Landlord (properly this time)

[sherrardk]

What can yo do if you landlord enters your property without your permission?

[sandyRoe]

Wouldn't cost much to change the locks.

[sherrardk]

Think that is what I am going to do - it's all making me feel a bit unsettled. Thanks

[jb190281]

hi sherrard, do you know it was your landlord? and do you know why?

[Mamyalynne]

Although in truth landlords reserve the right to enter, it is usually only as a matter of urgency. For example a water leak whilst you are on holiday sort of thing. Otherwise they should make arrangements to inspect property whie you are present.

[sherrardk]

No one has done anything yet. It is a complicated situation (isn't it always?) - landlords wife had just been aggresive towards me (non-verbally) and made me feel I couldn't leave the house unattended (she could easily just walk in the house as the neighbours know it is hers).

[jb190281]

I would advise that if anything happens, you would approach Shelter (housing charity) or your local authority for advice.
They can discuss with your landlord, warning that it may amount to harassment.

I know it wouldnt be a great situation for you, but do things properly, dont let them intimidate you.

[Mamyalynne]

jb is quite correct, she has intimidated you and that is well out of order, seek advice.

[sherrardk]

Thanks jb - already have been told we have to be out by the end of July so it's not for much longer. Had a major business fall out with her son-in-law so we know what sort of people they are! Just makes you feel uncomfortable.

[jb190281]

Ive got my legal head on now - when were you told to be out by July? And how (in writing I hope?)

[sherrardk]

Told we had three months in April but that was extended by the male landlord (not in writing). We have somewhere to go (since yesterday - I was worried sick). The business between my husband and the son-in-law was nasty and we are the 'victims' although they are saying differently. It is a crap situation as I have to see the daughter in the village virtually every day!

[jb190281]

Im glad you have somewhere lined up, these things can be very stressful

[sherrardk]

Thanks jb and many - I have been very stressed! Could have kissed Thebes landlord when he said we could rent his house.

[sherrardk]

The new landlord not the rubbish up there ^

[jb190281]

i did wonder sherrard!!!!!

[stonekicker]

until the landlord gives you notice in writing, it is not legally binding. it also has to be correct to the letter of the law and your existing tenancy agreement (if you need more time before you move out). if not, just move, cut your losses and make sure you minus the amount of deposit from your rent - it doesn't sound like they are the type of people to give it to you willingly if it is not in the tenancy deposit scheme. good luck x

[sherrardk]

Thanks Stonekicker - we had already decided that we weren't going to get our deposit back (that's long gone!).

[stonekicker]

sherrard - make sure that you deduct the deposit from your rent and scarper as fast as possible from these nightmare landlords! it took me 15 years and 5 different landlords to learn that lesson the hard way! fortunately, i now have a lovely landlord who isn't just a money grabbing gitbag. make sure you also take pictures of how you leave the house when you move - you would be surprised how many landlords wil 'mess up' a property in order to gain money through the small claims courts from tenants as well as deposits and lord knows what else. i hope you will be very happy in your new home x

[Twenty20]

It sounds like you've already decided not to pay your last month's rent. I hope you don't expect to get a reference from your current landlord? It would be unusual if a prospective landlord didn't require a reference from your current landlord. Also, it leaves you wide open to being taken to Court for any damage etc . If your deposit is in a Scheme you shouldn't have to worry about the deposit. You haven't said whether it is or not.

[sherrardk]

Thanks Stonekicker - it has all turned into a flipping nightmare. Started as an amicable hand-shake type agreement and then it went into a tail spin due to the son-in-law.

Thanks Twenty20 - we had decided before all this nightmare that we wouldn't be getting our deposit back (they are not exactly model landlords) and we have in fact made improvements that were agreed upon (installing a power shower, a wood burning stove and, due to our financial sitation at the time, we were eligible for a new boiler) so they are well up on the deal. The only damage is minor wear and tear.

[lotsafun]

ive had problematic landlords in the past and it does quite litterally make your life hell so im glad you have found somewhere else. like stonekicker said thought DO take pics of everything before you leave, doors, switches , walls,the whole lot because from what you said about them i wouldnt put trust them to not try there luck in the courts to try and claim damages from you etc. Also if i know full well that they are not going to give me my deposit back then i wouldnt pay them this months rent before you leave. If they dont like it then let them take you too court, then you can counter sue for distress, harrassment, and for all the improvements you have made to the property. good luck with your new home ;-)