Property viewings
Property viewings are appointments where prospective tenants (or buyers, valuers or contractors) visit the property to inspect it. For most assured and assured shorthold tenancies, your right to arrange viewings comes from the tenancy agreement, but it is limited by the tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment and privacy.
From a landlord’s perspective, viewings fall into two main situations:
Re-letting or sale while tenanted – you may have a clause allowing viewings in the last weeks of the tenancy or once notice has been given. Even then you must give reasonable written notice which is usually at least 24 hours, agree times with the tenant and never let yourself in without consent except in a genuine emergency.
Prospective tenants for a new let – viewings of an empty property can be more frequent and flexible, but you still need to follow safety and anti-discrimination rules, and be honest about rent, terms and condition.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, aggressive or excessive viewings, turning up unannounced or pressuring tenants to allow constant access can be treated as harassment and may harm your position in any redress or enforcement case. Professional landlords plan limited, well communicated viewing times and respect a tenant’s reasonable refusal or need to reschedule.
Also see our landlord blog articles.
