rant/dilemma and looking for advice.....

rubber duck

rubber duck

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Jo
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I live in a rented flat and my landlord lives in the flat (servants quarters) above me. He's a retired engineer and it's great whenever something breaks or needs doing because he's always happy to fix things.

However, he wanted to come and do the annual gas safety check but gave me less than 12 hours notice, I said that there would be no-one in but he said "it's okay, I'll use my pass key" - I was a bit peeved off and told him I was concerned about the dog being territorial but he said it was okay, I felt that I had no choice but to let him help himself.

He phoned me the following day to say that the gas hob needed replacing and the boiler needed a bit of work and said he would call me again to organise it.

He phoned and spoke to my 16 year old daughter and arranged to come yesterday at 4pm - I was a bit miffed that 1) he had arranged it with her and 2) had given less than 24 hours notice but it needed doing and she said she would be home at 4pm anyway.

He came yesterday and started work on the hob but had to leave it because he needed a part and said he would be back today (I presumed he meant he would come round when she got home from school at 4pm).

Got home at 7pm, the hob hasn't been touched but a fluorescent (?) light under the wall unit has been fixed :thinking:

Hubby is away all this week and I feel really uncomfortable that he is letting himself in like this. I don't want to call him because I know I will lose my temper but I don't want him to think it's acceptable. On the other hand I don't want to upset him and him then give us notice to quit.

Advice / suggestions gratefully received

Jo
 
sounds like he's trying, you could do a lot worse
let him know you're uncomfortable with the pass-key idea
especially with two ladies in the flat

or get hubby to "av a word" when he's back
 
I don't want him to think I don't appreciate how helpful he is - I know we could do a lot worse.

I'm also concerned that he could be wandering around the house and nosing into my paperwork (or underwear drawer:eek:).

I'm gonna get the rent agreement out and have a look through later.
 
a word with CAB might be useful

any way you can leave a tell-tale so you know if he's been in when you asked him not to?

talcum powder on the floor in the doorway, a damp hair across the joint in the door (cloak and dagger - but might be revealing)
 
I would have a polite chat with him asking for him to arrange things with you rather than your daughter because you want to know whats going on, then if he gives a time your our say its inconvenient not that your out. He has no right to enter with out your permission unless its an emergency.
 
Thanks guys

I've been pondering this all night.

I just had a knock at the door and it was one of my neighbours from the flat downstairs. She informed me that her husband had been working from home all day and noticed the landlord had let himself into the flat 3 times today. She said that she has kept quiet up to now but felt that she had to say something as she knew hubby was away. She said that he did this with the previous tenants (who noticed disturbed furniture and moved items etc).

I feel physically sick that this man is invading my privacy.

I just checked the 'tenancy agreement' and it doesn't look good to me, it says:-

The Second Party (ME) agrees to give free access at all reasonable times when required to the First party (LANDLORD) or his representatives to any part of the premises hereby let for the purpose of inspecting or repairing the same.

How would you interpret that?

I have written a note, to be put through his door in the morning, but tell me what you think before I do post it....

Dear ******

I noticed that you let yourself into the flat to replace the tube light. Could you please arrange all future access to the flat via ***** (hubby) on the landline?

Regards

Jo
 
Cheers !

Just had a quick look at CAB website....

The landlord’s rights of entry

Your landlord has a right to reasonable access to carry out repairs. What ‘reasonable access’ means depends on why your landlord needs to get access. For example, in an emergency, your landlord is entitled to immediate access to carry out any necessary work.

Your landlord also has a right to enter the property to inspect the state of repair or to empty a fuel slot meter, but they should always ask for your permission and should give you at least 24 hours notice.

If you are staying in lodgings where it is agreed that your landlord provides a room-cleaning service or where you share a room with other lodgers, your landlord can enter without permission.

Your landlord does not have a right to enter in any other circumstances unless they have a court order.

If you are having problems with your landlord who is entering the accommodation without the tenant’s permission, you should consult an experienced adviser, for example, at a Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on (New window) nearest CAB.

There's a CAB just along the street from where I work - may pop in there tomorrow

Should I post the note?
 
Have a polite word with him and if that fails pop into the CAB and see what they have to say, they probably deal with this sort of thing all the time.

I once had similar problems with a landlady letting herself in and going through my stuff, so I do know how you feel. In the end, all it took was for me to confront her (politely) and tell her that her behaviour was unacceptable and that it had to stop, and it did.

In my case I'm sure that she just didn't think about what she was doing. In her eyes it was her property and she could do whatever she wanted.
When it was pointed out to her that her that mooching around my flat was not on she seemed quite embarrassed and left me well alone. Any entries after that were arranged in advance with plenty of notice. I stayed in that flat for a few more years, quite happily.
 
Thanks for the reply - your post reassured me

I personally don't feel comfortable speaking to him (he's very patronising towards me) so I will post the note in the morning and see what happens.

Jo
 
The key word here is 'reasonable' and it certainly isn't reasonable for him to let himself in 3 times in a day without good cause.

He should also advise you if he has been in.
 
There are no missed calls, no messages, no notes.....he just came and went (3 times)......

I'm so glad I have chains on the door otherwise I wouldn't have been able to sleep tonight
 
I think He's trying it on because hubbys away, a quite but firm word or note will let him know it's not acceptable.

He will IMO think again and not bother you, hopefully.
But the longer it goes on without you saying anything ,the braver and more intrusive he will get.
 
wegotitugetit said:
when u say he is your landlord is he corgi registered if not he should not be touching anything to do with gas adn same goes with your electrical items as the laws have changed
Click to expand...

:agree:

If he's been tampering with the gas then you must call the gas board immediately and they'll send someone round to make sure everything is safe.
 
wegotitugetit said:
when u say he is your landlord is he corgi registered if not he should not be touching anything to do with gas adn same goes with your electrical items as the laws have changed
Click to expand...

In the note I put 'we are happy to liaise directly with the gas fitter to arrange access for the replacement hob' - hopefully that will catch him out

He's recently fixed the dishwasher and the washing machine and also 'serviced' the boiler and flushed the radiators with some sludge removing stuff

I've checked the Corgi register and the landlord is not listed - the guy who did the gas safety check is ....so that's reassuring

I can't believe I didn't think of the corgi thing:bang:
 
towershot said:
Can't put up with it Jo, if he gets awkward, a move is better than what you are with at the moment.
But I bet a £1 against a wet tea bag he backs down.
Good luck with it Jo.:thumbs:
Click to expand...

aw thanks - I'll be sure to let you know what happens
 
Flash In The Pan said:
:agree:

If he's been tampering with the gas then you must call the gas board immediately and they'll send someone round to make sure everything is safe.
Click to expand...

my daughter has complained about feeling ill all day !

I'm never gonna sleep now but am off to bed anyway - am up at 6:30

Night night and thanks to all that have taken the time to respond, I really appreciate it

Jo x
 
I think the two things you need to consider here is

1) as previously stated "reasonable access", which would mean usually a condition inspection normally carried out over a et period of time, i.e. every 3 or 6 months. By law, he should give you both reasonable notice and the chance to be present at a mutually convenient time.

2) What is he really up to. I would be tempted to pop down to my nearest Maplins and buy some sort of covert cheap spy camera. Doesnt need to be expensive or high quality. If then you find you have real cause for concern, you could invest into something more expensive capable of providing acceptable evidence. Cameras that detect motion and are easily disguised/hidden are two a penny nowadays.
 
Depending on the type of door handles in the place, a light spray with deodorant spray will show if the door handle has been touched. Takes a bit of practice to leave a very thin film that doesn't realy show without a close look, but will easily show you any hand marks on rooms that he has no need to be in.
 
singlespeed said:
Depending on the type of door handles in the place, a light spray with deodorant spray will show if the door handle has been touched. Takes a bit of practice to leave a very thin film that doesn't realy show without a close look, but will easily show you any hand marks on rooms that he has no need to be in.
Click to expand...


And you know this how? :suspect: :naughty: :lol:
 
This is as freaky as hell.
I would set up a webcam to see exactly what the hell he is doing in your house while you are all out.
Better still call the cops and get them to search his house.
Dont want to alarm you but this has "Perv" written all over it.
 
Looks like you've had lots of good advice above, however, what you don't want to do is create a conflict situation if you are otherwise happy there.

In these sort of circumstances, where bad news or possible contentious areas are to be discussed, I usually deploy the "bad news burger" tactic.

It's very corny I know, but does seem to be an effective way of getting your point across whilst deflecting conflict at the same time. It works in writing as well as verbal situations.

Think of the "issue" as being the burger - and the two halves of the bun as good news. Then start with the good news, hit them with the issue, then finish with the good news or compliment.

In your situation I'd think along the lines of:

Bread) We really appreciate all the stuff you do for our flat and like having a caring landlord so close to hand.

Burger) However, we are quite anxious that you sometimes let yourself in either without notice or with too little notice and hope you can appreciate our concern and work with us on this such that, unless it is an emergency situation, you would consider contacting (hubby) and let us have our statutory 24 hours notice.

Bread) By the way, thanks for fixing the light the other day, that was very kind of you albeit unrequested.


The above has diffused the issue but made the point without creating conflict or taking an adversarial stance. (unless you want to of course!!!)

Hope that helps and good luck getting it resolved. :thumbs:
 
oldestswinger said:
Looks like you've had lots of good advice above, however, what you don't want to do is create a conflict situation if you are otherwise happy there.

In these sort of circumstances, where bad news or possible contentious areas are to be discussed, I usually deploy the "bad news burger" tactic.

It's very corny I know, but does seem to be an effective way of getting your point across whilst deflecting conflict at the same time. It works in writing as well as verbal situations.

Think of the "issue" as being the burger - and the two halves of the bun as good news. Then start with the good news, hit them with the issue, then finish with the good news or compliment.

In your situation I'd think along the lines of:

Bread) We really appreciate all the stuff you do for our flat and like having a caring landlord so close to hand.

Burger) However, we are quite anxious that you sometimes let yourself in either without notice or with too little notice and hope you can appreciate our concern and work with us on this such that, unless it is an emergency situation, you would consider contacting (hubby) and let us have our statutory 24 hours notice.

Bread) By the way, thanks for fixing the light the other day, that was very kind of you albeit unrequested.


The above has diffused the issue but made the point without creating conflict or taking an adversarial stance. (unless you want to of course!!!)

Hope that helps and good luck getting it resolved. :thumbs:
Click to expand...

I like that
people remember the last thing you said - so ending +ve is good! :thumbs:
 
interesting thread. What is the latest on this?

Personally, I'd go for the covert camera hidden in a teddy. he is retired, so hopefelly, he will be too old to think or know about survilliance equipment. :D
 
As with one of the other posters thoughts, my alarm bells are ringing here, the word PERV keeps flashing before my eyes too. Odd that your neighbour also feels uncomfortable, and he is entering both your premises only when the long arm of a husband isnt present.
 
Flash In The Pan said:
singlespeed said:
Depending on the type of door handles in the place, a light spray with deodorant spray will show if the door handle has been touched. Takes a bit of practice to leave a very thin film that doesn't realy show without a close look, but will easily show you any hand marks on rooms that he has no need to be in.
Click to expand...
And you know this how? :suspect: :naughty: :lol:
Click to expand...

One of the ships that I worked on. There was a sus****ion that one of the cabin boys was up to no good :( Fortunately it was only a sus****ion, but not good.
 
You're very fortunate to have a landlord who quickly attends to even relatively minor problems with appliances around the flat. But this is the end of the good news...

You must give him reasonable access to the flat as described above. But this does NOT give him the right to make entry using a 'pass' key. He has no right to even hold the key. Change the lock - and send him the bill. It's no good faffing around with devious measures to detect his movements. Or simply requesting him to phone hubby or to not use his key.

Do you have a Gas Safety Certificate? You should have and it should have been issued in the last year. Ask him for it. It's no good him tinkering with the gas appliances no matter how competent he is. If he's not corgi then he can't certificate his work. And I don't think he should be doing it for his own property even if he were qualified.

Good luck.


/edit: tell him the lock change is for his protection as much as anything else. Otherwise should anything go missing then he would be the prime suspect.
 
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Bit of an update for you.....

On Friday morning I posted a re-written note through the door at 7am

The note was similar to the original....

Dear ******

We noticed that you let yourself into the flat to replace the bulb today.

Could you please arrange all future access to the flat via [hubby and I], providing as much notice as possible?

We request that you do not use your 'pass key' unless it is an emergency.

We are happy to liaise diretly with the gas fitter to arrange access for the replacement hob.

There was a message on the ansa-phone (left at 9am) when I got home from work. It was from the landlord's partner, apologising profusely for landlord's behaviour, saying he should never have let himself in and that she put it down to 'over enthusiasm' - she sounded pretty embarrassed and angry.

There was another message left at 7:30pm from the landlord himself, asking us to call them to arrange for him and his partner to come round to see us.

I thought they were either coming to apologise or give us notice :thinking:

Anyway, hubby phoned on Saturday morning and spoke to landlord. Landlord said he wanted to arrange a time for landlady to come and hoover the staircase :shrug: something they have never done before (it's a great big sweeping staircase leading up to the flat, which I hoover about once a month). Hubby said there was no need as I was hoovering it as they were speaking and landlord said 'oh ok then' and left it at that.

I'm totally confused - landlord still hasn't apologised for his behaviour and still hasn't arranged a date for the hob to be fitted.

Hubby is away Monday to Sunday this week, so I'm going to take your advice and set more booby traps, I'm not going to answer any phone calls from landlord / landlady and just let them leave messages on the machine.

Question:-

I do have a gas safety certificate by a Corgi registered fitter - landlord said that as a result of the check it meant that the hob needed to be replaced and boiler needs a bit more work on it. I realise that a Corgi registered fitter should only be working with the gas hob but does this also apply to the boiler as the landlord recently 'serviced' it himself.
 
rubber duck said:
I do have a gas safety certificate by a Corgi registered fitter - landlord said that as a result of the check it meant that the hob needed to be replaced and boiler needs a bit more work on it. I realise that a Corgi registered fitter should only be working with the gas hob but does this also apply to the boiler as the landlord recently 'serviced' it himself.
Click to expand...

hmmm...that sounds like 'b*ll*cks to me...he shouldn't be touching it at all, merely paying for the repairs (if your contract states that he's responsible for maint. and upkeep).

Sod all the 'hidden' camera nonsense - just get hubby to have a 'quiet' chat with him in private and let it be known that sudden, bloody, violent death is always an acceptable answer to problems like this...
 
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