A tenant has the master key in our flat building

ruggedtoast

Just change the lock.

Why would you even hesitate to do this if you think someone has the key to your flat?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THUMBTURN-DOOR-CYLINDER-LOCKS-MOST-SIZES-THUMB-TURN-/110442749398#ht_1738wt_1037

[Deleted User]

ruggedtoast wrote: »

Just change the lock.

Why would you even hesitate to do this if you think someone has the key to your flat?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THUMBTURN-DOOR-CYLINDER-LOCKS-MOST-SIZES-THUMB-TURN-/110442749398#ht_1738wt_1037

Because I know if I do it myself I'd probably f**k it up. Hence needing a locksmith/joiner to do it.

ruggedtoast

Deleted_User wrote: »

Because I know if I do it myself I'd probably f**k it up. Hence needing a locksmith/joiner to do it.

If its just a barrel type Eurolock then you definitely don't need a locksmith. Seriously, if I can do it a dog could do it.

1886

For anybody renting a property the landlord needs to give 24 hours notice that they would like to enter/inspect the property. If they don`t they are breaking the tenancy agreement. If this happens you can report them to the body that represents landlords, I had to write a letter threatening to do this.
When I used to rent, the estate agent gave a key to a handyman. He came in without my authorisation and scared my girlfriend.
I would 100% get a camera rigged up as it sounds as though this other tennant is very suspicious, esp if you have seen him leaving another property when somebody was out. I would also be tempted to post a letter through all the doors in the building making tenants aware of this guy and his master key, you don`t have to put your name on it.
Whenever you`re at home, chain the door. After the handyman let himself in we began chaining the inside of the door. Finally, if you don`t want to talk to this guy just give him the cold shoulder. There was a woman in my apartment block who we hated as she played loud music, I would pass her on the stairs as if she was`nt there. Just walk off if he continues talking to you, he`ll soon get the message.

Norman_Castle

I have obsessive compulsive disorder and can't sleep thinking he might come in.

When you are at home lean the ironing board against the door. It will fall noisily if the door is opened.

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/eviction/harassment_and_illegal_eviction_by_landlord

cocopops21

Ulfar wrote: »

Replace the lock is the cheapest, easiest and guaranteed way to stop this happening. Explain to the lock smith that someone has a master key, that way he should be able to provide a lock that cannot be opened by this key.

You could also fit a bolt for when you are at home.

PIR alarm, or set up a webcam to be activated by motion.

Just curious, what is a 'bolt'?

poppysarah

cocopops21 wrote: »

Just curious, what is a 'bolt'?

A bolt.

To bolt across the door to stop the door being opened.

Lovelyjoolz

cocopops21 wrote: »

Just curious, what is a 'bolt'?

A bolt, or straight bolt:

tbs624

You may also want to Google "portable door lock". Most only seem suitable for when you are actually in the property & want some additional security against unauthorised access but there was a design by a student at Bournemouth Uni 4 or 5 years ago for a security device that fitted over the exterior part of the door lock ( without damage/alteration to lock) but I don't know whether it was ever put into actual production . Uni-lock /Matthew Price or Prince IIRC

nathand_2

You can get a door alarm for a few quid off ebay. It's a wedge that you use to stop the door so that when someone tries to open it's tripped. The benefit over a lock being you'll actually here if someone attempts to open the door rather than just keeping them out.