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Original poster

Neighbour kicked my door down/broke in

435 replies

Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 20:51

AIBU to expect the police to arrest/remove him...?

I live alone in a flat in a block of 4. I have met this neighbour just once, and introduced myself. A few weeks ago he knocked on my door, not threateningly, but persistently - consistent knocking for 3-4 minutes... at 1.30am. I was awake as I WFH but nights, and just ignored it.

He went away, and there's been nothing since. Until yesterday at 6-something in the morning. Again, I was working but the flat was in total silence. No tv or any noise that would disturb him, I was literally just sitting on my bed.

Suddenly I heard a bang and froze. I was confused and didn't know what it was and was trying to work out where it was coming from. 3 or 4 further bangs and my front door burst open and he was stood there, swaying, glassy eyed.

I screamed. It's a studio, tiny flat, like one of those micro flats that you see advertised but yes, this is my life and I had no escape, no room to hide in, not even a bathroom with a lock on the door (as there is no lock, and the bathroom is opposite the front door).

I screamed at him, he said I was 'in' his head, fucking with his head (when I've done absolutely nothing), and when he tried to step towards me I screamed again and he suddenly 'clicked', became lucid and said ok and left. I was shaking.

My other neighbour (upstairs, but next door to him), texted me saying he heard screaming, and let me take refuge in his flat. Before I did, I obviously called 999. The police seemed non committal, that someone would come out at some point. 36 hours later I've had no visit.

But here is the kicker. When hiding in my neighbours flat, my friend/neighbour had the bright idea of just knocking on his door and talking to crazy tenant. He has recorded the conversation where crazy tenant admits I did nothing wrong but I just 'remind him' of someone and that's why he broke my door down

I rang 101 with the crime ref to update. The lady was so helpful and checked with her supervisor as she was astonished no one had come out to me yet. She reassured me that someone would attend and it had been miscategorised/recategorised now.

It's now nearly 9pm on Sunday and STILL nothing. I can't go home. The lock has been 'fixed' but obviously Crazy Tenant has proven that he can break it whenever he likes. I live alone. I have stressed every single detail which should have escalated this, but nothing is being done. I have chased with the letting agent but basically they're saying I have to wait until Monday for any action to be done. And even then, they were non committal as to WHAT would happen.

So I'm stuck, and cannot go home, and my rent is due today. I have no idea what to do.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
Avatartar · 22/09/2024 22:36

Just crossed with your update - good luck tomorrow with the police

spuddlesmcgoo · 22/09/2024 22:35

Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 22:32

Wow. I've literally just had a call from the police.

A woman wanted to know my location i.e. the hotel, which I refused to give and explained that they had left me for 36 hours+ with the perpetrator literally feet away and they don't know if/when they will come out.

She then basically tried to say that because they didn't know where I was, that meant that they 'couldn't' follow up. I immediately offered to attend a police station and pointed out that she should have offered the same. She then got defensive, and eventually we have come to an agreement of 11am tomorrow at the local police station.

Why the fuck are they more focused on covering their arses.

100% on your side here but out of interest why would you refuse to tell the police where you are after you’ve waited so long for them to get in touch?

oakleaffy · 22/09/2024 22:35

@Sparklfairy Could you not give the police your hotel address?

Why does this make you worry?

Could you not meet them in the lobby?

SodaFountainMountain · 22/09/2024 22:35

Glad you are safe. Don’t send the email tonight. Now you are safe sleep on it and get some advice tomorrow- womens aid and shelter. There may be legal firms that will do a free hand hour consultation. I used one when I had landlord issue. Good luck. Look after yourself really well. You have had a real shock. I know it sounds odd but if you have a game like Tetris play it for an hour - limited research shows it lessens the likelihood of intrusive traumatic memories.

Bickybics · 22/09/2024 22:34

Sorry not read it all but can you contact your local MP, Councillor? I’m spoiled my local councillor is a star and would be all over something like this in her ward.

Avatartar · 22/09/2024 22:34

OP if I were you, I’d ask to be rehoused. I know it’s not your fault, but he knows where you are if he’s moved, if you move he’ll have no idea and as it’s not personal. I doubt he’d try looking for you.
escalate matters with agent, police and council tomorrow

nosleepforme · 22/09/2024 22:34

Hugs, op x

Original poster
Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 22:32

Wow. I've literally just had a call from the police.

A woman wanted to know my location i.e. the hotel, which I refused to give and explained that they had left me for 36 hours+ with the perpetrator literally feet away and they don't know if/when they will come out.

She then basically tried to say that because they didn't know where I was, that meant that they 'couldn't' follow up. I immediately offered to attend a police station and pointed out that she should have offered the same. She then got defensive, and eventually we have come to an agreement of 11am tomorrow at the local police station.

Why the fuck are they more focused on covering their arses.

OP posts:
Soangrynupset · 22/09/2024 22:31

Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 21:49

I won't, absolutely not. I have only called back once to update when I actually have an update. He has been coming and going freely and is acting like nothing has happened.

I am in a hotel, and have drafted a complaint to my letting agent. I'm about to send it. If anyone can refine it I'd really appreciate it.

"I am very disappointed that you did not even acknowledge my email on Saturday, especially considering your duty of care obligation. You have used this 'wellbeing' of tenants to invade my privacy in the past, yet it seems completely contradictory that my safety and 'wellbeing' is being compromised now.

The Yale lock was replaced at almost 8pm on Saturday. I was so grateful that the locksmith didn't just 'clock off' after his last job ran over and he still came, but he was disgusted at the state you left the security of a vulnerable woman living alone in a flat without any escape or even a bathroom door lock. He even gave me advice to barricade the door for 'when' it happens again. I cannot barricade it. A stool was left by another tenant but it would serve no purpose. I do not have the space to accommodate other furniture to wedge, as he advised, between the door and the wall. I have nothing to protect myself.

The Yale replacement itself is as useless as no replacement at all - as the unstable tenant above me has demonstrated he can easily break it and enter my flat with little more than 4 firm kicks to the weakest point.

I note that my rent is due today. I also note that my statutory right to quiet enjoyment of my flat, free from threats, harassment, and violence, has been breached with not even a reassuring email from you, or someone covering for you at Caxtons in the event of an emergency. Of course, there is no dispute that my inability to stay in my flat due to your unpredictable and violent tenant (who can break a Yale lock in less than 10 seconds with no provocation whatsoever because of his drug use) is an emergency.

If indeed you try to claim that there is a term (implied or otherwise) within the tenancy agreement that I am obligated to pay the rent even when the property is so clearly and indisputably uninhabitable, I draw your attention to The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Terms that are unfair or unclear, such as requiring tenants to pay rent for an uninhabitable property, are not enforceable in law. This includes terms that are not explicitly defined, but implied by the actions of the Landlord and/or their agents.

I have already had to pay £138.38 for two nights in a Travelodge at short notice which will be extended indefinitely until the tenant is removed. I will, of course, be making my civil claim for losses and damages against Caxtons directly and not the Landlord if you allow this situation to escalate to that point. Mr [Landlord's name] has done absolutely nothing wrong; it is purely your failure in your duty of care that you are so quick to abuse and misrepresent when it allows you to invade my privacy that means Caxtons alone is liable for my losses.

Once the tenant has been removed, I will make a pro rata rent payment calculated for the days that the property was uninhabitable for the August-September period to offset the current September-October payment due. If the Landlord wishes to pursue this loss in rent in a civil claim, I have and will continue to collect evidence of your failure in service which demonstrates that it is not me who has breached the contract, but you. I will assist Mr [Landlord's name] by any means necessary to mitigate his losses due to your failure in service.

I await your swift resolution to this matter."
"

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I woukd not exonorste the landlord in your email, least it come back to bite you.
You have no idea of what the agreement is between LL and Caxton. You also have no idea if the LL has been made aware or what response he has had to the situation.
Leave the LL out of your email. Focus on Caxton until you have more information.

betterangels · 22/09/2024 22:28

BF1989 · 22/09/2024 22:24

Absolutely terrifying. This man sounds seriously mentally ill and dangerous.
I can’t believe the police haven’t responded. If I were you I would be in touch with your local news station, I bet that would get a response.

I would seriously consider this. It's terrifying. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this.

oakleaffy · 22/09/2024 22:28

dawngreen · 22/09/2024 22:24

Well he has issues, and is a concern to women. Nuisance tenants get evicted. Any sane person don't go and kick a door down because you remind him of another girl.

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Yes, this is extremely alarming.

However, if he is evicted, he could come back and target OP.
She is very vulnerable and needs out of that place ASAP.

ApolloandDaphne · 22/09/2024 22:26

That sounds utterly terrifying and it is appalling that the police have not even been out.

dawngreen · 22/09/2024 22:24

GuestFeatu · 22/09/2024 22:17

Eh? How do you think the landlord can get him removed?

Show quote history

Well he has issues, and is a concern to women. Nuisance tenants get evicted. Any sane person don't go and kick a door down because you remind him of another girl.

sherbertcandy · 22/09/2024 22:24

I would call again and ask it to be a high category call as lone female! He should not be there on his own by the sounds of it and how many more times are you going to be 'in his head'!! He needs to go somewhere else and you should be able to feel safe in your own home!

BF1989 · 22/09/2024 22:24

Absolutely terrifying. This man sounds seriously mentally ill and dangerous.
I can’t believe the police haven’t responded. If I were you I would be in touch with your local news station, I bet that would get a response.

CornishTiger · 22/09/2024 22:24

You are legally homeless. Section 175a of the Housing Act states a person can be homeless if they have a property which it is not reasonable for them to occupy due to threats of violence or fear of violence. Go to the council tomorrow. They can work with your landlord.

oakleaffy · 22/09/2024 22:21

Singleandproud · 22/09/2024 21:58

If I were you I'd get myself to Sports Direct and pick up a base ball bat / hockey stick to keep under the bed that would allow you to protect yourself from a distance. Obviously hopefully you'd never have to use it and if you did aim for limb shots rather than head or internal organs but I would rather take the consequences of using it than being entirely vulnerable and defenceless

Edited

Trouble is with 'self defence' items like this- they can be used against you if taken away by a man {Men are usually stronger than women}

I have a wood splitting axe that son bought me - it is superb for splitting oak and other hard and softwoods.

I used to keep this in upstairs between firewood preparation in case of a break in - but then the thought of it being taken off me was so frightening I don't keep it upstairs any more.

Neighbour kicked my door down/broke in
6pence · 22/09/2024 22:18

He who shouts loudest gets heard.

Be a pain in their side until it’s easier to get rid of you by sorting you out.

Longtimelurkerfinallyposts · 22/09/2024 22:17

OP: it would be helpful to know which police force's area you're in. Some forces have arrangements for dealing with emergency situations which involve a mental heath crisis/ psychosis of some kind, which this sounds like it might be - ensuring a mental health professional is sent out alongside a police officer to deal with cases.

A yale lock by itself is v flimsy and will not prevent someone from kicking/ busting in a door. Which means you're also at risk of someone breaking in to steal stuff when you're not in.

As a minimum, I'd insist that the landlords/ lettings agents fit a proper internal lock inside the door as well (eg a 'mortice lock'). And for now, you could also add a simple doorstop, wedged between the door and the floor, for extra peace of mind when you're inside.

Good luck

PS: You don't need pepper spray!
anything in an aerosol can works well for self defence purposes (incl hairspray, deodorant, WD40, paint). But let's all hope this won't be necessary.

pointedlypointless · 22/09/2024 22:17

You might ask neighbors if there is any history of him being a nuisance or doing damage to others.

I had an experience w a male neighbor yrs ago, police involved. Similar to you, I had just moved in, never met him he just selected me (but not my flatmate).

After the incident, neighbors told me he had done other things only to women before & been a problem. This gave me upper hand w landlord & to get out of lease and landlord allowed me move to another block they owned, bigger flat & less money. Apparently, legally they should have advised me of this tenant.
After I moved out, they put 2 large men in that flat.
Sorry, you will probably need to move & good luck.

GuestFeatu · 22/09/2024 22:17

dawngreen · 22/09/2024 22:01

Can you sofa surf at friends for a while maybe, and don't pay rent until he gets removed at least.

Eh? How do you think the landlord can get him removed?

Arran2024 · 22/09/2024 22:16

How awful.

My teenage daughter was stalked by her ex. Police were pretty useless tbh. Sadly you will need to be proactive and not rely on them.

My advice is to get this app on your phone https://hollieguard.com/

Hope you find a solution x

Hollie Guard – Personal Safety App

https://hollieguard.com

5128gap · 22/09/2024 22:15

Re your email OP. I'm not clear from reading it what you want them to do? You say you await a swift resolution, but don't specify what your expectation of them is. I think you need to spell out what exactly you see as the resolution. Are there other security measures you feel they should install, a stronger door, dead bolts? Are there other properties under their management you feel they could move you to?

GuestFeatu · 22/09/2024 22:15

I'm sorry this has happened, it's bloody terrifying but I don't think it's the landlord's responsibility to secure the property and your tenancy agreement is nothing to do with it. The police should have come and secured the property!

Toooldtopretend · 22/09/2024 22:15

This reply has been deleted

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Hardly going to help the OP get taken seriously and helped in future is it 🙄.

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