Landlord coming into flat when I'm not at home

Aphrodite_x

Hi all,

I am hoping I can have a bit of advice, or even just need a little rant!

I moved into a rented property on 25th August. I met my landlord for the first time the night I moved in (his ex wife did the viewing). When we sat down to have a chat, his first words to me where 'none of this contract p*sh. you have a problem, you come to me, if I have a problem I'll come to you, deal?' As the rent was mega cheap, the flat was gorgeous, I was in a rush to move, I agreed.

I paid a deposit, I know this hasnt been protected. I pay cash to him on 25th of each month, and everyone thinks he is my uncle, so I know he's doing it for a tax dodge. When I say everyone, I mean the neighbours, and for some reason the council etc.

Its going okay. I just have a problem with him coming into the flat when I'm not there, and not telling me!! First it happened when I noticed the toilet pan was a bit shaky. I told him about it, because I was concerned it would fall off. He came to have a look, said he would fix it over the next few days and be in touch. He did get in touch, to tell me it was fixed. After he had already been in to fix it. Same with the shower door. It fell on top of me, I told him, and it was only when I noticed the fixings had gone from the wall that I realised he had been in again.

Now last night, I got home from work and my phone charger wasnt in the wall. I charge my phone overnight, switch it off in the morning, but leave it plugged in. I dont know if I've unplugged it and cant remember and I'm just being paranoid, or if he's been in again. Sometimes I come in from work and think I can smell aftershave too, and I live alone. I feel as though as I have to keep the flat spotless in case he is coming in to nosy!

Am I freaking out how can I tell if he has been in again without asking? I dont want to make a big deal of it if its just me being paranoid.

19lottie82

Firstly, buy and fit a new lock barrel from any DIY store, it will cost £5-10. There are plenty of videos on youtube that will show you how to replace it, it's a fairly simple job.

Secondly, it doesn't matter that you don't have anything in writing, there is still a contract between you and your LL, and he can't just wander in to YOUR home when you are not there.

In an attempt not to rile him, I'd contact him informally first and request that he gives you notice before he comes to the flat.
If he ignores this, put your request in writing.

Also, your deposit has to be legally protected.

mrginge

Change the locks.

donfanatico

It's about give and take I guess, depends how you look at it.
Speak to him and explain that you would feel more comfortable if he announced himself first before coming in OR change the locks

Aphrodite_x

Yeah I considered changing the lock barrell, I just thought it might be a bit far if it was only me being paranoid. I actually keep the key in the door while I'm in just in case he tries it when I'm in, which is quite freaky.

Luckily enough its only for a few years or so until I get a deposit together to buy, or his mother dies, whichever comes first (that sounds horrible, but he is his mums live in carer, he only bought the flat for somewhere to live when she goes).

I feel bad though, he has just bought new blinds for the full flat, he bought a new fridge freezer for me moving in etc and nothing is too much bother for him. Its just the creeping about thats freaking me out a bit

quidsy

Not worth the bother.

Rent somewhere else, pay a bit more, get a contract & have assurances that you are dealing with a professional landlord.

In the mean time change the locks.

this guy sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen

Guest101

If talk to him first. Say you really appreciate the quick repairs but would like some notice.

If it continues you can take further action

V_Chic_Chick

You have a contract with him, whether he likes it. It's just that it's all the legal minimums on both sides - no added extras.

Those legal minimums include a right to reasonable notice (normally reckoned to be 24 hours), freedom from harassment and the right to have your deposit protected.

thesaint

Call him and ask him if he has been into the property, as you have noticed the phone charger has been moved.
If he says "yes", then ask him why he was in there, and that in future, you would appreciate it if he gives you prior notice.

If he says "no", then change the locks. I would not tell him, but this could rile him up if/when he finds out at a later date.

I would not mention the deposit at this time. Save it for a later date.

New_and_Improved_Me

Is he being creepy and seedy??

xylophone

I think I'd prefer to live somewhere else where I had a proper business relationship with the landlord.....