URGENT advice needed. Letting agent threatening to change locks on my door

QuantumSuccess

dodger1 wrote: »

I sympathise with you over the total over reaction by the agent. However, wouldn't it have been simpler to tell the agent and LL what the police advised before you added the lock. I have many "restrictions" in my tenancy agreement all saying don't do this or don't do that without prior consent which frankly seems reasonable to me.

My LL has never denied a request from me to change anything in the now three and half years I've been here. I always think lack of communication causes so many problems, talking to one another before doing anything really does work. Unfortunately I can't help with the legalities as I've never had to go down that route.

The only other advice I can give is keep it civil and definitely speak to your LL. You may need references to rent another property in the future and the better they are the better it is for you. Sorry, one more suggestion, you said the the agents are bullies, rude and aggressive, with agents like that leave at the first opportunity. There really are good agents and very good landlords out there. Good luck.

Thanks. I think it makes sense to leave as if the LA can be this bullying it's not a good idea to have any connection to a person/company like that.

pimento

Oh go on, name them... They sound charming.

GDB2222

angrypirate wrote: »

Does a poster describing their experience with a named lettings agents consititute a risk of libel? All the poster has done is to describe how they have been treated by the LA.

A number of posters have ascribed reasons to the LA's actions which are potentially libellous. So, even if the OP has reported fairly, these other accusations are potentially damaging. Why should Martin and the mods risk many thousands of Pounds in damages just so people here can vent their spleens about letting agents?

QuantumSuccess

pimento wrote: »

Oh go on, name them... They sound charming.

I'm definitely not going to name them. Not because they don't deserve it - I think they do! - but because it might put me at risk for libel. That said it is a shame that I unable to warn potential clients about them. But there you are.

d.ross_2

QuantumSuccess wrote: »

I'm definitely not going to name them. Not because they don't deserve it - I think they do! - but because it might put me at risk for libel. That said it is a shame that I unable to warn potential clients about them. But there you are.

Have you thought about contacting BBC Watchdog?

Cissi

What are these cowboys playing at??? They could just have served a S21 in a couple of weeks' time - no need for court action (which I can't see how they'd win unless there is more to this than apparent in this thread).

In your shoes I'd still find out for certain what the situation is on the fire regulations compliance (clearly don't rely on opinions on an internet forum) and then contact the LL as planned. Ignore the LA - you certainly don't have to let them in to make sure you haven't "absconded". CC them on what you send to the LL but don't contact them directly. And yes, it's probably time to contact the Council about harassement. I'd also speak with Shelter and CAB asap.

jjlandlord

Cissi wrote: »

What are these cowboys playing at??? They could just have served a S21 in a couple of weeks' time - no need for court action (which I can't see how they'd win unless there is more to this than apparent in this thread).

Actually, to be coherent with their statements they already should have served a s.21 notice...

Cissi

jjlandlord wrote: »

Actually, to be coherent with their statements they already should have served a s.21 notice...

You're right - I meant that they only have a few weeks left to wait until the earliest time that an S21 would take effect, starting the 2-month notice period. Of course it would have made more sense to issue it early

jjlandlord

Cissi wrote: »

You're right - I meant that they only have a few weeks left to wait until the earliest time that an S21 would take effect, starting the 2-month notice period. Of course it would have made more sense to issue it early

The 2 month notice period starts as soon as the notice is served. That can very well be during the fixed term, but court proceedings cannot start until it has expired.

QuantumSuccess

I have another question. Given they've now served me notice, do I HAVE to stay here until the end of the lease period?

Could I leave earlier? It's just that I don't feel comfortable or even safe here anymore and I'd prefer to leave as soon as possible given the circumstances.

If I was to offer to leave a month before the lease expires - is that a possibility? Or would I still be liable for rent right up until the end of the AST period?