can I change the locks on my flat as the management company come in without permissio

pam_smith

HEEELP - I rent out a flat and I suspect the "managing company" may be coming into my flat in the near future- without my permission- so I would like to know if anyone knows if I can change the locks and so that only I have access to my flat...? The management company actually sabotaged another flat by pouring wet cement down the kitchen sink and the bathroom sink...!!! Yes folks, its true.....!!!
Any know if I can change my locks...?
Pam

theartfullodger

I assume you are the tenant: (? And in Engerland?)

If so yes you can cancel, but put the lock back as it was when the tenancy ends. (ie keep all the bits). If your tenancy says you can't change them then it is wrong.

If I were you I would write to the Landlord (copy the agent if you like) stating you are entitled to the "Quiet enjoyment" of your property & you will entertain no visits, inspections or repair entries without you prior written permission.

Cheers!

Lodger (LL since 200)

pam_smith

sorry - no I am not the tennant- I am the owner and the tennant moves out soon and that is when I suspect the management company will come into my flat when empty to do something to damage the flat. So I am the owner and the flat will be empty soon......

Pam

clutton_2

once the tenant leaves, and has surrendered the tenancy, you as owner are perfectly entitled to change the locks, its your house...

how will you know the tenant has surrendered the tenancy ?

pam_smith

My tennant has given me verbal notice to quit by November 17th - which has been agreed with myself.

The flat is in a block of 27 and the management company has always stated they must have access to all flats in case of emergency which I think is reasonable HOWEVER I know that they have sabotaged another flat to pick on the owner so I cant take that chance!!

pam

Fire_Fox

Has your neighbour reported the criminal damage to the police or is this just some wild accusation? Why would the management company want to block up the plumbing, risking a flood damaging the entire building? Why don't you install a cheap PIR intruder alarm, that way the management company can access in an emergency but will alert the entire building they are doing so.

moromir

Check your lease..... there will no doubt be regulations or clauses relating to rights of access for the Leaseholder (or their Managing Agents). If you did change the locks they would need to apply to the court for some kind of order in order to gain access and if this was the case they would need to justify their reasons for wanting to enter to a judge.

Have you tried writing directly to your Leaseholder to complain about the conduct of the Managing Agents?

pinkshoes

The management company who look after my block of flats certainly do NOT have a key to mine or any other of the flats!!

(I presume you're refering to the management company rather than a letting agent who manages the letting for your flat??)

I would change the lock immediately.

maninthestreet

pam_smith wrote: »

My tennant has given me verbal notice to quit by November 17th - which has been agreed with myself.

The flat is in a block of 27 and the management company has always stated they must have access to all flats in case of emergency which I think is reasonable HOWEVER I know that they have sabotaged another flat to pick on the owner so I cant take that chance!!

pam

So the do they have the key to your flat?

G_M

I really don't understand
a) why the mgmt co would have done what you say to your neighbour
b) why they could conceivably want to 'sabotage' your flat

There is clearly something else going on here that you have not told us.

However, the bottom line is that it is your flat, your door and your lock. Change it AND install a PIR as suggested.

puddy

i used to live in a leasehold flat, they didnt have my front door key