Condensation in flat - rights as a tennant

Yorkie1

I would really try to contact the TRO & EH tomorrow again.

If you are not prepared for her to do her inspection on Friday without your housemate present, then you have 2 choices: either to have someone else present who can be your witness; or to contact the LL saying it is not convenient, that you do not give her permission to enter the property without your prior agreement & presence - and change the barrel of the lock so she can't come in. I'd offer an alternative when the flatmate can be present though, to show some willingness to co-operate.

It is not an emergency so she cannot force entry without a court order.

This will also buy you a bit more time to contact the EH / TRO / Shelter if necessary.

Making threats over the phone is completely unacceptable and, if she turns up at the property making threats, do not let her in and dial 999 and report a breach of the peace. This will certainly damage your relationship with her beyond repair - but is there much to salvage here anyway? Do you want to carry on living there? When does your fixed term expire?

NB Make sure you keep everything in writing as previously advised as you'll need the audit trail for your deposit reclaim. I'd probably also include references to phone calls received when writing - serves as another audit trail.

tbs624

Helsieboo wrote: »

Having a horrible afternoon. Am in tears and physically trembling after a really nasty phone call. She called me from an unknown number so I picked up and immediately started yelling at me and swearing at me accusing me of having a third person living here. I'm not sure she believes me.

Tried phoning CAB, Shelter and TRO and just not getting anywhere as no one ever answering. She's coming over Friday.

Helsieboo - you have to persist as they are always busy. Try again when the lines first open and just keep redialling.

This behaviour from your LL sounds as if it has moved onto tenant harassment territory.

Put the phone down on anyone who swears/shouts at you - always. You do not have to take verbal abuse.

Keep a record of any further conversations and when you get through to the TRO you must mention the LLs call.

When she actually comes to the property ( and you can rearrange as Yorkie says) you may choose to have a webcam or your phone on "record". A third party being present as an independent witness may help keep the LL in check.

Helsieboo

Am still trying to call and still not getting anywhere.

To add to the stress, my grandmother died yesterday so I certainly won't be here tomorrow when she comes. Housemate is going to deal with it and tape the conversation.

The mould has been completely got rid off and there is no obvious damage - the paintwork is the same as it was when we moved in and you could never tell we'd had a problem. She is still claiming damage.

Interestingly, my housemate moved his wardrobe yesterday and discovered a vent behind it! It was open, but blocked by wardrobe and therefore not doing job. We had no idea it was there as he's never had a reason to move it! Worth a mention?

Angry_Bear

Helsieboo wrote: »

Worth a mention?

I'd say no. If you do it still comes across as though you are trying to excuse or apologise for something. You have done nothing wrong here and your landlady is bang out of line - your are NOT responsible for her home improvements!

I'm tempted to agree with the previous poster that you should call your landlady and tell her she can't come round - I doubt you can make relations much worse at this point. From what you've said she sounds far from reasonable and I wouldn't be surprised if she attempts to strong-arm your flatmate tomorrow.

tbs624

HelsieBoo - sorry to read of your loss. In your circumstances I would definitely defer the LLs visit until late next week - if you are going to do that you will need to do it in writing.

Was the wardrobe provided by the LL/placed in that position by the LL or is it one that you as Ts have brought with you? An intelligent LL would normally show Ts where all vents are and give them written advice to make sure that they are kept open and uncovered by furniture etc. If Mr Damp Man failed to spot that one and advise accordingly he can't be much good at his job, other than the bit that requires him to flog new venting systems.

As the T, you should always make sure that you check behind large pieces of furniture,(whether your own or the LLs) especially when there are damp and condensation issues - not necessarily so that you can hunt down vents but because generally there needs to be good air circulation.It's best practice to keep all furniture slightly pulled away from external walls for that reason.

If the furniture placement was a LL decision then I would bring it into the discussion - take photos in advance.