A Chancer's game..
Saturday, 21. April 2007, 11:24:46
A little notes posted through the letterbox yesterday afternoon informed me that my apartment was due to be inspected by a certain letting agent. I should point out this (being under 24 hours notice) is in breach of uk law.
I was immediately suspicous also for the fact that we do not rent from an agency but have direct contact with the landlord, whom took over the personal management of his properties from letting agents not 18 months previously. Also, we have an agreement with the landlord that we are here to stay for the forseeable future. Something which he seemed very please by, and granted us permission to upgrade the flat with a lick of paint here and there.
The company stated on the little note is an actual company and the telephone numbers are correct to that company. Of course I tried calling them when I got home at 5:15pm last evening to point out that we do not hold any contract with them but with the landlord and that at least 24 hours advance notice is required before they can legally enter the property with or without permission.
Since they didn't answer I tried calling them this morning and again no answer. Since they so very happily suggest on their note that 'if there are any problems please do not hesitate to contact us' and that there was no hesitation on my part, I am not going to grant them access to the property and will be calling round to see my landlord about this matter.
I suspect that this is a scam, by certain individuals to gain access to property only to scout the valuables inside. This will probably be proved correct when I speak with my landlord who will most likely say he'll never use another letting agent again (having experienced serious problems before). And probably when I eventually get to speak to the company themselves. (hmmm conducting inspections on the weekend, yet no body to answer phones in your offices?)
What this is more indicative of is the need for everyone to be ever vigilant against those who would commit crime. Especially those using sneaky underhand methods and trying to trick you into playing a fool.
Nice one scammers, but don't try to pull the wool over my eyes.
I was immediately suspicous also for the fact that we do not rent from an agency but have direct contact with the landlord, whom took over the personal management of his properties from letting agents not 18 months previously. Also, we have an agreement with the landlord that we are here to stay for the forseeable future. Something which he seemed very please by, and granted us permission to upgrade the flat with a lick of paint here and there.
The company stated on the little note is an actual company and the telephone numbers are correct to that company. Of course I tried calling them when I got home at 5:15pm last evening to point out that we do not hold any contract with them but with the landlord and that at least 24 hours advance notice is required before they can legally enter the property with or without permission.
Since they didn't answer I tried calling them this morning and again no answer. Since they so very happily suggest on their note that 'if there are any problems please do not hesitate to contact us' and that there was no hesitation on my part, I am not going to grant them access to the property and will be calling round to see my landlord about this matter.
I suspect that this is a scam, by certain individuals to gain access to property only to scout the valuables inside. This will probably be proved correct when I speak with my landlord who will most likely say he'll never use another letting agent again (having experienced serious problems before). And probably when I eventually get to speak to the company themselves. (hmmm conducting inspections on the weekend, yet no body to answer phones in your offices?)
What this is more indicative of is the need for everyone to be ever vigilant against those who would commit crime. Especially those using sneaky underhand methods and trying to trick you into playing a fool.
Nice one scammers, but don't try to pull the wool over my eyes.
