we rent a property through an agent, and the landlord has just given the key to a engineer to look at the gas boiler. The engineer just unlocked the door and entered is that really aloud. where would we stand if anything went missing or was damaged?
2007-05-23 04:31:50 · 18 answers · asked by scramble 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
It depends on your lease. You will have to read though that. There will be clauses about your landlord having access, and his workmen having access.
If you dont have a lease he can do as he likes.
Looking at the gas boiler is probably classed as an emergency repair so you probably have no where to stand.
2007-05-23 04:34:39 · answer #1 · answered by OriginalBubble 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In most cases, a landlord is supposed to give tenants at least 24 hours notice that they will be entering the property. This is more for your privacy than anything else. If something was damaged or missing afterwards, you would still notify the landlord or company the engineer works for. It probably wouldn't have made a difference if there was notice or not. Depending on what the engineer was inspecting, it could have been considered an emergency and the notice not available.
If you wanted to file a complaint against the landlord, at worst he would probably get fined if there are no other complaints. Then you would have bad blood between the two of you, which is not something you want if you want to continue living peacefully where you are at. The better solution is to talk to the landlord or agent you rent through and ask for 24 hours notice next time.
2007-05-23 11:41:25 · answer #2 · answered by Brian G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For general maintenance issues, a landlord is required to give appropriate notice (either 12 or 24 hours, depending on the law where you reside). A landlord, however, IS allowed to enter without notice if there is an emergency repair, such as a broken water pipe or gas leaking from a furnace. If the landlord suspected a gas leak with good cause, he definitely has a reason to inspect without notice.
2007-05-23 11:59:46 · answer #3 · answered by acermill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must be given 24 hours notice by the landlord or the landlord agents before sending around an engineer to do any work in the flat.
If they have not informed you, tell your landlord that ir should not have happen, be nice about, but be firm that you do not wish that to happen again.
They might have tried, but got no answer as due to the data protection the Landlord or the landlord agents are not allowed to pass your details, i.e., mobile numbers stc, to the engineer.
2007-05-23 11:36:57 · answer #4 · answered by The_Informer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm.... sounds a bit dodgy to me. Would definately check out your tenancy agreement. My hubby is a property maintainance guy and contractors to two of our local letting agencies and he is not allowed to enter any property without the tenants consent. Sometimes he enters the property without the tenants being there due to work and other arrangements but again, this is only done with the consent of the tenant and the agency themselves. If the tenants don't agree to the property being entered whilst nobody is home then he doesn't go in, simple as that! Hope this helps xx
2007-05-23 12:02:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The landlord is legally required to give the tenants 24 hours notice before entering the premises. He also needs to check that you are ok with 'whoever' coming onto the premises. He is NOT ALLOWED to enter the property without doing this, and is violating the terms of the agreement.
2007-05-23 11:35:31 · answer #6 · answered by PrettyKitty 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
assuming this is USA question, for non-emergency situation the landlord and the landlord's agent must give reasonable notice to enter the rental unit
your remedy if it happens once not much, unless of course something was stolen report it or damaged, if it happens often you can move for trespassing charge
all states will have statute on landlord entering a rental, which overrides any lease
2007-05-23 11:36:08 · answer #7 · answered by goz1111 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have an ignorant and inconsiderate landlord. It should be in your tenancy agreement - usually they have to give you notice that someone will be calling. As a landlord myself, I make sure I am on good terms with my tenants, so I can phone them and arrange a mutually convenient time if there are any jobs need doing. Apart from it being written in your contract, it is a matter of common courtesy. Make a complaint! (And make sure it is heard!)
2007-05-23 17:07:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It probably depends on how your lease is written but my understanding is that a landlord is not to enter your property without your permission unless they suspect a problem. If they think the gas is leaking or there's a fire or something like that then they can go in without your permission. Otherwise, they are supposed to talk to you first.
2007-05-23 11:36:02 · answer #9 · answered by angela 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes I believe he can. I am with a housing association, they sent letter giving a date of when they wanted to call re servicing the boiler. Twice I was at work, then sent me a letter stating that they could gain access to my house to service the boiler as it was essential that this work was done for my safety. Had to have time off work and waiting in all day
2007-05-23 11:39:23 · answer #10 · answered by chasmol 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋