In our contacts, it says we must give access to our properties when required.

The Housing Act 1988 states "In accordance with the Housing Act 1988, your landlord or letting agent must notify you in writing at least 24 hours before they wish to enter your home".

They're not giving notice and are sending people without notice and then sending tenants letters when the tenants turn them away due to it being a bad time.

I'm guessing the law overrules the landlord?

Which housing association is this?

Most, if not all, tenancy agreements require at least a minimum 24 hours notice to the tenant that they wish to enter the property.

Your LA will be able to 'educate' them.

Clarion Housing, formerly Circle Housing which has appeared in the regional news plenty of times due to shady practices.

Well get onto your LA (council) and ask them for advice, as they police all social housing landlords, inform them that your LL is acting outside of their remit in turning up unannounced at tenants proerties demanidng acces to properties.

Also lodge a formal complaint with the LL.

Hi

Exactly what was the access for i.e. was it a Gas Safety Inspection?

How long was it after the contractor arrived that they received the letter requiring access by the HA for that contractor?

Is the letter envelope post marked, if so what date?

This might be useful.

https://www.thetenantsvoice.co.uk/advice_from_us/landlord-access/#what_are_legitimate_reasons_for_your_landlords_entry

Presumably the access isn't for an emergency something that's a risk to residents or the property.

The property is still your home until you hand the keys in..

and no matter what is in the tenancy agreement, you do not have to let people into your home when you are not there...

If the agency is getting shirty I would change the locks and not let them have the key. Tell them what you have done, and tell them that the locks will be change back at the end of the tenancy.

Provided you that and don't damage the lock in any way, there is nothing that any one can do about it.

Tell them that anytime you are in is fine....

The property is still your home until you hand the keys in..

and no matter what is in the tenancy agreement, you do not have to let people into your home when you are not there...

That's not the issue CC, what is is the fact that they fail to give adequate notice of when they want access, and think they can turn up and walk in.

ahhhh so... in that case then, the temporary changing of the locks will stop all of their shenanigans....

oops.. answered on the wrong thread.... sorry....