Managing Agents threatening to break in

m0bov

If they break in and change locks, would that not be an illegal eviction?

[Deleted User]

Guest101 wrote: »

Well presumably there's a front door? I don't know obviously. But in any case, that's the general rule

I could understand that if there was a true communal area within a block of flats with hallways, stairs , cupboards etc etc but its not.

They are talking about the communal area but the Lease does not describe having a communal area.

Guest101

BBH123 wrote: »

I could understand that if there was a true communal area within a block of flats with hallways, stairs , cupboards etc etc but its not.

They are talking about the communal area but the Lease does not describe having a communal area.

It's impossible to comment.


If they want to change locks on anything that is not privately owned, they are probably entitled to, either by lease or by contract or both.

DumbMuscle

There may well be a right of access to the leasehold property - which they would breach by changing the locks on the front door.

Is there any part of the building which is not covered by the combination of all of the leases?

Echoing the comment above to talk to your solicitor about this

[Deleted User]

No there isnt each of the two flats is set up like this and the lower basement has its own door from the street.

G_M

Am I missing someting?

There is a shared front door and a shared hallway for 2 flats? This area cannot form part of both those flats' leases - since it's shared.

Beyond this hall, there are separate front doors to each of these 2 flats?

Are they threatening tochange the lock on the shared outer door, or 1 or both of the individual flats' front doors?

[Deleted User]

I have looked at the Lease and the hallway is our demise ' the Landord demises unto the tenant the ground floor flat forming part of the building TOGETHER WITH the footsteps leading from Q Road , the front door and doorway and the hallway of the building all which premises are known or intended to be known as Flat B . The Lease above has the same. It is not a communal area it is a. 2 mtr x 1 mtr hallway with 2 doors which make up the private flats.

The lease then talks of the Landlord having a right to inspect the flats for re-buildings works ie cables, sewers drains watercourses cables pipes and wires etc nothing about non essential reports. And even so does not give licence to break in if permission is not forthcoming .

The Lease is describing the flats as a unit including the hallway there is no mention of separate communal areas or the hallway being considered a communal area. It certainly doesn't say the Freeholder can access the hallway anytime he likes.

Their response

Dear

Mr R the freeholder is aware of our communication. As previously stated we are not 'breaking in' to your flat but gaining access to the communal hallway which forms part of the FREEHOLDERS demise, not yours, for which he has a right of access at all times.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE LOCKS WILL NOW BE CHANGED ON THE 15TH MAY BETWEEN 11-12. YOU WILL NEED TO ARRANGE TO COLLECT THE KEY WHILST THE LOCKSMITH IS ON SITE OR COLLECT FROM THEIR PREMISES AS YOUR TENANT OR YOURSELF WILL NOT HAVE ACCESS AFTER THIS TIME.

If you need further clarification on this matter I suggest you speak to your legal advisor.

G_M

SOoooo......

They plan to change the lock and give you a key? So the problem is.....???

Don't really understand what they plan to achieve by this.

But as you know when it's happening, be there and refuse them access? If they attempt to force access, call 999 ("someone forcing their way into my flat! Help!")

Rosemary7391

Why on earth are they doing this? There must be a better way to resolve whatever the problem is!

[Deleted User]

Thankyou both, these are unregulated managing agents who think they are above the law. The sad thing is there is so little protection from malicious freeholders