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Preventing landlord access

Wyndham
Wyndham Posts: 2,438 Forumite
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in House buying, renting & selling
Morning!

New rental, and various issues, including a landlord who seems to think he can come and go as he pleases. I seem to remember that someone on here linked to a gadget which you can put on the door without screws, but which stops access unless you have a key? Anyone know what I'm talking about and can send me a link?

There is a chain on the inside, which is always on when I'm in.

Thanks all
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Comments

  • Stevie_Palimo
    Stevie_Palimo Posts: 3,306 Forumite
    Combo Breaker First Post
    Why waste any money at all on a item of prevention when a simple letting him know that he should do things the correct way and inform you with notice should he wish to come to the property, If you believe that will fall on deaf ears then simply print the correct legislation out for him when you tell him.
  • Wyndham
    Wyndham Posts: 2,438 Forumite
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    Stevie_Palimo wrote: »
    Why waste any money at all on a item of prevention when a simple letting him know that he should do things the correct way and inform you with notice should he wish to come to the property, If you believe that will fall on deaf ears then simply print the correct legislation out for him when you tell him.

    Yes, I've tried that. And then after that he took something he shouldn't. While I hesitate to use the work 'theft' (I think it was an honest mistake, and it is resolved), I'm just not taking this anymore.

    I'm a woman by myself, he's a young man. My next step is to either find a quick and dirty solution, or to call the police. I'd rather do the former if I can.
  • always_sunny
    always_sunny Posts: 8,314 Forumite
    is that changing the lock?
    How often is often and does he give you the required warning?
    EU expat working in London
  • Pixie5740
    Pixie5740 Posts: 14,515 Forumite
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    Just to be clear you are a tenant rather than a lodger and this isn't a HMO you are living in, is that correct?

    After speaking with your landlord and reminding him that he cannot just wander into your home whenever the fancy takes him if he still continues to do so change the barrel of the lock. That's a quick solution as it only take 5 minutes.
  • AnotherJoe
    AnotherJoe Posts: 19,622 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post Photogenic
    Wyndham wrote: »
    Yes, I've tried that. And then after that he took something he shouldn't. While I hesitate to use the work 'theft' (I think it was an honest mistake, and it is resolved), I'm just not taking this anymore.

    I'm a woman by myself, he's a young man. My next step is to either find a quick and dirty solution, or to call the police. I'd rather do the former if I can.

    Unless the lock is a fancy-dan electronic one you should simply be able to change the barrel (which gets you new keys) for about £20. Plenty of videos on youtube, failing that maybe £75 for a locksmith to do it. Replace the barrel when you move out.
  • m0bov
    m0bov Posts: 2,523 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post
    Change locks, write to landlord asking for 24 hrs notice.
  • theartfullodger
    theartfullodger Posts: 14,591 Forumite
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    Indeed: Simple write (yes, WRITE! - keep copy) to landlord mentioning "quiet enjoyment" and you do not permit any visits by him without your prior, written, agreement - which that letter does not give.

    Expect an s21 notice when he can.

    Alternatively get a "shed alarm" eg
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motion-Sensor-Alarm-Garage-Remote/dp/B0038MJG9I
    & mention to neighbours that you are worried about break-ins and would they please 'phone Police if they hear alarm going off.

    Some people might leave a pile of £20 notes out (take photos..) - it's so hard to remember, was it £200 or £660??
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post Combo Breaker
    Pixie5740 wrote: »
    Just to be clear you are a tenant rather than a lodger and this isn't a HMO you are living in, is that correct?
    This is important.Please answer both questions.

    Then IF appropriate

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXAo7zSN-9o
  • chipolatta
    chipolatta Posts: 46 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post Combo Breaker
    edited 10 October 2018 at 4:55AM
    He shouldnt have such free acess to your place!
    If you are worried about it when you are in (I think so as you made it clear that you are a lass and he is a man), then a wedge is better than a chain, dirt cheap, non damaging, and he'll have to virtually break his door or hinges to get in!
    Old post mind, sorry.
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post Combo Breaker
    chipolatta - you are resurrecting a 2-year-old thread. I suspect Wyndham has resolved the problem or indeed moved home by now!
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