Please, please help -- what are my rights here?

AnotherJoe

A door wedge wont work unless you open the door first to put it in, and then it wont close wholly, which will defeat the purpose.

Change. The. Lock.

TheGardener

I would change the locks, arrange another convenient time for viewing - then be in and chat happily to any prospective tenants, pointing out the great view/convenience of parking/great neighbours....lack of heating/privacy/security etc.
I'd also leave print outs of the 'revenge evictions' info lying around...on the kitchen sides, on the coffee table, taped to the back of the front door...you get the drift...;)

Lioness_Twinkletoes

Another vote for changing the lock. In fact, I always change the locks as soon as I move in. I'd be furious with the letting agent's e-mails and would be making it absolutely clear that I would not be granting access. I would, however, suggest an alternative date.

FBaby

What is exactly your position? That you don't want any viewings to take place at all at anytime until you go? Or that you want viewings to take place when convenient for you?

If the first, you would be better off making this clear to the agent and changing the locks. Be prepared for them to try anyway, potentially making a bit of a nuisance when they realised that you have changed the locks, and prepared to deal with that stress.

If the second, make it clear that you are ok for some viewings to take place but at a date/time that suits you. Give suggested dates and times. This is likely to be the least stressful option and the best one if you require a reference.

Rosemary7391

Cavacrol wrote: »

Hi, a security chain would ease my peace of mind. I'm gonna give it some more thought. I don't feel safe in this flat at all. When home I prop a small piece of furniture against the front door to prevent the letting staff (who work on site during the week) access. They keep the keys to our flats in an unlocked cupboard so security is very slack.

Really!? I assume they're not labelled with which flat is which? And there are lots of flats?

I'd change the lock, clearly you have problems when you're out as well. Although I think a wedge probably would stop them opening it, give it a kick from your side to make sure it has gone under. Get a friend to test it? Then you'll know

fishpond

The LL or the LL'S agent has no right to enter the property without your permision.
Send them a polite email also letter by recorded delivery.
Change the locks--keep the old ones.
Ring "Shelter" and have a chat.
You do have many rights as a Tenant, being left in peace is one of them.

dirty_magic

It's a good idea to change the locks when you move in anyway, especially if it's previously had high turnover of tenants. People give spare keys to relatives so you'd never know who has keys to your home!

I realised that I still had a key for our old flat the other day that I didn't know I had.

DaftyDuck

I'm on an ancient tablet, so even copy and paste is difficult, and Amazon is impossible. Somebody with 21st technology tidy this up with a repost.

You can get travel locks


http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/lifeventure-travel-door-lock-E3164203?id_colour=180&channel_code=110&s2m_product_id=67119_180&utm_source=google&_$ja=tsid:45886&gclid=CLin046V7s8CFVcW0wodPGkLZQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

That need no screws or damage. Somebody do a search on something not powered by steam!

Travel locks is what you want.

[Deleted User]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Howsar-350-Quick-Lock/dp/B000RJS3AS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477132461&sr=8-1&keywords=travel+door+locks

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Door-Guard-Original-Portable-Lock/dp/B01CG9E9MW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1477132524&sr=8-3&keywords=travel+door+locks

The second link looks really good

But only good when you are in not for when you are going out yourself. Changing keys probably better option.

Get a screwdriver, look up youtube vids like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9A915L_mlk

and see how far you can get. If you feel uneasy, just push cylinder back in, redo screws.

G_M

Re the S21 Notice, read

* Repairing Obligations: the law, common misconceptions, reporting/enforcing, retaliatory eviction & the new protection (2015)