To think this was a bit... Off?

[Sparklfairy]

I discovered a leak in my bathroom. Let the agent know with photos and they thought it was in the upstairs flat due to a previous issue so arranged someone to come out. Didn't fix the problem so came out a few more times.

Eventually I couldn't keep up with the washing and drying of towels it was so bad so said I was going to stay at DM's for a few days and he could let himself in as I was sure it wasn't upstairs. As this had been going on for 2+ weeks at this point, during that time I gave the agent a heads up that I had potential symptoms (temperature) just so they were aware (this is relevant).

Got an email from agent saying leak was fixed, but that the contractor had noticed "sick in a bucket" and was I ok? I was confused as I don't own a bucket. Then I realised that leftovers had leaked from the binbag as I took it out when I left into the plastic bin itself, and I thought I'd just clean it when I got back as I was in a hurry.

The bin was in the kitchen. I queried why he was wandering around my flat when he only needed to be in the bathroom and got a very wishy washy reply. This isn't the first time something similar has happened. A few months ago a contractor let himself in and I wasn't given any notice, and walked right in when I was sleeping (I work nights).

Given I'd already kept the agent aware of any illness/symptoms AIBU to find this invasive? He relayed this info to the agent, who then decided to question me about this total non issue. Agent started going on about a duty of care but I'm an average private tenant and not vulnerable or anything. Would you be annoyed?

[Sparklfairy]

Anyone?

[Cherrysoup]

Duty of care is a load of nonsense, there is no duty of care, that’s bollocks. Tbh, tho, a workman should be allowed into the kitchen for a drink, for example. Your more pressing problem is a recurring issue that wasn’t resolved the first time. Is it now fixed? The agent is talking shit and I’d be telling him him he has no right to discuss this with you.

[Toothsil]

That sounds ridiculous nonsense to me, about the duty of care thing. Regarding the contractor going in the kitchen, I've had people come out to do something in one room and needed access to other, surprising rooms, like I didn't expect them to need in the bedrooms when they replaced the living room radiator, however I was in the house at the time which makes it feel different I'd say. I wouldn't like to feel someone was looking around enough to notice things though. I hate anyone in when I'm not there, when we were on our honeymoon and had just got a rental together, the landlord knew we had moved in and we were already paying rent, and my parents went into the house on my request to put our wedding presents in, and they found the landlord painting the living room!!!

[picklemewalnuts]

Is he talking about duty of care to the workman who shared a house with your vomit? Maybe while he's trying to resolve the risk he smelled something unpleasant and investigated in case it was related to the leak?

[Sparklfairy]

I don't have a problem with him going into the kitchen as such. It was more he saw a (small amount) of something on the inside of the bin, contacted the agent, then the agent felt it important enough to question me about it. Bearing in mind I'd kept the agent abreast of any potential CV symptoms it just felt really invasive and tbh none of their business.

@picklemewalnuts the agent specifically said 'tenant welfare' when I queried it.

[UnfinishedSymphon]

Nobody should be letting themselves into your property and your agent shouldn't be giving keys out to contractors, they need to arrange a time and date with you and you should be there to let them in or you give permission for the agent to let contractor in. What's to stop a dodgy contractor making a copy of your key?

What did you do about the contractor letting himself in when you were on nights?

[Sparklfairy]

UnfinishedSymphon Shamefully, nothing I drafted a stroppy email but talked myself out of sending it as I wouldn't get anywhere. I spoke to my dad, who is a letting agent himself but the other end of the country, and he went in all guns blazing helping me word the email, threats and quoting the law etc and I just didn't want the drama and stress. Realistically I knew the most I'd get back is an 'oops, sorry!'

[Sparklfairy]

Well I've come home to find lights on all over the flat, presumably left on since he left I also am a bit concerned about the key situation. Basically I had a second thumb lock fitted to the door as the yale was faulty. I gave spare keys to the agent but there have been issues in the past with them forgetting to tell contractors they need two keys and they couldn't gain access. To save problems I didn't double lock the door when I left and told them they just needed the key they have (contractors just have one key for the building which can be used for all flats), mine needs an additional. When I went in the flat had been double locked so the contractor had both keys, which I'm struggling to work out how he got them as the offices are closed and everyone is working from home?

[LudaMusser]

No harm in having a couple of "Sophia" cameras in your place. Time2Technology.com

[Sparklfairy]

Maybe @LudaMusser. I don't know if it's worse that I'm there pretty much 24/7 (wfh and pretty much only venture out to the supermarket, especially now) as a lone female and every noise could be someone walking in. Or maybe they've already cased the joint and realised I own nothing of value

[pinktaxi]

If you work nights, I would put a discrete bolt on the entrance door for when you are home alone.

Is creepy