Today I experienced the ‘caravan’. Nearly two dozen people traipsed into my building and inspected my apartment. They were only there a couple of minutes, and then a photographer took some photos and they all buggered off.
But now apparently since the auction is this Wednesday, they want to bring people through today, tomorrow and Wednesday morning. And since I work and can’t always be here, they want me to leave my keys at the front desk so they can get in whenever they like. The people on the front desk are quite pleasant, but on the whole, not very competent. There appears to be little communication between them, and I’ve experienced them losing track of my courier parcels several times. I’m not very inclined to give them my keys. I also just don’t like the idea of people coming into my apartment without me being here.
I believe the Residential Tenancies act says the owner/agent is allowed to enter the place at any reasonable time to show a prospective purchaser, but they do need my prior consent. I’m not allowed to unreasonably withhold that consent either. Is it unreasonable of me to insist that I’m here whenever they let people in?
March 31st, 2008 at 11:22 am
Not at all. They should inform you everytime and work to your timetable. I would bypass the agents and talk directly to your landlord.
March 31st, 2008 at 11:51 am
Yeah, although I’m pretty sure what the landlords would want is me to let as many people through as possible no matter the hassle. They’re what are known as ‘motivated vendors’.
I guess it’s only another two more days. And then I find out whether I should start looking for another place to live …
March 31st, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I’d be putting as many obstacles in their way as I could!
April 1st, 2008 at 1:22 am
Letting someone into someone else’s home without their consent is dodgy, whether you do it for the police, the queen or an estate agent.
I say you should let the front desk know that no one is allowed into your apartment without your express permission, and tell them they can tell the agents to arrange a time with you over the phone.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Well, the auction is now over so I don’t have to worry about real estate agents wandering in and out of my place anymore. But I’ve no idea what happened at the auction and whether I have to move out or pay more rent.
April 4th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
The real estate agent has told me that the place sold at auction. I’ve tried contacting the landlord, but no luck so far. I’ve no idea if the new owner wants me to leave or wants to put the rent up. Realistically, those are the only two options.
April 8th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Move out or pay more?
Your very practical. I would have said down with the capitalist landlords, grown a beard, taken up squatters rights and started hoarding cats.
mmmm solidarity
April 8th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Yeah, I thought of that, but I just don’t suit a beard.
April 9th, 2008 at 10:00 am
you could try roman sandals.