lonely landlord or nosy landlord?

vroombroom

Morning folks

Just after a bit of advice so I apologise in advance for the really long post! I just want to know if I am being paranoid!

My OH and I moved into a new rented house in November. We rent through a private landlord who is generally a nice guy.

However we have a small problem - he wants to be in the house ALL the time.

When we signed the lease we had a two week period of where we were moving things from my house and my OH's flat, so we weren't actually living at the house. However the LL was constantly popping over but we're not sure why - none of our stuff was touched, but lights were left on, windows left open etc but as nothing was disturbed we thought it was maybe to check sockets or something.

In December he got 4 windows replaced as the old ones didnt lock properly. The window fitter was there for 6 or so hours, along with my OH and the LL who sat at the dining room table, doing paper work. He never uttered a word to either my OH or the fitter. He had no need to be there?

Since then there have been two or three other things that needed doing (eg, a light needed repairing so he sent an electrician round and again, sat at the dining room table for an hour) and most recently the boiler has packed in so its getting replaced next week,

The LL and British Gas dude came on Tuesday to get a quote and sort out dates etc, both OH and were at home so not a problem. Then on Wed at work the LL text me to say he was popping in with the fitter to get measurements for someting or other - I said no as I have two dogs, one of who is nervous of strangers. He said he would pop round afer we got home.

They never came and again, the same thing happened on Thurs when we are at work - text to say he would pop round. Again I said no as we werent inand they eventually came out, for 5 mins, lter that day. LL didnt really need to be there.

The new boiler was delivered this morning - OH at work, I'm sat in my pjs drinking tea and watching trashy TV when my LL lets himself in along with the boiler delivery man. Dogs going mad so I ushered them into the back kitchen and the LL said sorry for disturbing me, they put the boiler and pipes down, and said he would be back Monday when the boiler is getting replaced.

I'm absolutely mortified! For starters he never said he was coming round or the boiler was getting delivered today, but also cos I was on my own. I started maternity leave yesterday so am pretty much going to be at home constantly, but I dont like thought the LL can turn up whenever he wants when I am on my own:(

Apologies again for the long post, but am I overreacting? Do you think he just likes to ensure the work is carried out correctly? or do you think he is lonely? I suspect he is lonely, but I have text OH this morning saying I want to get the locks changed on the door. I love the house and don't want to move again and he is generally a nice guy but also dont want LL turning up whenever it suits him!! Is it illegal to change the locks without notifying him??

thanks! x

BitterAndTwisted

No, it isn't illegal to change the locks but a lot of landlords don't understand that and won't take kindly to you doing it.

I would be minded to give the landlord the benefit of the doubt in the first instance as it sounds like they are spending quite a lot of time and money ensuring that the property is in good condition for you. If I were spending that kind of money I'd want to supervise the contractors as well, to ensure that they're getting on with the job properly. You have no idea of the number of workmen who pop round to make a start and then disappear to work on someone else's project and then these jobs can just go on and on and on.

Once the current works are completed I'd be thinking about having a friendly chat about being given proper notice. In the meantime I'd be tempted to use a chain on the door when I was in on my own.

evoke

Jeez. OP: why don't you just ask the landlord when will all the work be finished? Just mention to him that you're expecting a baby soon and that you appreciate him making your home BETTER FOR YOU AT HIS EXPENSE and that you're looking forward to the work being completed so you can enjoy your home in peace when your baby is born?

You don't have to make him out to be a saddo or a perv. Women these days...just don't appreciate attention. LOL.

Changing the locks will ensure you get kicked out as soon as he can kick you out.

vroombroom

thanks B&T - as I say he generally a nice guy and has done quite a bit since we moved in (the windows/the new boiler etc) so I dont want to p*ss him off or anything, but at the same time I don't want to feel on edge everytime I'm at home, especially when the baby is here.

I never thought about a chain on the door - that is a fab idea and probably better than changing the locks.

Thanks again:D


Whoaaaaaaaa evoke, am not making him out to be a perv or anything like that! I was just asking for advice/opinions on whether he has to be here ALL the time when we have had work done and letting himself in, when it suits him, when we are not here?

PS, I don't need the attention ;p lol

PPS - the boiler is essential anyway, we could have lived with the windows but he insisted, but we currently have had no heating or hot water since last weekend ;-)

poppysarah

Whilst I can see the point about wanting to check work is being done ok it seems a bit intrusive to sit down at the dining table without being asked...

I'd ensure the dining table was full (either laid for dinner) or get a jigsaw on it...

It'd annoy me having someone there like that. It is intrusive.

And as for the comments that indicate the tenant should be grateful for work being done at the landlord's expense - well it's HIS JOB as landlord to keep the property maintained.

theartfullodger

Write (yes, write) - keep copy and also email if possible Landlord a polite, calm & sober letter noting you are somewhat uncomfortable with people letting themselves into your home (also your property...) but you appreciate he is trying to get works done etc.etc.etc. and could he kindly please give you 24hrs notice in writing of any visits/deliveries/inspections/etc.

If he kicks off over this & wants you out (S21, which he can use) then he ain't a Landlord you'd want (nor would anyone IMHO..)

Cheers!

Artful (Landlord since 2000)

vroombroom

thanks guys, really good advice - I appreciate it.

theartfullodger

Re: "Your property" see...

http://www.landlordlawblog.co.uk/2010/08/31/urban-myth-when-a-landlord-lets-a-property-its-still-his/

BitterAndTwisted

Oh, and if you are thinking about getting chain fitted to the door if there isn't one there already you will need to ask for your landlord's permission first in writing.

tbs624

As Artful says. You need to be pleasant but firm about this one.

The law is on your side. Under an AST you are granted "exclusive occupation" of the property for the duration of your tenancy. LL has limited right of access so as to be able to comply with his S11 repairing obligations (LL& T Act 1985) but is obliged to give you a min of 24 hours *written* notice of any visit and may not simply let himself in, except in the case of a quantifiable emergency (and those tend to be rare). Note that if a suggested time/date is not suitable - ie you can't be there and you would be unhappy with someone being there unattended - then you can ask for an alternative mutually convenient time/date.

Was this property originally the LL's own home? Some amateur LLs do have difficulty letting go and understanding that once let, the property is the T's home.

vroombroom

thanks again B&T

It was actually his daughter's home - she lived in it for a year, then they have rented it out for the last 14 years. The house wasnt in bad nick when we moved in and we have redecorated (with the LL's permission obv) and made it our 'home'. Its in a lovely area, with good schools and playgroups for the baby, just down the road from my mum and down the road from his, near work etc.

We signed a 12 month lease, the bond is with DPS and we also paid £300 extra for the dogs which again was fine.

Do you think a letter along the lines of I'd like some notice if you are coming to the house as I will be in with the baby etc...will suffice? I don't want to p*ss him off or for him to chuck us out - we want to be here for at least the next 5 years, I just dont want him letting himself in! :cool: