Weirdness in new flat I've just started renting

Jemma01

You are entitled by law to be given your landlord's name and address, and they should provide you with the details within 21 days. Ask them in writing.

As for the camera, is the flat furnished? I think you can find a hidden camera by turning the lights off and walking around with a flashlight looking for reflections. Also I would install a camera if I have suspicions that people are walking in (in your case, you have evidence of it)

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Written requests for landlord's name and address

The tenant can make a written request for the landlord's name and address from the:

    landlord's agent

    person who demands, or last received, the rent

This information must be provided in writing within 21 days.[6] Address means the landlord's place of residence or place of business or, in the case of a company, its registered office

https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/housing_options/private_renting/tenants_right_to_information_about_a_landlords_identity

gwynlas

It is unclear if this fob is for entry from street level into your blocks communal area or into your private space, please clarify?
There is nothing wrong with a contractor having access to communal area or another flat if there is a job to be completed.
Managing agents can be very hit or miss regarding accurate inventories despite charging.for these
It would be unlikely that you could get out of your contract unless you were sure that your personal space was being accessed without your permission.
What type of tenancy do you have?

elsien

The OP does say the contractor walked into the flat using a fob, so I don’t think it’s that unclear. 

theartfullodger

Jemma01 said:

You are entitled by law to be given your landlord's name and address, and they should provide you with the details within 21 days. Ask them in writing.

....

https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/housing_options/private_renting/tenants_right_to_information_about_a_landlords_identity

His ACTUAL address not e.g. c/o agent. 

And if not given ANY address in England or Wales to contact him (may not be his actual address if he e.g. lived in Scotland) then no rent is due 

JustBee

Hmmm, this is also in my hall. This pin hole reflected when I shone my torch on it in the dark. I've covered the pin hole up with some white tape, you should be able to see it on these pics.

JustBee

It has nothing on it identifying what make it is and the heating is electric. They have their own thermostats on the radiators. Now I feel sick! Just found this...

https://www.eyetek.co.uk/product/room-thermostat-surveillance-camera/

This is the same but has a logo on !!!!!!!

BonaDea

Yes, I would find that disturbing too.  It certainly is suspicious enough to warrant further investigation.  Spying on someone else in their home is illegal and I assume it's a criminal rather than civil offence.  Cover up the one in your bedroom but try not to handle it.  Then call the local police station tomorrow and explain the situation.  Don't call the letting agency first, if it is indeed a surveillance camera it may be that someone at the agency is implicated.  If it turns out not to be, you may feel slightly silly but don't worry about that.  Spying on young women like this really is a thing (of course I don't know that you are one!) and predatory behaviour thrives where it's always given the benefit of the doubt. 
https://www.spyequipmentuk.co.uk/spy-laws/#:~:text=What is illegal use of,covert cameras for illegal reasons.

Grumpy_chap

JustBee said:

Hmmm, this is also in my hall. This pin hole reflected when I shone my torch on it in the dark. I've covered the pin hole up with some white tape, you should be able to see it on these pics.

I think a pinhole is common on room thermostats, like this example:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/drayton-rts1-1-channel-wired-room-thermostat/85263?kpid=85263&cm_mmc=Google-_-Datafeed-_-Heating and Plumbing?kpid=KINASEKPID&cm_mmc=Google-_-TOKEN1-_-TOKEN2&srsltid=AfmBOooPFYDPM8agoybBuNi_Y4t33dgjtvBEVB_b45WCQyHmxitC9EDZnJY

That unit in the photo does not look like a recent install.

HampshireH

Grumpy_chap said:

JustBee said:

Hmmm, this is also in my hall. This pin hole reflected when I shone my torch on it in the dark. I've covered the pin hole up with some white tape, you should be able to see it on these pics.

I think a pinhole is common on room thermostats, like this example:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/drayton-rts1-1-channel-wired-room-thermostat/85263?kpid=85263&cm_mmc=Google-_-Datafeed-_-Heating and Plumbing?kpid=KINASEKPID&cm_mmc=Google-_-TOKEN1-_-TOKEN2&srsltid=AfmBOooPFYDPM8agoybBuNi_Y4t33dgjtvBEVB_b45WCQyHmxitC9EDZnJY

That unit in the photo does not look like a recent install.

It is. I have a British gas thermostat that likes exactly like the Drayton model and has thr pin hole too. No -one is spying on me and it's never been suspicious. It's just how they are made.

poppy12345

The "pin hole" is normal. I have this exact thermostat in my living room. When you turn the dial a red light comes on once you go past the temperature the room is at. Once the light is on the boiler fires up.