Can a landlord enter a rented property without notice under particular circumstances?

Question

My landlord entered the property with a sales agent a short while ago as he is selling the place when my tenancy runs out (in about 6 weeks). He then left a note giving notice to clean up etc and that he was coming round again. Also he pointed to a part in the tenancy agreement that says he can enter the property at any time within the last two months of the tenancy with prospective buyers without notice. Is any of this allowed? In particular, was he allowed to enter with the sales agent?

Answer 1

they should normally give 24 hours notice however if the tenancy agreement your landlord wrote up and you signed said otherwise then thats that im afraid.

You signed to say you agreed with and would abide by all rules, conditions and clauses within that tenancy contract.

As the landlord legally owns the flat I would think that there is nothing much you could do about him bringing a sales agent round with him either.

If your really uncomfortable with the landlord being there then perhaps just try talking to him. Say that your happy for him to come round but you would like to be there so could he let you know when he will be coming.

You have a right to be there when your landlord does come round, he cannot tell you that you have to be absent whilst he is there.

Try not to fall out with the landlord about this, the law (if you want to take it that far) will almost definitly favour the landlord.....

Answer 2

Even if the landlord was not selling the property if he has included the clause in your lease ref the last two months of a tenancy etc he/she can enter to show it to prospective new tenants or a sales agent or even to a builder or decorator if he is looking for quotes for work to be done when you have left.

The clause in the lease means he can do this, common sense also dictates that this is allowed.

As to telling you to clean up I do inspection visits every month on the first 6 months with any tenant, ease up on this on the second lease and by a third 6 month lease we are down to one visit in the six months.

I would like to add through edit that I am a Landlord of 5 years standing letting and managing properties (mine and other peoples). If you have a question for your landlord it would surely be easier to open a dialogue with him/her. As to those who have said a landlord must give 24 hrs notice this is correct in as much as any visits for inspections etc. Emergency visits, smell of gas etc, entry is immediate and whether or not you are there. During the notice period most leases do have the clause of access for viewings/estimates and quotes/or salesperson or potential buyers.

Yes you do have the right to peaceful enjoyment of your home as the phrase goes but the landlord also has the right to think ahead and act accordingly for his own financial security.

If, instead of trumpeting on about rights etc., people were to simply communicate and be honest with each other with a big blob of tolerance thrown in wouldn't everything be much nicer?