Workman entered rental house with keys without permission

holbob

Need some advice on the subject in the title. A Workman has entered our rental property when the door was locked without permission. I was in the house at the time, but was not aware he had unlocked the door. I assumed my partner (who was out) had left the door unlocked, and the workman had opened the door and just shouted to see if someone was in who couldn't hear them. I now know the door was actually locked and they did use the key to enter, this has been admitted by the letting agent. There was 2 workman, one of which came into the lounge and looked around constantly at things nothing to do with his job. He actually did nothing and did not even need to be there. We are a couple living here with a girls of 6 and 8. For obvious reasons, we no longer feel safe here.

After contacting the letting agent, they have denied the workman had permission to enter the property even though they had given them the keys. Ok, that's obviously very believable......

We are actually leaving and entering the property now through the rear entrance, so we can leave one set of keys in the front door lock. This isn't a pernament option though, as my mother comes in and out the house for childcare issues whilst we are at work.

So the advice I need are on changing the door locks without informing the letting agent. Obviously they would find out anyway, when even the letting agent or someone working for them attempt to enter the property again. Though if that was to happen, we would obviously tell them we had a good reason for changing the locks - the reason they were asking us why we had changed the locks (how else would they know!) So is this allowed? Is it allowed if we now feel threatened? This would only be the front door lock.

chris_m

Write to the letting agent to remind them that no-one is permitted to enter the property (except in case of emergency) without at least 24 hours notice and agreement in writing from yourselves. Use recorded delivery as proof that they have received it and keep a copy. Then change the locks and retain the originals to refit when your tenancy ends.

If they then complain that you've changed the locks the only way they will know is if they ignored the letter and tried to gain access.

dancingfairy

You need to complain to the letting agents about this. They either gave permission to the contractors or they didn't and the contractors should be sacked in my opinion - why did the letting agents give the contractors keys???
You need to make it plain to the letting agents they aren't allowed to enter except in an emergency or otherwise by prior appointment.
Have you complained to the letting agent or landlord about any issues in the property recently? they may (mistakenly) have taken this as permission to attend to repair the issues.
Yes if you are worried I believe you are allowed to change the locks - what sort of locks have you got? have you got locks where you can chage the barrel over as if you damage the door obviously you will have to put it back to what it was previously and make good any damage and it's easier with a barrel lock (as opposed to integrated locking systems I believe).
Best of Luck
df

birduk

I am not sure you are telling us the full story here- why were the workmen there?

But in response to your actual question, yes you can change the locks on your home to stop people entering. You will need to change them back at the end of your tenancy.

thegirlintheattic

Were you given 24 hours notice of the workmen coming? If so the LA filled their obligation and whilst it is good manners for workman to knock before using their keys they haven't done anything wrong.

If not, the complain to the LA in writing and change the barrels of the locks.

LandyAndy

thegirlintheattic wrote: »

Were you given 24 hours notice of the workmen coming? If so the LA filled their obligation and whilst it is good manners for workman to knock before using their keys they haven't done anything wrong.

If not, the complain to the LA in writing and change the barrels of the locks.

24 hours notice doesn't give the LA or workmen carte blanche to enter the property. They still need the tenants' permission.

holbob

birduk wrote: »

I am not sure you are telling us the full story here- why were the workmen there?

But in response to your actual question, yes you can change the locks on your home to stop people entering. You will need to change them back at the end of your tenancy.

What "full story"? We were not informed by either the letting agents or the workman that they were coming.

RAS

What job were the workmen sent to do?

thegirlintheattic

LandyAndy wrote: »

24 hours notice doesn't give the LA or workmen carte blanche to enter the property. They still need the tenants' permission.

If you call up your LL for a repair, he says oh I'll send the plumber round tomorrow and you reply OK, then that is permission.

The OP has now clarified that the workmen were not requested and no notice was given so it doesn't matter.

holbob

RAS wrote: »

What job were the workmen sent to do?

Just measuring up.

birduk

holbob wrote: »

What "full story"? We were not informed by either the letting agents or the workman that they were coming.

Chill out love!

You say they came to measure up. Do you have no idea why they were there at all? What are they measuring up for? Have you been informed?

If not, then tell them to s0d off. I wouldn't tolerate strangers in my home for a reason I have no idea about! Why didn't you just kick them out?