Landlords and Tenants may have a good relationship, but there will come a time when a misunderstanding will ensue. This usually happens when the contract is about to expire and the Tenant is about to leave the property. Sometimes, Landlords want potential new tenants to be able to view the property while the current Tenant is still in residence. Some Tenants may be fine with that, but there are those Tenants that would rather not have strangers going to and from the property. This kind of attitude from Tenants is quite understandable.
Tenant’s Refusal for Landlord Entry
So, the question is this: Can the Tenant refuse the Landlord entry for viewing? The answer is, yes. It is the Tenant’s given right to deny their Landlord access to the property for viewings – or even for general maintenance or inspections, for that matter. The Tenants are currently the ones holding the right to possession and lawful enjoyment and use of the premises, also bearing in mind that while the Tenant resides in the property, their belongings are in there. This may not seem reasonable to the Landlords, but that is just the way it is.
The law protects the Tenants. So, it does not really matter if the Landlord or the letting agent think otherwise. Until the tenancy agreement is terminated legally, the Tenant has the right to enjoy the premises, and they can easily deny anyone from entering the property. The landlord or the agent can only gain access after gaining permission from the Tenant. Therefore, if the Tenant refused, no one can enter the property.
The Case from the Landlord’s Perspective
Tenants have protection from the law. That means that the landlord cannot harass the Tenant to allow them entry into the premises for whatever reason.
If the Landlord can get the Tenant to agree to give them access for viewing, only then can they show the property to new potential Tenants. The need to have the property inspected by new people is important for Landlords. They are simply eager to make sure that the property will not be vacant for a long time after the current Tenant leaves.
The Best Solution
The truth is that most Tenants do not usually have any problem letting the Landlord gain entry for viewings. The trick here is to be properly co-ordinated, all the Landlord needs to do is to discuss the matter with the Tenant. The Tenant should be able to set a few rules. For instance, the viewing should only be scheduled at a time that they are home and available to accept the guests.
Also, the Landlord should assure the Tenant that the whole viewing process is not going to take longer than what is necessary. Tenants are naturally protective of their belongings, and while they are in residence, the property is legally among their belongings.
So, if you are a Landlord and you want to be allowed entry into the rented property, your best option is to co-ordinate viewing times with your Tenant. Discuss everything and assure your Tenant that you – and whoever it is who will enter the premises – are going to respect the privacy of the current occupants.
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