Do I have to tell the LL I changed the lock?

Ricardo1980

Thanks for replies.

G_M, nope, that is another topic with my former landlord, in fact I have to go to hearing in a few weeks against him, but apart from that I don't have any other relationship with him right now. However, after that experience, I am not going to trust LL or agencies anymore in this country.

I ask these questions about changing the lock because I don't like the idea that the LL or agency could enter in my flat whenever they want, specially because I had friends with that problem.

In my current my flat (AST, an entire flat for myself), the contract does not say anything about changing the lock.

After reading this article:
http://www.landlordlawblog.co.uk/2010/07/13/locks-and-keys-%E2%80%93-what-are-tenants-rights/
I really don't know what to think about this topic.

G_M "How do you know this? "
Because here:
http://www.thetenantsvoice.co.uk/advice_from_us/tenancy-agreements-assured-shorthold-tenancy-ast/#Basic_right_to_privacy
I read:
"When you move in, you can change the locks to prevent anyone else from having access to your home, without your consent." but does not say anything about telling about that to your LL.


I think changing the lock is not modifying the flat (I guess that is relative), I mean, it is just to remove 3 screws, and once I move out, just put again the original lock. Nothing should be taken from my deposit because the property is exactly in the same condition. For me is like moving a bed or table.


"He may give notice and then access the property perfectly legally."
And I can deny it without any problem according the law.

However, there are 2 points I am not sure about them.
Can changing the lock be used by the LL to say breach in contract and evict you (if contract does not say anything)?
How can he know that it was changed if it is suppose he cannot enter with your permission?
And the most important question I had, do I have to tell the LL I changed it? I don't think so, but not sure.

Thanks for ideas.

Miss_Samantha

Ricardo1980 wrote: »

"He may give notice and then access the property perfectly legally."
And I can deny it without any problem according the law.

You are certainly not entitled to deny anything according to the law...

PersianCatLady

I know that legally I have the right to change the lock (in an AST) to avoid the landlord enters in the flat.
If there is a clause in your AST that specifically forbids you from changing the locks you may find that you have now breached your tenancy.

fairy_lights

Just change the locks, if you're at home to let your LL in for any inspections/repairs, the only way they will ever find out is if they try to let themselves in without notice.

PersianCatLady

"When you move in, you can change the locks to prevent anyone else from having access to your home, without your consent." but does not say anything about telling about that to your LL.
I think that when G_M asked you how you knew that, he / she was looking for something more official than a random web site.

Ricardo1980

Miss_Samantha wrote: »

You are certainly not entitled to deny anything according to the law...

What I wanted to say is this:
http://www.thetenantsvoice.co.uk/advice_from_us/tenancy-agreements-assured-shorthold-tenancy-ast/#Basic_right_to_privacy
"Basic right to privacy
As a tenant, you have the right to exclusive occupation of your home. You dictate who comes in and goes out and can deny access to everybody including the landlord and the police, without the required court order."

PersianCatLady wrote: »

I know that legally I have the right to change the lock (in an AST) to avoid the landlord enters in the flat.
If there is a clause in your AST that specifically forbids you from changing the locks you may find that you have now breached your tenancy.

That's my question.
You cannot write whatever you want in the contract, and it seems to me that that it is against "Basic right to privacy"
If you write something unfair, then that term/clause is void. My question is, is this a case?

I mean, I guess it is something like if you have an AST and one clause says that the deposit will be held by the landlord. That condition is illegal because it must be protected in one of the government schemas...

Ricardo1980

PersianCatLady wrote: »

"When you move in, you can change the locks to prevent anyone else from having access to your home, without your consent." but does not say anything about telling about that to your LL.
I think that when G_M asked you how you knew that, he / she was looking for something more official than a random web site.

Yes, me too.
Do I have to read the entire Housing Act? I tried it, but sometimes the language is a bit complex to understand.

Miss_Samantha

Ricardo1980 wrote: »

"Basic right to privacy
As a tenant, you have the right to exclusive occupation of your home. You dictate who comes in and goes out and can deny access to everybody including the landlord and the police, without the required court order."

Except if you grant a right of access as all tenancies do.

You should select your sources carefully. "thetenantsvoice" isn't exactly a good source of the law.

marksoton

I'm wondering if MSE towers would consider a sticky...

Change the bloody locks...

Because i'm fed up of this "legal" point being argued here.

NO CASE LAW EXISTS. Jesus actual christ, just blow the bloody doors off!

Marvel1

Miss_Samantha wrote: »

He may give notice and then access the property perfectly legally.

If OP does not reply to the notice, the landlord will show up and be unable to access the property, and thus may have ground to charge OP for his time and travel expenses.

cjdavies wrote: »

With my front door, key in lock, and cannot open the door, what then? There is also no emergency.

Still waiting