Housemate refusing to secure property and stealing keys- what can I do?

adelight

I live in student accommodation in a house where my university acts as the agent (but doesn't own the house) and everyone pays rent separately and has separate contracts. One of the other tenants is leaving the backdoor open/unlocked at night(she usually leaves 9-11pm and returns at 1-7am) and refusing to lock it. I usually just make sure it is locked before I go out/take a shower/go to bed but tonight I have discovered that she has gone out and left the door open and taken the key (there's only one) so I can't even lock it :mad:
We live at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac next to lock ups in a less than fantastic student area (monthly break ins and drug den round the corner has people hanging outside it at all hours) and our garden is easily accessed through a short alley with no gate so I'm not happy with the door being unlocked even during the day.

Several people leave their bikes in the garden so leave the house through the back door and leave it unlocked. She claims that if one of us is in the house we'll hear someone come in and call the police, but surely not if we're just expecting it to be her or someone else who leaves their bike in the garden?
I have tried talking to her but she genuinely believes there is no need to lock it and gets angry and claims I'm being unreasonable. Her reasoning is that it is easier to drop the bike in the alley and carry on round to the back door than walk the 5m or so back to the front door.

What can I do? If anything? I know if anything is stolen my insurance won't cover it. I hide all my valuables when I go out but how am I supposed to hide them and myself at night? My bedroom is on the ground floor so I feel particularly vulnerable. I know it might seem like I'm worrying too much but you can never be too safe imo and I'm going away for a week and worried that it will be left open 24/7 even when there is noone here overnight. What do I do if anything is stolen?
Could I ask my university to take away the keys or will it be some sort of fire hazard if we can't use the back door? I considered locking the doors and taking the keys with me when I go away but she is the sort of nutter who will smash my room up if I do. She keyed my boyfriends car because she didn't like the angle he'd parked it outside the house!

dacouch

Get another key cut

adelight

dacouch wrote: »

Get another key cut

It's one of those which say "do not copy" or similar on it and is an unusual shape that cobblers won't do. That still wouldn't stop the door being unlocked when I'm not here though.

dimbo61

report her to the university and the landlord, ask for the back door lock to be changed so you can have a turn lock on the inside so the door can be locked and must be opened by a key from the outside.
Is ? this door is a fire exit and should have a turn lock to escape in the event of FIRE ( no keys to find and open )
you have perhaps 3 months left of living with this idiot so look for a better/ safer place to live next year with people who respect each other

Janey7

You are not worrying too much at all, you have not only your posessions but also your personal safety to think about. I know someone who was broken into whilst they were alone in the house (i.e. she walked downstairs and came face to face with the thief who thankfully just ran off), it's a scary experience.

I agree you should report her to the university and the landlord. Whilst they are considering what action to take with your housemate, you should insist that at the very least they immediately provide a decent lock for your room (if they haven't already done so).

nomoneytoday

If you have proof of dwelling then the key should be able to be cut as it's "your" key

princeofpounds

I'd think about putting a chain on the door. No key involved, would not be too hard to patch up the screw holes with filler, sanding and painting on departure if LL wants it removed.

It's a measure that the LA/A might be happy to have in place anyway.

If your friend complains, tell her that you put it on so that if you take a shower or go to sleep you can secure the property. You might even be able to say the univeristy wanted it in place if you get their agreement.

Whilst it's highly likely that you would be absolutely fine even with unlocked doors, I think that your housemate needs to grow up a little. It's fine to gamble with your own safety but not to impose that gamble on people you live with against their will, and very selfish to prioritise your own convenience over that.

lincroft1710

Clearly if universities required an element of common sense from a student before accepting them for a degree course, the OP's housemate wouldn't have a place at uni.

jc808

Just hold the following thought while reading the thread:

This person is a future University Graduate

Jesus.

rentergirl

I would write to the university, repeating the story. Suggest the only wya is to change the lock, and make sure you get expenses covered, and a copy of the key. Also: that flatmate? Yeah. She has to go.

G_M

Agree with all the above.

1) Write to landlord and also to university. Explain problem, emphasising that their insurance is being invalidated as well as your security being put at risk. Make clear a) what action you want and b) that you want it done as a matter of urgency. Perhaps for a) give them options i) issue duplicate keys to all residents ii) change lock iii) fit chain iv) write to said idiot advising she's invalidating insurance etc etc v)

2) Go round several locksmiths, with the key AND a copy of your tenancy agreement (to prove you are genuine occupier) and see if one will make you a couple of copies)

3) consider fitting bolts to top and bottom of door and/or a chain