Gah!: Property Agents!!

I just can't believe this!! I had such a shock!!

This morning, I'm happily sitting here and theres a loud knock at the door! I was in semi pyjamas, so dashed to grab a cardigan. Before I even had my cardi, there were shouts from my vestibule!

I had to open the door to a crack and try to explain to them that they need to shut the door, as I have indoor cats! (luckily they obliged) I had no idea at this point as to who they were!

They came in an explained they were here for the gas check (of which I was unaware was due) and were pretty good about shutting the doors behind them - except once when both doors were open!

I managed to herd my terrified kitties together and put them in their room so they could open doors as they pleased!

I am so annoyed that I wasn't given 24 hours notice!! (that we signed as part of our agreement!) It makes me worry that if I had been in the garden, they could have let my precious babies out!

It was pretty shocking for the four of us! I think a cuppa and a letter of complaint is in order!

Were they from British Gas Sarah?. And yes if it's in your agreement to give you 24 hours notice then thats what they should have done.

You did check their ID as well didn't you?.

I have no idea where they were from?!! They weren't from British Gas, as they were in a red van! Plus, they looked like a pair of scallies!

I was just in such a shock and trying to calm my babies and keep them safe that my logical mind just went blank!

They must have come from the Agents, as they let themselves in!!!!

Was there not a name on the van even?!.

I would ring the agents just to make sure that their who they say they are, plus i think thats against the law letting themselves in like that!.

Thats terrible! They can't just let themselves in! Well the probably can but out of common courtesy they should have waited for you!!! What if you hadn't been in?!
Can you not speak to your landlady or something?
So glad everyone is ok and there were no escapees.

I phoned the agent, but the one they 'want' me to speak to, went straight to answer phone! I'm going to try again and speak to the management if they are still trying to put me through to her!

Our tenancy agreement does state that 24 hours notice must be given for anyone to enter the property and I have told them numerous times that I'm not happy with anyone entering without me being present! They also know about my indoor cats!!!

Susan, there was a name on the van, but I couldn't see it, as they parked half way down the street even though there was space infront of my house!!

Lauren, I'm so glad there were no escapees too - that would have been just horrible!!

It's just a horrible thought! Thinking back, one did have a jolly good look at my laptop and gazebo (when I was moving it) I'm probably thinking too much, but it is scary!!

oh Sarah how terrifying for you & the kits. Yes you must certainly find answers to why this occured and follow this up. This is not good whatsoever. Please let us know what they say when you get in touch with the 'right' person

Thank you, Danielle! I'm still quite shaken now!

I will definitely come back once I manage to speak to someone in the know!! It's just a case of them letting me, really!!

I really need to get this resolved as it's quite disturbing to think that someone has keys for my house and I do not know who they are!

Originally Posted by Sar

It's just a horrible thought! Thinking back, one did have a jolly good look at my laptop and gazebo (when I was moving it)

I'm probably thinking too much, but it is scary!!

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Get the agent to confirm the name of the company who came to you, what type of van they drive and if they even asked for someone to come out.
I know it's scary but if they had a key then I'm sure it will be legit. Just worth checking out though anyway!

If they havent rang you back by 3.p.m Sarah ring again and ask for the e-mail address of the person you have to speak to.

I just phoned three times being transferred to the same answer phone! I asked for management and apparently, 'he's on lunch' Grrrr

I have left my number with numerous people so hopefully someone will get back to me! I am also drafting a letter to the Managing Director as I am completely miffed about this whole situation!

Lauren, I know what you mean that they are probably legit, but when they have a key to my property and were casing the place, I do not feel safe to leave right now!

It probably is mostly paranoia, but after the shock of their urgent entry to my property, It has made me quite suspicious!

and so you should be suspicious!! I am sure everything is legit as well but its good to check it all out. Take a deep breath my friend

I have now spoken to the Agents and they just apologised and said that they would take it up with the Gas Check company as apparently, they were supposed to give me the notice

She really didn't want to listen to me and I felt as though my issue was being dismissed

It does still bother me, though, about the amount of attention they paid to the things in my home!

I would still confirm your complaint in a letter or e-mail Sarah just to keep on file incase it happens again, and try and get a name.

*******hugs*********

Noone is allowed to do that in germany unless youre a firefighter or a Policeman, and yet they still need a piece of paper to enter your property!!!!!

I hope it all sorts out soon!

I would get an additional lock fitted, and not give the agent a key.

Originally Posted by rosiemac

I would still confirm your complaint in a letter or e-mail Sarah just to keep on file incase it happens again, and try and get a name.

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I am drafting my letter, as I type, to the Managing Director of the company! I have so much on file for them that this will just add to it!

Originally Posted by fwan

*******hugs*********

Noone is allowed to do that in germany unless youre a firefighter or a Policeman, and yet they still need a piece of paper to enter your property!!!!!

I hope it all sorts out soon!

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Thanks, Fran!

I wish we had that law in the UK too! It's so hard to know who is calling that is kosher and who isn't?!!

Originally Posted by Anakat

I would get an additional lock fitted, and not give the agent a key.

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I do have a big barrelled door lock that the Landlady gave me permission to fit, however there are difficulties, as the door is metal and the wall next to it is plaster!

I would have to give them a key though (due to law) but I would be able to deadlock this one from the inside to prevent this from happening again!

How scary for you and the cats!!! The electric company "meter reader" was here earlier this week-scared me too as they just park in the driveway and park to the meter-you see this person in your front window and its like who is that until you see the truck in the driveway!!

Jeez - that's really disturbing Sarah - it seems a bit fishy to me..... let us know when you find out some more.
Hugs for you

I'd be tempted to fit another lock too. It's the way you described these guys casing out your stuff. You have a right to protect your property. You can get anchors for securely fitting screws into plaster so you can attatch that lock.