Are landlords allowed to spot check?

Just wondering if landlords are allowed to spot check flats - i.e. without notice?

We've had a letter saying our communial area is a mess - which it is, because of 1 of our flatmates, but we can't get him to tidy up. We always end up doing it, eventually - when we have to - e.g. if friends are coming round, because we can't leave it a mess. But we don't want to have to clean up all the time in fear of a spot check and a fine, otherwise he'll never learn and it will just get worse.

If we knew when we were going to be checked - i.e. if the landlords we're not allowed to just turn up when they liked, at the very worst, we'd have to tidy up for that when we knew there were coming, but at least it would mean we wouldn't be tidying up everyday after this guy!

Thanks

Reply 1

Mr Catbert

Make a complaint to your landlord about this other guy - Then you wont have to live in fear.

Reply 2

The Boosh

no way. it's against the law and an infringement of privacy. he must give you advanced notice. if he turns up, and you invite him in - then you dont have a leg to stand on, but he has no right to enter the property without giving you a warning (i seem to recall 2 weeks?). we had the same problem too which resulted in lots of threats and bills.

Reply 3

Paeony

I don't think it's two weeks warning for a property inspection ... our landlord, and our letting agent give us 24-48 hours notice that they'd like to come round and inspect. As we're considered to be 'good' tenants, we can have a bit of flexibility about that, but I think that the maximum notice that a LL has to give you is 48 hours. They are NOT however, allowed to simply let themselves in when you're not there, or even if you are. Most tenancies have a clause entitling the tenant to a 'right of quiet enjoyment' of the property, meaning basically that no-one can enter without your permission. Most student landlords seem to be a bit rubbish at adhering to this though ...

However, I do believe that if the landlord has a genuine cause for concern (ie that the property isn't being well maintained, reports of damage) then they can request entry to the property, although this of course can be refused. Probably isn't in your best interests to do that though.

But yeah, basically there is a legal requirement to give you *i think* 24-48 hrs notice of any kind of property
inspection.

Edit: as Tornero says, it does depend on your contract - I have a standard AST and that's the rules in mine ... yours might be a little different but legally there is a requirement to give some degree of notice for an inspection.

Reply 4

Luize

usually you have to have a 24 hour notice in writing.
But it can depend on your contract. I have a clause in my contract saying that that landlord can come around to show people around in a certain time period without informing us of every time. He will come in when we are out. Other than that he has to give us 24 hour notice unless there is an emergency.

Reply 5

philjw

We've had a letter saying our communial area is a mess - which it is, because of 1 of our flatmates, but we can't get him to tidy up.

Put the rubbish in a pile outside his door. He'll get the message.

Reply 6

loopymeg

Check your contract, but I believe that they're supposed to give you an advanced warning if they wish to enter the property.

Reply 7

CheesyBeans

I think my landlord is pretty laid back. The house is always a mess because I live with 5 messy guys but the landlord doesn't seem that bothered. If it's really bad then he jokes about it being typical student living and he'll ask us if we could have a bit of a tidy.

The landlord only really comes round if people are really overdue with their rent. He always knocks first and then if no one answers he will use his key which none of us mind. He just says what he has to say and then leaves.

Reply 8

L i b

pol_student

in fear of a spot check and a fine, otherwise he'll never learn and it will just get worse.

Um, landlords can't fine people.

Any sort of punative measures for breach of contract etc are illegal in the UK.

Reply 9

Happy1

The Landlord must give you notice before any checks accoridng to the law. For more information on that i suggest you talk to your uni accommodation office.

Also, they cant fine you for anything. Your deposit should cover anything that needs replacing. if it doesnt, they have to sue.