Tenants not allowing access for leak repairs?
Hi Everyone, There has been a leak from my property into the flat below for a week now. The Managing Agent has arranged for contractors to go out, but the tenant keeps making appointments and then saying they are not available.
Also, the estate agent has managed to mislay/lose the key and fob and I am being told they can not go in.
I am in the process of waiting for the eviction order to come through. The tenancy ended in July last year!
Any ideas on what to do would be gratefully received.
Many thanks
Sheila
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Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1575
9:12 AM, 27th August 2024, About 2 years ago
The tenancy didn’t end I. July last year, if it had, the tenants wouldn’t still be in the property.
When you get possession, fix the leak.
It’s crazy but that’s the law I’m afraid.
Keep records of your attempts to gain access to effect the repairs and advise the tenant that refusing access is a breach of contract and that they may be liable for any damage caused to the property or to the flat below as a result of their actions.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 238 - Articles: 48
9:40 AM, 27th August 2024, About 2 years ago
The problem of tenants failing to grant access for inspections and repairs is going to get worse once s21 is ended.
I have written a blogpost on this here https://www.landlordlawblog.co.uk/2024/08/24/seven-reasons-why-landlords-should-be-entitled-to-evict-tenants-who-refuse-access-for-inspections-and-repairs/ suggesting that landlords need a new ground for eviction. If you agree, re-tweet to @mtpennycook and @mhclg
Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 403
10:35 AM, 27th August 2024, About 2 years ago
Concerning that your agents lose your property ie keys and fob and are not putting into practice your rights as landlord
Give tenant 24 hours in writing of your intention to access the property to deal with an emergency repair and failure to allow access may mean they are liable for the repair of consequent damage and for damage to contents of the tenants in flat below
Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 16
10:07 AM, 28th August 2024, About 2 years ago
Mate …do the door fix the leak …kick tennants out …they call police ….they will do nothing ….let them try and court you…..but won’t happen ….it’s time us landlords stand up to people who don’t treat our property with respect.x
Member Since May 2021 - Comments: 389
1:06 PM, 28th August 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by david boughton at 28/08/2024 – 10:07
Absolutely correct. These are OUR HOUSES not theirs !
Member Since September 2023 - Comments: 157
1:26 PM, 28th August 2024, About 2 years ago
It’s your house, but it is their home.
There has to be a balance
Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 403
1:59 PM, 28th August 2024, About 2 years ago
There already too many bad landlords who ignore the law or exploit ignorance of the law
Member Since May 2021 - Comments: 389
2:05 PM, 28th August 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Jonathan Willis at 28/08/2024 – 13:26
Yes there does so if the tenant won’t allow someone in who has arranged to go and fix the problem then the LL should deal with it by whatever means. ie. If you won’t deal with it I will.
Member Since September 2023 - Comments: 157
2:10 PM, 28th August 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by PH at 28/08/2024 – 14:05
I agree, for emergency access, they should be able to get in. Or at the very least, be able to put the liability on the tenant. I would argue that forced entry by a landlord for a documented emergency access is perfectly reasonable, but the law isn’t like this.
I no longer rent, but I agree that s21 should be abolished but s8 isn’t sufficient. To me, landlords provide flexible living accomodation compared to using to own and maintain your own home. I love the flexibility it offers but once you start a family you want security over your living arrangements so would like to see more security in tenacies for those that opt for it.
Member Since May 2021 - Comments: 389
2:30 PM, 28th August 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Jonathan Willis at 28/08/2024 – 14:10
No arguments from me , S8 needs extending or at least more details but this government do seem quite adept at misleading everyone or rather …lieing. They have quickly lost the trust of the nations indigenous.