Is this legal?

Sisyphus

Alan_M wrote:

I think the lock thing is a grey area, but I'm not sure. I'd check on that from a legal standpoint.

agreed that the OP needs to get legal advicebut the guy is trespassing - searching through her belongings for goodness sake - totally unreasonable behaviour. He sounds dangerous IMO.

PandaPants_2

I got a note from him yesterday saying he's putting my rent up! £20 a month doesnt sound much but i am a student with 2 part-time jobs and im barely getting by as it is!

Can he do this?

rjm2k1

Not sure but for some reason I get the feeling he can't do this until the end of your AST, have you checked with Shelter or the CAB?

PandaPants_2

Im emailing them as we speak (type??). It all just seems too convenient, he doesnt seem to like having a tenant who knows their rights.....

AndrewSmith

Definately involve th CAB, and also pop into your local police station to just have a word with them.

Whilst you are contractually the tennant it is legally your home. He cannot simply turn up un-announced and gain entry without giving you prior notice. No sir, not on.

As for the tennancy agreement, it will not be legal without his address on it.

PandaPants_2

AndrewSmith wrote:

As for the tennancy agreement, it will not be legal without his address on it.

So, in theory i could just leave and he cant keep my deposit because the agreement isnt legally binding??

AndrewSmith

In theory but also there is no legally binding document to prove that you paid him a deposit either.

CAB and, as stated above, shelter are the places to get the proper help on this. They will support you well and help you exercise your legal rights.

Please let us know how you get on.

PandaPants_2

Thank you so much! :A

I have applied to shac and told them about my landlord, so hopefully i should hear from them soon!

Sisyphus

PandaPants wrote:

Thank you so much! :A

I have applied to shac and told them about my landlord, so hopefully i should hear from them soon!

Best of luck, this guy is at best a bully. Make sure you take every precaution.

rosysparkle

PandaPants wrote:

I got a note from him yesterday saying he's putting my rent up! £20 a month doesnt sound much but i am a student with 2 part-time jobs and im barely getting by as it is!

Can he do this?

Not until after the first year of the tenancy, so not until March. He must give you two months written notice of the increase.