Rogue landlord - help!

roaduser3189

The situation has escalated further since previous forum.
 
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6291739/landlord-selling-house/p1

Yesterday myself and my partner recieved a call from withheld number followed by a text from LL saying that we have changed locks (which we actually haven't) and that the police will be there with us soon. 

Following this my partner received a call at work , the LL used a fake name to get him on the phone to speak to her and started accusing us changing the locks, that a relative of hers tried the locks and the keys didnt work, that she was thinking of driving up ASAP. This escalated further - LL threatened my partner saying that she knew the bosses at his work place very well. 

We have since spoken to the letting agent, I have spent an hour talking to Shelter and sent an email to LL stating this behaviour was inappropriate and that we wont allow entry to the property without our written or verbal consent. I plan to later call the council this morning.

Is there anything else I can do that anyone can recommend? Thank you for your help. 

AdrianC

First thing I'd be doing is changing the locks, before the idiot landlord and their idiot relative realise that they simply tried the wrong keys...

esubbs

Can you also report to the police on a non-emergency number?
Not expecting them to do anything initially of course, but to have a record in case anything escalates and also for advice since the landlord has said that police have already been involved (threatened that they're on their way round). Not to mention the attempt to gain illegal entry of course would need to be reported if insurance required.

I feel for you though, what an awful situation. 

GDB2222

This is labelled up “rogue landlord” whereas it looks more like a clueless landlord. I agree that changing the lock cylinders would be a good idea. Let the landlord know that you have done that, as otherwise they may break the new locks trying to get in.

Apart from that, it’s a matter of educating the landlord, rather than having a big confrontation. I personally would also cooperate with viewings, to a reasonable extent, without rushing around tidying the place up.

delirious

While I appreciate you're in a volatile situation, you were advised by a number of people in your last thread to change the locks so why haven't you? 

Regardless of what the tenancy says, common sense is to change locks to the house as soon as you move in as you have no idea who may have keys (former tenants for example). I know I wouldn't want an unknown qty of people with keys to my house. If you keep the original locks so you can put them back when you leave, you are not in breach of your tenancy.

Please, please, please, get the locks changed TODAY.

Then I would be telling the landlady that given her conduct, I will not be allowing entry into my home for photos to be taken or for viewings, and they will now need to wait until I have vacated the property.

deannagone

I'd be refusing phone calls too, insist on all communication in writing.  If she gets through with a false name again, just say because of legal implications and threats made over the phone as regards your employment, all communication has to be in writing now, and put the phone down.  I'd write an email saying this today.

And yes, change the locks.., today.  Don't mess around.  If the LL is prepared to cross boundaries in this way, I'd be feeling very vulnerable as far as my home was concerned.

thegreenone

Surely all communication should be through the lettings agency anyway?

deannagone

It seems the LL thinks not.

SameOldRoundabout

Why have you not changed the locks as advised? It’s very clear this landlord holds little regard for the laws. Get them changed today then go from there, speak to the council and I’d also report any threats to 101. 

pinkshoes

roaduser3189 said:

The situation has escalated further since previous forum.
 
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6291739/landlord-selling-house/p1

Yesterday myself and my partner recieved a call from withheld number followed by a text from LL saying that we have changed locks (which we actually haven't) and that the police will be there with us soon. 

Following this my partner received a call at work , the LL used a fake name to get him on the phone to speak to her and started accusing us changing the locks, that a relative of hers tried the locks and the keys didnt work, that she was thinking of driving up ASAP. This escalated further - LL threatened my partner saying that she knew the bosses at his work place very well. 

We have since spoken to the letting agent, I have spent an hour talking to Shelter and sent an email to LL stating this behaviour was inappropriate and that we wont allow entry to the property without our written or verbal consent. I plan to later call the council this morning.

Is there anything else I can do that anyone can recommend? Thank you for your help. 

Absolutely 100% change the locks.

It doesn't matter what the contract says, you have a LEGAL entitlement to quiet enjoyment of the property.

You DO need to be flexible if the LL wants to arrange a gas safety certificate or for emergency repairs, but anything beyond this (e.g. allowing estate agents to take photos, viewings etc...) is up to you. You can be nice and specify times you will allow viewings, or you could just say no and they can wait until you have moved out to do this.

If you change the locks (easily done using a YouTube video) then you can just change it back to the old one when you leave. As they are not allowed to just enter your property then they should never know you have changed them.

hazyjo

Not sure why your OH stayed on the phone once they realise the LL was just going to be chatting sh**e.

Simply hang up the phone.