Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Landlord who turns up unannounced and let's himself in when I am not in.
Please can someone advise me. I've been told to call the police but I am convinced this will make relations between myself and the landlord very bad. I was previously in rent arrears, which I paid in full, and I now feel (and I think he also feels) that he can do whatever he wants. Not that this is something new, even before I was ever in arrears, he would turn up whenever. He let's himself in when I'm not here, I've come home to find him here (he leaves the door wide open for neighbours to see my possessions and possibly take whatever they like), I've come home to find dirty footprints all over my bathroom floor and mat, I recently came home to find he'd left the toilet seat up and moved some of my belongings. I feel so depressed about this. He has no respect for my privacy or security. I just feel so awful but I don't know what to do without making matters worse and I can't bear confrontation. I suffer with anxiety and depression and this isn't helping matters. I wish I could afford to move but I don't have deposit money plus I will never find anywhere as cheap, where it's all self-contained.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Haringey Cat on
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I wasn't going to say that to him. I heard him on the phone, there was absolutely no doubt. I'd never say that to him, though. It's just indicative of who he is.
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There's no regularity to it. He comes to clean the communal hallway and bathrooms (I use the hallway but not the bathrooms as I have my own) but this doesn't require access to anyone's flat. I have no idea why he was in here the time that he used the bathroom and moved some stuff. There is a boiler in my bathroom that he sometimes needs to check or adjust. He will arrange for some work to be done and will give me no notice that my flat is going to be open to strangers for days or weeks. Last year he had work done on the garden and my flat was a thoroughfare for 3 weeks. I had no privacy whatsoever from 7am every day. He is male and I am female so that is an issue as well. Last time he was here he spoke to me like crap, telling me to tidy up. He actually said 'Clean up in here, girl. You don't need to be told'! Previously on an unannounced visit I apologised for the flat being messy (more cluttered than messy) and he said it's up to me how I live in the flat. He also announced he's having some more work done so I will have my flat invaded again, with no thought as to when it's convenient for me or anything. I just feel so sick about all this. Coming home to find he's been here makes me feel sick and sad. I'm so afraid to say anything, though. I think if I do, he'll just react really badly and the whole situation will be ten times worse. :(
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Permalink Reply by matt on
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So the landlord turns up for 'cleaning/maintenance' jobs. Many landlords wouldn't bother! From what you are saying though he does sound at the very least inconsiderate and is impinging upon your privacy.
If you changed the locks (even saying that the last one broke) he's only going to ask for a copy of the key and he may react badly by giving you a months notice. He does need to be reminded that you have rights such as the 24hrs notice of entry mentioned by others. It is best that you approach the professionals on this such as Shelter/CAB - they will have seen this before and should know how to deal with it. Shelter sounds like your best bet first of all - don't hesitate, pick up the phone.
One other thing, have you spoken to the other people renting in the building - they may have the same issue. Strength in numbers.
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Permalink Reply by CharlieX on
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Your landlord's behaviour is completely out of order and could be considered harassment. If you have an AST (Assured shorthold tenancy) you have "exclusive possession" of the property. This means, among other things, the landlord cannot just come and go when he/she feels like it. Access has to be with reasonable notice and for a specific reason eg collecting rent, bringing a contractor to do repairs or their annual inspection etc. Your landlord is simply being a bully.
Do as others have advised. Call shelter and change the locks. You need to stand your ground, don't be afraid and let him know you are aware of your rights. And you can call the police . . . I wish you the best.
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Thank you so much!
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Permalink Reply by Sam R on
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Do you have a contract ?, as an ex landlord I was aware the landlord must give 24hrs notice to enter the property .usually in writing,if it was a formal visit. Depending on their reason for entry .
At no time can the landlord enter the property without your knowledge or permission .
My advice would be a visit to citizens advice ( if the government hasn't shut them down )
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Thanks! I'll have a look at the website. I do plan to go to the CAB, I just need plenty of time as I know there will be an immense wait.
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I do have a contract, yes. He wrote me a letter threatening legal action when I was in arrears. Maybe I should be doing the same. I am just so afraid of feeling even more intimidated than I do right now. I don't think he's going to stop letting himself into my flat when I'm not here.
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Permalink Reply by John McMullan on
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Change the locks has already been offered as advice I believe. Just to reiterate, it's good advice.
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Permalink Reply by Katie on
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I wouldn't change the lock. More than likely that will be breaking something on your contract (I know in anywhere I have lived it would be) and you need to make sure you do everything by the book to help your case. Also, note down times if possible and dates of when he does it.
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Yeah, I agree! Thanks, I will do.
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This sounds very creepy and a long way beyond anything to do with the property. I think a chat with the police might really help you.
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