Can the company i rent my apartment from gain entry with their set of keys anytime they wish?

[AdidasDublin]

Ive been renting my apartment for around 5 to 6 months from a company that let properties for landlords.......... they have recently written to me informing that they wish to inspect my apartment and they gave me a date.... i have no problem with this as my apartment is well looked after, smart and clean etc etc. But then i read on... the letter said 'if you are unable to attend the inspection we shall gain entry using the key we have at the office'. Now obviously im a little uncomfortable about this, fortunately the time they say they want to do their inspection i am in and not at work but what if i wasnt !! Can they really just come in when im not there ?? I dont like that if its true....that means they could come into my flat and snoop round at anytime
Can they do this??

[Jemisa]

I don't think they can Adi.
When my daughter was renting the landlord often used to let himself in on the pretense of checking on maintenance. What he really was doing was going down her underwear drawer & dirty linen basket. - Dirty bl00dy Pervert.

jem

[bibblebub]

That's what happens where I live, and I've always just assumed it's lawful (must dig out those rental agreements sometime).

[jaydah]

change the locks

[ummmm]

It is standard for a landlord to check every 6 months. It's his/hers property after all. There is probably something in the small print. If they haven't checked so far the likelihood of Jems scenario is minimal...

[Messalina]

Your landlord or agent has to give you written notice unless it's an emergency, they can't let themselves in unannounced. As they've told you that they would do this, then they are allowed to but they can't just turn up when they feel like it.

[Hazel104]

You have a right to be present; they can not let themselves in if you do not give permission to do so without you present.

They have a right to let themselves in an emergency (flooding etc).
However you are within your rights to change the locks and not hand over a spare key. You must reinstall the olds locks when you leave, all done at your expense and with no damage to the property or you may lose some of your deposit.

[R1Geezer]

No it is trespass if you do not give permission. Personally I'd change the lock, no way you want estate agent types letting themselves in at any time.

[R1Geezer]

No it's tresspass unless they have permission redhelen. If they have keys then any oik from the office can let themselves in. No legal at all. read it up. Change the locks.

[Twenty20]

The landlord or agent has the right to ask permission to enter the property. The tenant has the right to refuse. The landlord or agent cannot let themselves in whenever they wish.

However, this only applies where there is a single or joint tenancy agreement. Where several tenants are sharing and have separate tenancy agreements the landlord or agent can legally let themselves into the common areas, but not individual's rooms, without prior permission.

Many landlords and agents, unfortunately, don't know the law.