Landlord entering your property whilst you are in bed

nat21luv

And is why I hate renting, LLs think they can do what they like just because it is their property. You won't feel relaxed in your home now, I seriously suggest you start looking for somewhere else to rent, move out ASAP, log it with police and say you fear for your safety.

Debbie4121

I am curious now. Aside from the fact that he is totally in the wrong, what did he want to "chat" about that wouldn't wait until the morning?

Windsorcastle

nat21luv wrote: »

You won't feel relaxed in your home now, I seriously suggest you start looking for somewhere else to rent, move out ASAP, log it with police and say you fear for your safety.

I agree. Speaking as a LL, I wouldn't DREAM of entering the property without having given the minimum 24 hours notice and even then, I would only let myself in if I was seriously concerned that there was an emergency or a serious breach of contract.

I would be terrified if I heard someone letting themselves into my home, especially at night/bedtime. It is outrageous; your LL is totally unscrupulous and has no respect for LL laws and conventions. Therefore is not to be trusted - who knows what they will do next or how they will make your life uncomfortable. Never ever stay in a property if the LL does not behave professionally or if they make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Don't bother changing the locks; surely you don't want to stay there? Find somewhere else asap. Good luck.

martindow

Windsorcastle wrote: »

Don't bother changing the locks; surely you don't want to stay there? Find somewhere else asap. Good luck.

I disagree. Spend a five or ten pounds on changing the lock unless you want to be constantly worried about the LL coming in for the rest of the time you are there.

If you do decide to move out you have to give notice so will be there for several weeks more.

TranslineLad

I am only 1 month in arrear's with them, and also only 3 months in to a 12 month AST with them, so they can not have grounds to evict me during my term without serving a section 8, however, im not more than 2 months in arrears so they can not do this.

I am absolutely furious that they came in to my property.

theartfullodger

TranslineLad wrote: »

I am only 1 month in arrear's with them, and also only 3 months in to a 12 month AST with them, so they can not have grounds to evict me during my term without serving a section 8, however, im not more than 2 months in arrears so they can not do this.

Nope: Section 8 ground 10 & 11 apply to late rent & persistently late rent: A landlord can serve a valid Section 8 notice when rent is 1 second late, or underpaid by 1p. (they won't get possession unless he's other things going for him..). If you don't believe me please read Housing Act 1988. See,,
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/50/schedule/2

Ground 10
Some rent lawfully due from the tenant—
(a)is unpaid on the date on which the proceedings for possession are begun; and
(b)except where subsection (1)(b) of section 8 of this Act applies, was in arrears at the date of the service of the notice under that section relating to those proceedings.

You are correct that to use the mandatory ground 8 there needs to be 2 months owing (not arrears, owing..)

I am absolutely furious that they came in to my property.

So would I be: You do have he option of paying your rent & he likely won't call again.. a bit of a radical thought I grant...

Where I question the sanity of the landlord is that posting a Section 8 notice is easy & cheap & does not disrupt the landlord's sleep - unlike forcing entry in the early hours... - so I think you've a dangerous loony here...

Cheers!

lindsaygalaxy

Have you spoken to your local council? Given the situation they may be able to help find you somewhere else. I would also make sure you have this recorded, so something like a text message to the wife saying that you think it was unacceptable for xyz, otherwise he could just deny it.

Guest101

Im just shocked you didnt call 999. I would have, straight away.

silvercar

TranslineLad wrote: »

I am only 1 month in arrear's with them, and also only 3 months in to a 12 month AST with them, so they can not have grounds to evict me during my term without serving a section 8, however, im not more than 2 months in arrears so they can not do this.

I am absolutely furious that they came in to my property.

Outrageous behaviour from the landlord.

But saying you are only 1 month in arrears when you are only 3 months into the tenancy may indicate you do not realise how seriously you should be addressing the arrears.

A section 8 can be served when you owe 2 months rent; so the minute you are already in 1 months arrears and it is the next rent day, if you don't pay it you will owe 2 months rent and can be served a section 8.

terryw

TranslineLad wrote: »

However, after about 5mins, I heard my front door opening, even though I had locked the door before bed, and left the key in which is what I usually do. Then to my surprise, in walks the landlord in to my bedroom.

Just out of interest, what type of lock is this that can be opened by a key on the outside when a key is in the lock on the inside?