Rented flat sold with vacant possession.

chris_m

Zorz wrote: »

Just when you thought that it couldn't get any worse....

About an hour ago I returned home to take a few more things, only to find the lock changed!

I heard noise from inside (the workers were in), so I knocked hard and yelled "Open the door or I'll call the police!" but someone answered in a mocking tone "yeah, yeah, call them" :mad:

You know what, the worst part is that the b*st*rd is probably right! I have no words to describe how infuriated I am! I'm only really glad that I managed to save most of my valuable belongings and all my documents. Just imagine if my tenancy agreement was there. :eek:

Very restrained of you - I'd have kicked the darned thing in.

chris_m

dancingfairy wrote: »

I feel you should at least phone them (101 obviously).

101? To heck with that, if there's intruders (they might call themselves workmen but they still shouldn't be there) in his property 999 is perfectly proper to use.

Rosemary7391

OP, I've found this site linked from the direct.gov.uk website - FAQs relating to the metropolitan police force (think that's the right one? If not I'm sure you can find it on there). A couple seem to be relevant:

https://www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q47.htm?version=0

https://www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q147.htm

I know you know this, but maybe pointing out their own FAQs to them might get the police to be more helpful..? I hope you can get something sorted.

suited-aces

Agree, 999 time.

Zorz_2

chris_m wrote: »

Very restrained of you - I'd have kicked the darned thing in.

I won't lie to you, not only it crossed my mind, but it took a hell lot of selfcontrol to keep my cool...

Rosemary7391 wrote: »

I know you know this, but maybe pointing out their own FAQs to them might get the police to be more helpful..? I hope you can get something sorted.

Thanks, but is there really a more authoritive source than legislation.gov.uk? Yet, she ignored it and started making stupid excuses that I'd only expect from the LL!

Anyway, another visit to the Housing dept of the council produced absolutely nothing. Yes, it is illegal eviction. Yes, the police are ignorant. No, they will not offer any assistance even though I'm homeless because I'm not in a at risk group (fair enough, I didn't ask for a council home anyway since there are far more vulnerable people in need who should take priority*). The worst is though that they won't prosecute the LL because they no longer do that!!!

So, I started looking for a solicitor myself. Called a few today, most don't take new clients due to backlog, others are on vacation. I found only a law firm that will call me back next week. Still, any help on that front is welcomed.

BTW, I sent a PM to Ben Reeve Lewis here, but he hasn't logged in since late July.

*: remember a little while ago in this forum, a poster who wrote "I don't like living with my parents anymore, how can I get a council flat?" ? Kid, if you can read this: you are a spoilt idiot!

suited-aces

Go to a local councillor/politician and tell them your story. Everything.

franklee

Sorry to hear you are hitting so many brick walls.

I take it you haven't any legal cover, I added that option when I renewed my contents insurance. It doesn't kick in for housing related matters till I've held the policy for six months.

You could submit a question to Tessa's landlordlaw blog clinic, for the lucky people whose question she selects she puts their query up on her blog and then answers it. Ben sometimes adds a comment as well. But that's only if you get selected, however yours in an interesting case so you may get lucky. You could also look at the tariffs to join to see if any would suit you. Although it's called landlordlaw it's for tenants as well. If it were me I'd be asking how you get the tenancy relations officer at the local council to deal with the illegal eviction and what recourse you have as they have refused. Same with the police, I'd ask if you have the right to put in a formal complaint and how to go about it. I'd also ask how you should go about finding a solicitor to represent you and for any other tips.

You could ask the local council and the police what their complaints procedure is and follow both.

I would also suggest you write to your MP (member of parliament) detailing what happened and how police and local council have let you down. Ask how you should pursue the matter. MPs often deal with housing issues at their local surgery so after writing you could attend one of those.

Also you could email the lot into Shelter they are always saying they want case histories as evidence for their campaigns and again they may point you were to go for help.

Also if all else fails there is the local press, name and shame the council etc.

I suppose a very last resort is to represent yourself, you could try asking on landlordzone's forum to see if they have any suggestions what you do next or if they can recommend a solicitor.

Zorz_2

I got an appointment with a housing solicitor tomorrow. I went by the house again today to collect my mail. Still locked, worker inside. I noticed thru the window that they have broken into my room as well. let's chalk up one more crime, trespassing!

As for contacting my local MP, maybe I'm too cynical but I feel they may ignore me as I'm not part of their clientele, not an UK citizen you see...

Zorz_2

Went to the police to ask a copy of the report from the PC that attended. Turns out there is no crime reference number or report that they can give me. The PC decided it was a civil dispute and that's all she wrote (literally).

At least I got a solicitor now who has taken the case. I still can't believe that the police force are completely ignorant of the laws they are supposed to enforce! And that particular PC who joined in the harassment and risks to weaken my case.

If anything, her conduct actually encouraged the LL to lock me out. And you know what else that little weasel did? He posted a notice that my things are moved in storage, I'll have to pay to take them back or they will be disposed of in a week. And warns me that I am trespassing and that the police are advised to arrest me if I return! :mad: :mad:

suited-aces

Really glad to see you've a solicitor on the case. Disgrace that you need to, but hopefully his clout will help you. I hope that landlord rots and the stupid **** of a policewoman gets a rocket up her !!!!.