loss.

I'm not sure what loss the landlord might incur if the tenant did decline an inspection, but, for example, if the landlord had paid for someone to inspect the property and the tenant didn't allow it, any fee from the person or company for that inspection would be a loss.

The right to inspect isn't just part of your tenancy agreement, where there is a maintenance obligation in a tenancy it's a right created by Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.

[DPT57]

Or any leak you hadn't noticed that ends up causing damage.... As jpkeates implies, you don't need to specify in a contract that you can sue for your losses if its breached. This is inherent to contract law.

[theartfullodger]

Incidentally, you don't have a right to refuse the inspection. ....................

Yes tenant does: See this VERY long discussion on the matter on a usually helpful site...


https://forums.landlordzone.co.uk/fo...ion-or-viewing

One simple example: Tenant works night shift, sleep 10:00am to 18:00. Landlord gives notice of inspection at 13:30 (usually Ok for most people..). Tenant has a perfect right to refuse. (See the act granting the right to inspection..)

see also
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housi...ur_rented_home