Changing Locks on Rented Property Question

FlorayG

I think a really good door chain and an intruder alert would be a better and also easier option

theartfullodger

FlorayG said:

I think a really good door chain and an intruder alert would be a better and also easier option

Respect your views but in the opinion of many, change locks also..

"A really good door chain" would require holes drilled for LONG screws (otherwise not really good) to door & surround which many landlords would be unhappy with - without their approval/permission. 

ThisIsWeird

RHemmings said:

Having myself been in situations where I would return home to a rented flat (when I was single) to find random people inside, I can understand that. It unsettled me and made me feel as if I was not being respected. This was in the early 1990s, and current laws may be different. 

That was, indeed, unacceptable then, and most definitely would be these days.

I would hope that the vast majority of LLs and Agents are respectful, and would request and plan entry only when strictly required, and with prior arrangement. Unless in an emergency situation, of course.

If your friend could bear to test this, then I think a discrete camera installed to cover the entrance hallway, for example, should give your friend reassurance. With WiFi connectivity and motion detection, they could monitor - be warned - of this even when out, with captured evidence. And, of course, should anyone let themselves in without prior arrangement, they should be challenged about their presumptuous behaviour.

There must actually be regs about this? Who would one complain to?

user1977

ThisIsWeird said:

RHemmings said:

Having myself been in situations where I would return home to a rented flat (when I was single) to find random people inside, I can understand that. It unsettled me and made me feel as if I was not being respected. This was in the early 1990s, and current laws may be different. 

Who would one complain to?

The person letting themselves in?

CurlySue2017

FlorayG said:

I think a really good door chain and an intruder alert would be a better and also easier option

You can't operate a door chain from outside the property so that is no help to re-assure the tenant that no-one will enter whilst they are out

35har1old

35har1old said:

Mutton_Geoff said:

I'd be more concerned about previous tenants having copies of the keys.

Changing locks for this reason is perfectly legitimate and as you have two locks, an opportinuty to have them "keyed alike".

Just do it properly, provide keys to appropriate people and hold head high.

If I was the landlord I would change the locks after each tenant 
If the concern is that a pass tenant has a key the landlord  should be asked to change the locks if he fails to do this then the tenant would be entitled to change them.
Only other time a tenant would be entitled to change the locks would be if a landlord made excessive visits 

Mutton_Geoff said:

I'd be more concerned about previous tenants having copies of the keys.

Changing locks for this reason is perfectly legitimate and as you have two locks, an opportinuty to have them "keyed alike".

Just do it properly, provide keys to appropriate people and hold head high.

If I was the landlord I would change the locks after each tenant 
If the concern is that a pass tenant has a key the landlord  should be asked to change the locks if he fails to do this then the tenant would be entitled to change them.
Only other time a tenant would be entitled to change the locks would be if a landlord made excessive visits 
A landlord has a statutory right to have excess 

ThisIsWeird

user1977 said:

ThisIsWeird said:

RHemmings said:

Having myself been in situations where I would return home to a rented flat (when I was single) to find random people inside, I can understand that. It unsettled me and made me feel as if I was not being respected. This was in the early 1990s, and current laws may be different. 

Who would one complain to?

The person letting themselves in?

Very droll
You know what I mean.
Is there a reg body for LLs?

RHemmings

Thanks for the replies everyone. Please give me until this evening to reply properly. 

ThisIsWeird said:

user1977 said:

ThisIsWeird said:

RHemmings said:

Having myself been in situations where I would return home to a rented flat (when I was single) to find random people inside, I can understand that. It unsettled me and made me feel as if I was not being respected. This was in the early 1990s, and current laws may be different. 

Who would one complain to?

The person letting themselves in?

Very droll
You know what I mean.
Is there a reg body for LLs?

Just as a general, non-thread, comment. If a landlord (not an EA) enters a property illegally, then the tenant may be able to obtain an injunction against them. This is something different from a 'complaint', however. 

Grumpy_chap

35har1old said:

If I was the landlord I would change the locks after each tenant 
If the concern is that a pass tenant has a key the landlord  should be asked to change the locks if he fails to do this then the tenant would be entitled to change them.
Only other time a tenant would be entitled to change the locks would be if a landlord made excessive visits 
A landlord has a statutory right to have excess 

The T has the right to change the locks at any time.
The LL only has statutory right of access with notice and at the T's convenience, or if there is an emergency, or if the T regularly refuses access.

theartfullodger

ThisIsWeird said:

user1977 said:

ThisIsWeird said:

RHemmings said:

Having myself been in situations where I would return home to a rented flat (when I was single) to find random people inside, I can understand that. It unsettled me and made me feel as if I was not being respected. This was in the early 1990s, and current laws may be different. 

Who would one complain to?

The person letting themselves in?

Very droll
You know what I mean.
Is there a reg body for LLs?

In Scotland yes, and anyone,24/7 can look up online , for free, who is landlord of what property.  And then see what landlord/tenant/agent was involved in what case and outcomes 

Come on England, catch up!