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

dancingfairy

I also think it is highly unlikely they will try and let themselves in when you are there. They might call around and knock on the door (if they were stupid). If they want to come in and it is not convienient then tell them to leave. It seems very much like it is the LA trying to throw their weight around and not the actual LL at this moment.
I would get some advice on this - try Shelter and a strongly worded letter from a solicitor should leave them in no doubt where they stand - surely they would not be stupid enough to try and come in after that? knowing that they were leaving themselves open to charges of harrassment etc?
I wonder if you can receive any assistance from the police - not because I think that anyone will actually break into your flat but more to receive assurances that you had been flagged up as being a priority and that if you did call them you should get a priority response? They may also be able to issue you with an attack alarm - again not because there is necessarily a threat - more just the fact that you had it would make you feel reassured (and the satisfaction of deafening anybody that came within earshot ) If the police don't issue them perhaps you could buy one for a few quid?
df

GDB2222

On point 1, I would not hire a locksmith to alter the lock without first agreeing the alteration with the LA. You're just creating more stress and anxiety. Put it this way: what's wrong with discussing it with the LA?

I don't think you'll get what you want from the Fire Prevention Officer, anyway.

On point 2, I wouldn't just sit tight and let them serve notices/start proceedings. I'd tell them the date you plan to move out.

dancingfairy

I think the plan you have proposed sounds like a good plan and i hope you can find somewhere nice away from these idiots.
df

dancingfairy

GDB2222 wrote: »

On point 1, I would not hire a locksmith to alter the lock without first agreeing the alteration with the LA. You're just creating more stress and anxiety. Put it this way: what's wrong with discussing it with the LA?

I'm not sure the OP will get a reasoned calm resposne from the LA. I'd be more inclined to try and liaise with the LL direct if possible. I'd also make sure that if anybody wanted to come over and discuss matters that it was at a time convienient to me and that I'd have somebody else there (just to pick up things you've missed - asked q's you forgot -that sort of thing).
df

DVardysShadow

GDB2222 wrote: »

The OP does not need to be egged on to more confrontation that she cannot handle. How about some constructive advice taking into account her fragile state?

Here are my suggestions:

I don't see that I have egged OP on, particularly not by saying that this is borderline harassment. Given her unfortunate experience, there is much more at stake than just this flat - this concerns what should be her reasonable expectations of others. I think it is far more beneficial to be honest about where on the spectrum tha LA's behaviour lies than to say 'there there' and dismiss it as being of no consequence.

From post 1, LA's behaviour and approach has been bizarre and confrontational. And in short, unacceptable bullying. Now OP could just give in. I don't think that would be right, she has been looking after herself by sorting the locks. She is rational and coherent about the matter - it is the LA who needs to be told to wind his neck in. OP needs to know that even if she has transgressed by fitting the lock, the LA's response to the matter is plain wrong.

Now, you could argue that OP is taking a distorted view of things. But there are no inconsistencies in her story to justify this view. So we answer on what we are given. And as I have said, she is rational and coherent. I believe her posts to be as accurate as any OP on this site.

DVardysShadow

QuantumSuccess wrote: »

Having spoken to my carer etc, the plan of action I've decided is most realistic for me is to do the following:

1. Sort out the issue of the lock with the Fire Prevention Officer ASAP. If I have done something wrong and the lock doesn't comply to regulations, then hire a locksmith to sort it. Write to LL/LA to let them know what I've done. If the lock is deemed fine by the Fire Prevention Officer - get that in writing and forward a copy of the document to the LL/LA

2. Sit tight. Continue paying rent. Plan to move out when my lease expires. This gives me a longer period to calm down and find a place to move to that I will really like and not feel rushed and terrified.

3. If this case does make it to court - make sure I have all the correspondence and paperwork and go there and present my case.

The idea of simply moving out in the next couple of weeks (if the LL would agree to an early surrender) is a very pleasant idea but realistically I do not feel I am up to coping with all the stress that moving entails right now. My carer thinks I should stay put for as long as I can, in fact I should stay here until a section 21 is served and has expired, so that I can "stabilize" and take things at a relatively gentle pace, pack my things up slowly and so on.

Thoughts?

Anything else I should be doing?

It is a good plan.

Ignite

Regarding the Recorded Delivery First Class letter. It is probably not the fault of Royal Mail that it's not been delivered, but rather that they have tried to deliver it during the day and there is nobody in to sign for it. In this case it gets taken back to the sorting office and a card is left letting the recipient know that there is something at the sorting office for collection.

Personally I only collect things from the sorting office on Saturdays due to work commitments,

spugzbunny

I think that sounds like a good plan. Any communication to the LA should be in writing. If you change the locks, inform the first in writing and then carry out the work.

Other than that it seems like a good idea. Good luck and keep calm and carry on!

dibblersan

if you're looking at getting a letter from the fire marshal, you might also want to contact the cso that advised you change the lock and ask him to make the comment again in writing.

can't hurt.

Money_maker

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