We have lived in our flat for 1o months now. 5 of us (all friends) sharing a large top floor apartment. We are all in our early 20’s, our landlord is 83. He constantly comes to our home un-invited and just walks in. We try to keep the door locked as often as possible but last week, someone had left to go to work and forgot to lock the front door. Myself and girlfriend were fast asleep in bed, at 9:30am we heard him knocking on our bedroom door shouting “Hello, anyone home”, he then proceeded to open the door and enter our room. We were in shock, he started talking to us about some maintenance issues and after a couple few minutes sat on the side of our bed. We are both in underwear under the covers and kind of froze until he finally left.
The couple who live on the ground floor had a similar situation, he entered the property un-invited. I heard them shouting “WE ARE IN THE BATH!” She was 7 months pregnant! Our Landlord took that as an invitation, entered the property and went to the bathrrom door, stood outside the door and had a conversation. What is going on in his head? They like us were mortified.
What is everyone’s opinion on this? I feel bad makeing a fuss but its really not fair. Reasonable comments or suggestions that won’t get us evicted would be apreciated.
Would it be worrh writing to him explaining that although you appreciate that its his property you as tenants have rights to privacy and that if he is coming round in future (obvious exceptions if emergency or such) he should knock and wait to be let into the property
Also any communication which is of a non urgent matter (maintainance or visitirs coming for whatever reason) should be put in writing (usually e mail but if he 80yo he MAY NOT be able to use e mail) via a simple note explaining and asking you to confirm this
Just my thoughts I am not a LL
Also bear in mind (and its not meant to condone what he is doing) he is of a completely different generation and his mi.dset and thought process will be somewhat different to yours
Thanks for your comments Gary, appreciated. Its actually his mindset that makes this creepy. He has a girlfriend and isn’t shy about letting people know about his stash of little blue pills! Don’t get me wrong, he is a really nice guy, just a bit creepy and then this behaviour just leaves us cringing.
Hi Warren this situation is unbelievable I have been a landlord for over 45 years and would never enter one of my properties with out prior notice. Is this so called nice guy a perv? Is he getting a kick out of this? I know its hard but I would but find some where safe and private.
I would just install a bolt like in a hotel so that you can’t open the door from the outside when you’re at home. Or change the locks. At 83, chances are that he just doesn’t understand the issue with his behaviour.
Obviously, a door bolt / chain will not be suitable if there’s 5 of you sharing. I would suggest you change the locks and notify the landlord of your valid reasons. Inform him that if he needs access for inspections, regular maintenance or repairs he must make prior arrangements by appointment.
The landlord would need keys to replaced locks as access is required for emergency, they cannot lock landlord out. Changing locks will be in breach of tenancy agreement.
Yes, this is totally illegal.
If you have a tenancy, you have the right to govern access to the property. Tenancy is actually a property right which has some things in common with freehold - its’ not just a contract like if you were in a hotel or student halls.The landlord has the right to access for specific purposes only, they have to give notice and if you reply ‘no, it’s not convenient then’ then they have to rearrange. Just wandering in is actually trespass - even though they own the place.
If you don’t have a tenancy, but have a licence or some other form of arrangement, its less clear but this is obviously totally unreasonable behavior.
I agree it’s in breach of the TA, but so is the landlords actions!
What would be your suggestion then to overcome the problem, other than “the landlords behaviour needs to change”, since you cannot provide any assurances, the landlord will change his behaviour without imposing restrictions to his free access,
One step at a time is my view. Attempted reasoning would be my preferred choice, then re-evaluate if no joy. Landlord needs to be made aware of the problem to be able to address it.
Changing locks as a first course of action is too heavy handed and likely to create more issues.
Hi Ashley, my personal feelings and thoughts align with yours. Truthfully, I actually thought my inbox would be flooded with landlord messages like yours saying they wouldn’t do this either and its bang out of order. It would appear that after 45 years as a Landlord you are in the minority based on the replies to this thread… I find it really sad, I expected more from people twice or more my age. 10 on time or early payments if we are away of £1,950.00 a month counts for nothing!