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.

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Permalink Reply by ElleCarumba on July 10, 2013 at 15:59

Please try this:

Shelter provides a free, national telephone advice line staffed by trained housing advisers.

Ring 0808 800 4444

8am-8pm Monday-Friday

8am-5pm Saturday-Sunday

Calls are free from UK landlines and main
mobile networks (Vodafone, O2, EE and
Virgin Mobile).

Shelter will answer your call as quickly as it can and treat it confidentially. The helpline gets very busy at times, but please keep trying. Calls are recorded for training purposes.

Shelter advisers can:

give you immediate, practical assistance
explain your rights
offer advice and guidance
suggest specialist or local support services to help you longer term.

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Permalink Reply by Katie on July 10, 2013 at 16:16

When I was having long drawn out difficulties with the letting agent Paul Simon I phoned Shelter 3 times (for different problems) and they were great. You have to be patient waiting for them to answer as they are very busy but they do their best to help. As far as I know a landlord legally has to give 24hrs notice before entering the property. You should have your contract when you call Shelter as it will help them out.

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Permalink Reply by Stephen Middleton on July 10, 2013 at 16:14

Change the lock!

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Permalink Reply by pamish on July 10, 2013 at 16:26

Call the Tax Office.

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Permalink Reply by Isabelle on July 10, 2013 at 18:03

Absolutely change the lock!! or add your own. Take photos of fingerprints or what's moved, record everything in a diary, get witnesses etc – just in case you might need it.

He has no right whatsoever to enter your home unless he gives you proper notice. This is usually set in writing in your rental agreement, so check what this says but, if it says nothing, it doesn't change the fact that he has no right to let himself in without your agreement (which you should not withhold unreasonably – ie if he needs access to repair stuff then you must agree to let him in... with a day or two's notice! unless there's an emergency like flooding etc).

You probably won't need to call the police if you make it clear to him that you do not want him in without your consent and presence. He already know this, but just abuses your ignorance about your rights. I've had landlords like that, they shy away once they see that you stand your ground and have sought legal advice. No need to be aggressive or threatening (even if you end up arguing) just put your foot down.

Shelter will advise. So should Haringey Council.

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Permalink Reply by matt on July 10, 2013 at 20:02

Why does he visit the property? Is it for maintenance or collecting rent? How often on average - weekly, monthly?

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Permalink Reply by james walsh on July 10, 2013 at 20:26

Is there also a gender issue here ? just wondered. If the guy does not live at the address he has no legal right to let himself in. Change the locks. Don't be bullied.