Landlord has taken my belongings

spidersandsprinkles

Hello,

I have learned that my landlord has removed my belongings from the house I rent privately (Contract until Sept). My rent is 6 days overdue and I tried to be reasonable and work something out with him.

He threatened to change the locks unless I was at the house by a certain time with the money. I tried to explain that this was something I could not do. He did not receive the message on time and therefore removed my belongings from the house and has put them in storage.

I still have access to the house so I have not been unlawfully evicted however, the landlord is refusing to return my belongings until the rent is paid which I may not be able to do for another two weeks.

I have been advised that this is illegal yet the police refuse to get involved and I do not know where to turn now. Please can anybody advise what the next step to take would be?

Thanks.

bryanb

Insist the police accept a report of the burglary. Provided you did not give the LL permission to enter YOUR home.

Ms_Chocaholic

How has your landlord informed you that he has removed your belongings?

Email/text?

I do hope so, there's your proof for the Police.

thesaint

Pay your rent?

Ms_Chocaholic

Oh BTW and as soon as you get your belongings back CHANGE THE LOCKS so your landlord can't remove your belongings again.

Pixie5740

spidersandsprinkles wrote: »

Hello,

I have learned that my landlord has removed my belongings from the house I rent privately (Contract until Sept). My rent is 6 days overdue and I tried to be reasonable and work something out with him.

thesaint wrote: »

Pay your rent?

The OP has agreed to work something out about the late rent.

Entering your home illegally and removing your belongings after rent is 6 days overdue seems like an extreme over-reaction. Phone Shelter for advice and speak to the police again, noting the name of the officer you speak with.

It might also be an idea to get down to B&Q (or some other hardware store) to get new barrels for the locks to prevent your landlord entering your home again.

Then write to your landlord (pen and paper) with a solution to this outstanding rent, for example some kind of payment plan. Is there a particular reason your rent is late this month? Is it likely to happen again next month?

thesaint

Pixie5740 wrote: »

The OP has agreed to work something out about the late rent.

The tenant is obligated to pay the rent in full on the due date, not "work something out".

I do not agree with what the landlord has done, but do admire them nevertheless.

spidersandsprinkles

My housemate allowed him to enter the house. He then removed my belongings. The police have told me this is a civil matter and that I would need a solicitor, not the police.

I know that he cannot do this but the methods I have tried in order to get my belongings back today, have failed. He refuses to return them until the rent is paid, which I absolutely cannot do for 2 weeks.

Since the police refuse to intervene, I don't know what my next point of call would be. The Citizens Advice Bureau?

molerat

thesaint wrote: »

The tenant is obligated to pay the rent in full on the due date, not "work something out".

I do not agree with what the landlord has done, but do admire them nevertheless.

So you admire thieving scum then. There is a legal process to follow, you can not pick and choose which laws you follow. OP's items have been stolen and the police need to investigate.

OP, you need to ask to speak to the duty inspector and stress that your goods have been taken without your consent and you want it reported as theft, this is not a civil matter. If they refuse to intervene tell them you wish to make an official complaint.

BitterAndTwisted

You admire them? !!!!!!?

OP, first you need to get your facts straight. "I have learned" is not the same thing as "I have been to the property and all my things have been removed, presumably by the landlord who threatened to change the locks".

Next is get on the phone to Shelter. It's not clear to me that what your landlord is alleged to have done is a criminal offense, so that could explain the police's reluctance to get involved.

ComputeAngel

I would also suggest you to make a written report to police about your stolen stuff and if police insist this is a civil matter ask them to give you in writing. Make sure you get proof of all the communication that you have with police/landlord