Flat/House mates who leave the Front door open

bluestarlight

I had this problem in a rented flat. I left a note and it turned out that one of a couple living in another flat lost their keys and so they were leaving the door open so they could come in and out the front without having to use the bell (lazy).

They soon stopped when we had spoken about it.

picklepick

You can get a door closer for £20-30. Write to your landlord stating that you are concerned about the security of his property and on occassion you have found the front door open overnight. I wouldn't demand anything as that might get his back up, I'd just state your concern and mention that a door closer would fix the problem.

princeofpounds

If the landlord realises that an open door is a magnet for burglars, squatters, vandals and arsonists (ok, maybe I'm being dramatic but I've seen more than one fire set on piles of mail in communal doorways) it's in his own interests to fix it with a closer.

agrinnall

I don't think I can see any indication whether the OP's LL owns the entire property or just the flat that the OP lives in. If it's the latter then responsibility for the external entrance door probably lies with the freeholder.

movnik894

Thank you for your replies.
I am not after anything too demanding. I think 'demand' was probably the wrong word. I want to give some direction.
I like the idea of suggesting the door closer.
All I want to know is - will something be done about it, if not, I will have to move.
I was going to escalate this without checking with the other residents. I am glad that I have spoken to them, as it appears they have no issue with being able to close the door (no key, etc) it is probably just laziness.
I will start on the letter now!

movnik894

One more thing, would it make sense for me to send the letter to the Agency and the Landlord?

19lottie82

movnik894 wrote: »

One more thing, would it make sense for me to send the letter to the Agency and the Landlord?

The Landlord. An agency is just the "middleman" and can't do anything without the LL's permission anyway.

movnik894

What do you think of this? Does it sound too harsh, not harsh enough?
I am not the best at writing letters with a professional tone.

Dear,

I am writing this letter as I am concerned about the security about of the above address.
On many occasions I have found the front door left open overnight by one of the residents of the building.
I have advised all residents to please ensure the front door is closed, but it appears this has had no effect.
I would like you to install a door closer to the front door to avoid residents’ ability to close the front door. I would also like you to install extra bolts on my personal door, as my flat is on the ground floor and easy access if the front door is left open for any threats.
I believe this will be in your best interest as a landlord to provide this security.
As a landlord it is also your responsibility to ensure tenants are following terms of the contract, which states that the property to be left secure.
Please ensure this is carried out within 10 days. I will be forced to withdraw any rent due if this is not acted upon.
Yours sincerely,

faerie~spangles

Put a polite note on the door requesting it be closed.

movnik894

I don't like putting notes everywhere. And they will get ignored. If someone can't close a door, there is no way they will stop to read a note telling them to close a door.