Technicians from National Smoke Alarm Services attending rental property

[Jamie_D]

Hi guys

I was speaking with a guy from work who produced a letter from PM stating

'technicians from National Smoke Alarm Services will be attending your property on 26, March 2009 between 1pm - 5pm. for the purpose of servicing and installing new smoke alarms on your landlord's behalf'

He's not comfortable with this as he will not be home and doesn't know who will be snooping around his house

The PM has also stated
'under the residential tenancies act 1997, a nomintaed person is permitted to enter a renatl premises with no less than 24 hrs notice'

He has had some bad experiences with PM with misinformation etc

Can they do this?
BTW - he lives in Melb

Cheers

 

[badcliq]

Yes, the agent can gain access to the property with 24 hours min notice in writing.

And yes, tenant can also refuse entry by the agent even with the min 24 hours written notice. However, they better have a valid reason for it. They might get breach for obstructing the landlord in trying to fulfill his duty in this case.

Best case is talk to the agent to make a time that suits all parties. With tradies, it's always a bit hard but still possible.

Always try to avoid VCATs or unnecessary "arguments".

 

[poppy]

What is your friend expecting?

ie to simply change the installation to another day? If so that is a reasonable request and he may be able to do that.

Or does he expect to have a time after hours?

Or exact appointment time?

As a landlord it is extremely annoying when a tenant expects tradies to turn up after hours and/or at an exact time. Totally unrealistic as it means the landlord can't carry out any maintenance (which the tenant then complains about). If tenants want to be home to protect their valuable stuff that's fine but then they need to accept they are going to be inconvenienced by tradies. Tenants should think themselves lucky - an owner occupier always has to take time off to arrange maintenance - no option of getting a PM to let the tradies in.