Overnight Guests in Rented Accommodation

marvellousaunt

As far as I recall, I signed a 12 month lease 6 months ago, with a break clause (that I requested) that means I can quit with 2 months notice after 6 months.

I'm with an agency, and have the safety certificates, deposit is earning interest for my agents (grr) in their protected scheme.

RAS

Which scheme is the deposit protected with? There are only three legal ones.

You do not need to give any notice if you leave at the end of the 12 months contract. Provided you are not resident at 12.01 on the day after the contract ends, you need to give no notice.

marvellousaunt

I can't remember in terms of the deposit... not quite sure what the notice about leaving has to do with the overnight guests issue though?? My contract doesn't end for another 6 months so moving out isn't on my radar at the moment..

missile

marvellousaunt wrote: »

I asked if it was ok to have guests before I moved in and it was

I suppose I'm just getting a bit fed up of feeling spied on from the LL, I seem to have a note under my door or a knock on my door every few weeks and I'm finding it very intrusive.

I would politely tell that to the LL and if no improvement I would look for another flat.

RAS

marvellousaunt wrote: »

I can't remember in terms of the deposit... not quite sure what the notice about leaving has to do with the overnight guests issue though?? My contract doesn't end for another 6 months so moving out isn't on my radar at the moment..

because even if there is a 2 month clause, you can still move out without giving him any notice at the end of the AST, and it sounds lioke he deserves that much consideration.

Since you have a break clause, I would put a not under his door advising that you expect quiet enjoyment of your home, that you consider his constant interference to be haressment and if it does not stop, you will be leaving.

pmlindyloo

marvellousaunt wrote: »

I can't remember in terms of the deposit... not quite sure what the notice about leaving has to do with the overnight guests issue though?? My contract doesn't end for another 6 months so moving out isn't on my radar at the moment..

I think that the notice about leaving was to do with the fact that if you don't like a LL living so close and keeping an eye on what you get up to, then moving out would seem a sensible option.

Although you have told us where your boyfriend lives, what he does etc. I suspect that your LL doesn't know these things. (Not that he has the right to know)

However, I think you have hit the nail on the head when you say he is at home all day and has nothing better to do.

I suspect the LL is wondering about whether your boyfriend has actually moved in/about to move in and that is why he is keeping an eye on what is happening.

LL has probably missed your boyfriend leaving after the weekend and is checking up whether he is about during the week to clarify whether he is living there or not.

I know you think it is none of his business but from what you say he was quite clear that he wanted a single person and so his annoying 'spying' is to check whether that is the case now.

A simple chat with your landlord to allay his fears might be the way to go. You would be right to think it shouldn't be necessary but compromise is often the best option (and a good sense of humour!)

marvellousaunt

Thank you for the advice

Problem is, 1 bed flats are in big demand in my area so I think that would be a much bigger problem for me than it would for LL, lol. As I have this sort of annex situation with the LL next door, I'm saving around £100-200 a month as opposed to a private 1 bed flat elsewhere. Trying to figure out if I can do anything to stop the intrusion issues, or if saving that much money is worth putting up with them.

Might try a note.

I'm assuming I don't have to answer the door when he knocks with one of his 'issues'? It seems to come minutes after I've come back from work which further makes me feel spied on as if he has been watching for me to get in!

Gordon_Hose

Maybe ask him to put any issues that arise (relating to anything, not just your partner staying) in writing to you, might stop him knocking all the time.

pmlindyloo

marvellousaunt wrote: »

Thank you for the advice

Problem is, 1 bed flats are in big demand in my area so I think that would be a much bigger problem for me than it would for LL, lol. As I have this sort of annex situation with the LL next door, I'm saving around £100-200 a month as opposed to a private 1 bed flat elsewhere. Trying to figure out if I can do anything to stop the intrusion issues, or if saving that much money is worth putting up with them.

Might try a note.

I'm assuming I don't have to answer the door when he knocks with one of his 'issues'? It seems to come minutes after I've come back from work which further makes me feel spied on as if he has been watching for me to get in!

What are these issues? (If you don't mind my asking)

To be honest many landlords do not realise that when they rent out a property they are giving the right to 'quiet enjoyment'. Many still view it as their house and they still have a right to 'protect it from harm' (if you get my drift.)

We have recently bought the house we rented and it was only after the LL came to give us the spare keys that we found out that a neighbour had been 'keeping an eye on us'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do try to keep it on a friendly footing as these things can escalate so quickly.

You know your legal rights so if you have to you can quote them.

Treat him as misguided rather than threatening if you can. It must be very annoying but if you want to stay there and are benefitting from doing so then try to swallow your anger and frustration and leave the 'I know my rights' until you absolutely have to go down that road.

Good luck!

marvellousaunt

pmlindyloo wrote: »

Do try to keep it on a friendly footing as these things can escalate so quickly.

Good luck!

Thanks - I really do think this is the best. Had a little meltdown yesterday as another note came through the door, 12 hours notice to come and check the boiler. I sent a polite note back explaining I hadn't been well and that I have a guest and so the earliest convenient date would be Friday. And I got a nice note back this morning saying don't worry, we'll sort another time, sorry you've been ill and let me know if you need anything. Which was very considerate.

Just need to try to manage my own attitude I think, this is only short term and it could be much worse - the house could be falling apart and LL could be AWOL!