Landlord changed locks/evicted but wants rent.

ningai

Backstory is I moved in hated it as lived on a street with brothels, drug dealers, crack dens and a recent murder so asked landlord if I can move out to which he got agressive (as much as a man who looks in his 70s and me in my early 30s can get) making threats of suing me and such.

I spent the night there and next day went away for 10 days to come back to find my lock changed (got in as handyman was doing a little work there) my furniture removed and letters of mine sent there opened and on the side (including pin number for card and parcel I had sent there)

I also googled online and found my flat up for rent and asking it went up for rent the day after I complained also they changed locks that day too.

I got in contact with landlord to find he chucked me out and he told me I didn't want to live there anyway.

However I was paid up for 5 more weeks at that point and had over 4 months of contract left.

Now I am not sure what to do next, I can't afford to lose that 5/3 weeks money but at same time it means I don't have to worry about further rent.

What I was thinking though is if he changed the locks he shouldn't be allowed to charge rent from that date? So if at that point I was 5 weeks in credit that would mean 5 weeks back at least legally and he can't take me to court for the rent for rest of contract since I have no access to property.

So thats at least legally but would it be worth pursuing it, or should I just leave it thinking I am lucky to be out of contract.

And then what about the furniture? I had a brand new microwave I only got the day I moved out, and a double bed and a computer desk that he has stolen.

theartfullodger

Does the "landlord" live in the same building you lived in??

What did the agreement you signed (did you have one) say about notice, return of money etc??

ningai

No actually its an agency and this was the boss I spoke to, it was a generic 6 month contract which I think had the 30 days or a months notice.

Saying that though it did say in the contract that you are not allowed to bring own furniture into property but I have a email from them when I asked if it was ok to buy a bed and desk and microwave and they said yes.

zaax

Letter before action.
http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice

theartfullodger

On your contract, who was named as "landlord" (agency, a human living in the same building, woteva... - please let us know??).

If you give us the info we can see if we can help you..

ningai

The agency themselves are listed as landlords, and from asking at the shop nextdoor (as they get parcels for me) but from what I heard the actual landlord lives at the other end of the country so its difficult to know what the situation is.

AnnieO1234

More information needed. I'm not sure I have ever seen anywhere a tenancy that prevents you bringing your own furniture to a property. That seems unreasonable.

It sounds as though you moved in without actually viewing the area first, and you certainly didn't give it long. To be honest from the description you've given of the road and the landlord's behaviour it sounds like you've stumbled upon a real dive of a place with people out for themselves, including the landlord. =(

Did you pay a deposit? Was it protected? Were you served the prescribed information?

When you contacted the landlord about leaving early, have you anything in writing?

The bottom line is you could sue for the return of the rent plus unprotected deposit (if applicable) plus chattels. However, it doesn't sound likely this landlord will respond to a court order and much more likely that he's the type of person who'll "send the boys round"

xxx

HappyMJ

ningai wrote: »

No actually its an agency and this was the boss I spoke to, it was a generic 6 month contract which I think had the 30 days or a months notice.

Saying that though it did say in the contract that you are not allowed to bring own furniture into property but I have a email from them when I asked if it was ok to buy a bed and desk and microwave and they said yes.

An IKEA type flat pack desk and a microwave doesn't really count as furniture. They really mean sofas and large chairs. Things that would be difficult to move in an out of the property by yourself.

A mattress is also not furniture. It's a bedroom "furnishing". You aren't going to damage anything bringing a new mattress in to sleep on.

The bed base could count as furniture. What happened to the old one?

theartfullodger

If your agreement names agent as landlord they are your landlord: Even if someone else owns the place (not that uncommon). Changing locks & evicting you is illegal, criminal: Call Shelter, 0808 800 4444 to discuss.. see

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/how_we_can_help/housing_advice_helpline

Marktheshark

The situation is you have been evicted illegally and this is a police matter as it is a criminal offence under the housing act 2004 amendments, you are a victim of a crime and it is a police matter.

[Deleted User]

If you are a tenant, and if LL doesn't live in the property, its likely you are.., I think you can get the LL for illegal eviction, get the rent you haven't been given the opportunity to use back AND if he hasn't protected your deposit (assuming you gave a deposit) you could get him for 3xdeposit.

I assume you were still in fixed term? How long was the TA for? If a tenant, the LL has to give two months notice, and this can only be valid after the end of the fixed term.

Letter before action, maybe but I'd be seeing a housing solicitor first.

Other people on here can probably advise better than me however.