LL invading my privacy

vexed_wasp

Hello - I hope to obtain some advice on a problem I have.

The Background:

- Apx 6 years ago a family member (family only via civil partnership) had an empty property which was not selling (IMO the asking price was way too high and he would not budge).

- I was looking for somewhere bigger and offered to rent the property. My hand was snatched off.

- After apx 1 year the property was taken off the market as there were no viewings and the LL was happy with me staying.


Recent events:

- My LL has just separated from their partner (my family member) and has now suddenly decided he no longer wishes to rent the property to me.

- The property has been put back on the housing market.


My issues:

- For the past 3 or so weeks,my LL has been at my home several times a week “fixing things”. This past week he has been there every day bar one.

- I do not get any notice of workmen coming (well I do, but we are talking hours’ notice via SMS message).

- My LL is not respecting my privacy e.g. today I returned from the school run to find LL and his friend in my en-suite “checking the toilet fixings”. On my way out of my bedroom I was horrified to see my underwear hanging out of the laundry basket!!! They simply must have seen this, it was in full view.

- The rent I am paying makes up a lot of my income and I feel this is not being taken into consideration. I could understand the LL behaving in this way if I was staying there for free.


There is a lot more but I don't want to make the thread too long as I know this puts people off reading/helping.

I am totally dreading when potential buyers come round as no doubt my LL will want to be here (even more home invasions)

I have mental disabilities and this situation is sometimes making me feel suicidal.

My children are upset as they love living here. Whilst I have told them it is unfortunate but we do have to move home – these constant visits are a constant reminder and they are getting upset, sulking in their bedrooms.

Do tenants have to put up with constant visits?

Basically I feel like my hands are tied as my cousin and my LL have adopted children together. My cousin is also hoping for a reconciliation therefore I have to tread carefully.

Do I need to just grin and bear this??

MamaMoo_2

No. You have a right to quiet enjoyment.
Change the locks.

vexed_wasp

MamaMoo wrote: »

No. You have a right to quiet enjoyment.
Change the locks.

i would love to!!!

but with it being a family member i am close to - it would cause problems

i suppose the situation is beyond help really as i dont want to upset anyone

i would hate to think people hated me

pinkshoes

If you're not willing to change the lock, then not much you can do.

Look for somewhere else to live and move out ASAP.

kazwookie

Change the locks, close too family member or not, you are renting you have the RIGHT to quite enjoyment of the property, it is YOURS while you rent, NOT theirs.

Change the locks back when you move out.

You also DO NOT have to allow viewing to the property at all.

Do you have lease agreement?

pmlindyloo

Are you in a fixed term or on a periodic tenancy (month to month?)

The reason I ask is to find out what security you have as regards staying in the property?

There is no reason to fall out over this.

Simply put, what your LL is doing is sheer bad manners.

So a chat, followed up by a friendly letter is the way to go first. Ask for 24 hours notice of any repairs. If this is not convenient then negotiate times to suit you. When the viewings begin then you can give the LL a list of convenient times (again with 24 hours notice).

If the LL ignores/refuses to agree then you have 2 options - put up with it or change the locks.

I know you don't want to cause problems within 'family' but the truth is this is your home all the time you are paying rent.

Landlords who try to sell with tenants in place are not my favourite people. This could go on for months. Personally I would be asking for a reduction in rent when allowing viewers to compensate for your loss of quiet enjoyment and keeping the place reasonably tidy.

Good luck!

vexed_wasp

thank you for all of the replies.

there was no tenancy agreement until i asked for one only last year. ( i needed it for some sort of proof)
he gave me a 6 month tenancy which has now expired.

when the LL left today he said "i will see you tomorrow".
i did pluck up some courage to ask "what time"?
this was my way of saying "you cant turn up as and when you wish", but he just said "it will be later on, ive got my key".

i am scared to go out anywhere as i dont want him here on his own, or with his "workmen friends".
i do not trust him to not go through my things.

on the other hand i feel he is taking advantage of me as i had to go to hospital today, and came out to a snooty SMS message about me not being in for a delivery.
i had not been told about the delivery, but was expected to be at his beck and call. (his SMS stated how many times he had "rang + text me without any response!!!")

argh i feel so guilty asking for advice, because i know myself that i am too weak to do anything about the situation.
this is part of my disorder.

also - i think when it comes down to it, i dont want to upset my cousin because i am scared of him. he is the sort of person you want to keep on side.
there is no violence - just a harshness i cannot explain...

Pixie5740

If you don't want to change the locks and feel awkward bringing up your right to quiet enjoyment of your home then find somewhere else to live and give your notice.

This will only get worse as estate agents and potential buyers start trooping through your home.

Find somewhere where you can live in peace and quite, leave your landlord with a rental void whilst they try and sell the place.

McKneff

I don't really know what you want from any of us. Others have given you good advice.


You are determined to ignore all of it and are not prepared to help yourself.


The only thing you can do is to look for somewhere else to live.

Annie1960

If you want your LL's behaviour to change, you have to challenge him/her.
If you say nothing, they will not change.

It's your choice.

The other option as Pixie says is to move out as soon as you can because the situation will get worse when the house is put on the market.

vexed_wasp

McKneff wrote: »

I don't really know what you want from any of us. Others have given you good advice.


You are determined to ignore all of it and are not prepared to help yourself.


The only thing you can do is to look for somewhere else to live.

i have already said i feel guilty for asking for advice as i know i am too weak to do what i should do !!

so i apologise McKneff if you feel i am being ignorant, I promise this is not the case

i am battling with myself !!

BUT it has helped me HUGELY to know that what my LL is doing is wrong, that i am not just being petty.

if it were just a tenant/landlord situation i would def. state my rights/change locks etc...
but there has been closeness in the past - family gatherings, going out on nights out etc.

to be honest my LL sees this as HIS HOUSE and always has done.
he has never seen it as MY HOME.
he has never been a LL before
i feel like he thinks he has always done me a favour allowing me to live here - but doesnt see the rent he is getting from me each month.

sorry - waffling.