Page 4 | Tenant’s ’friend’ locked out

Catcherintherice · 2024-12-26T22:50:31+00:00

I am a landlord and around an hour ago took a phone call from my tenant. He is visiting family and accidentally locked out his friend who lives with him. Friend has no key and apparently no money as his cards are in the flat. The friend is not a tenant and has never been a permitted occupier. Today is the first time the tenant has told me he is actually living there. The flat is over 30 miles from me. I have visitors and have been drinking. I am probably not over the legal limit but I never drive after any alcohol. I am not really happy about giving access to someone who isn’t a tenant, but as the tenant says he is there, I have offered that he can get someone to collect a key from my home. I can’t think of anything else. I have posted in AIBU as I don’t think I’m being unreasonable in not offering anything else, and can’t think of what more I can do. He has contacted a locksmith who has quoted over £400, and wants payment before he comes out.

PromoJoJo · 27/12/2024 14:27

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Original poster

Catcherintherice · 27/12/2024 14:26

anyolddinosaur · 27/12/2024 14:25

You said reptiles and rodents. Reptiles may not need to be fed often, depends what they are. Rodents are more likely to be daily care.

I just hope the rodents aren’t the reptiles’ food.

OP posts:

anyolddinosaur · 27/12/2024 14:25

You said reptiles and rodents. Reptiles may not need to be fed often, depends what they are. Rodents are more likely to be daily care.

Original poster

Catcherintherice · 27/12/2024 14:23

MyrtleStrumpet · 27/12/2024 14:19

This. Call the RSPCA and let them in to take the pets, perhaps permanently if they are in poor health or if pets are not allowed under the tenancy.

What a mess.

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I am not happy about reptiles being there, but only because I’m not keen on them, but if he had spoken to me about them I would have agreed to him keeping them.

OP posts:

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 27/12/2024 14:22

If a locksmith changes the lock/s, obiv you won't have the spare key / any key at all.
the ' friend ' / ' cousin ' will have all the keys...

this situation is just getting worse and worse

Original poster

Catcherintherice · 27/12/2024 14:21

pikkumyy77 · 27/12/2024 14:17

But if the “cousin” was just a “pet sitter” for just a few weeks surely he would have his own home to retreat to if he were locked out? This story makes less sense the more it gets told. I mean the tenants story. Its so ridiculous that I have no trouble believing it is happening.

Edited

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I am not buying the story that he’s a cousin, or that he’s only been there a few days. If that was the case he wouldn’t ‘normally’ have been sleeping late afternoon.
The story doesn’t make sense.
The ridiculous part of it is that if he had spoken to me about it I could have checked the ‘cousins’ identity and given the OK for him to be there.

OP posts:

MyrtleStrumpet · 27/12/2024 14:19

allaloneandlost · 27/12/2024 14:17

Knew this would turn complicated and it's a shame it's fallen on you to deal with when it's not your issue but has now become your issue. The friend is now a cousin.

You're right not to allow the cousin access he's not the tenant and it's a breach. The pets are a concern and can't be left for a fortnight but aren't your responsibility either. Again, is having pets a breach? I'd call the RSPCA to remove them as you have no other option unless you want to visit the property once or twice a day and you shouldn't have to. Either that or I'd tell the tenant he has to return and sort his own mess out and be having a conversation with him about the issues.

Edited

This. Call the RSPCA and let them in to take the pets, perhaps permanently if they are in poor health or if pets are not allowed under the tenancy.

What a mess.

pikkumyy77 · 27/12/2024 14:17

TwinklyAmberOrca · 27/12/2024 14:15

Your tenant will just have to fly back to the UK to sort it out.

The story changing from friend to cousin, and now pets sounds all too suspicious.

But... someone staying for a week whilst someone is on holiday to look after pets is actually sensible. A pet sitter essentially, and far cheaper than arranging for the pets to be looked after at a boarding house. I'm assuming a tenancy can't ban this?

I'd let your tenant know that as a gesture of good will, and for the welfare of the animals, for an upfront fee of £50 you will attend the property at 6pm today to allow access to his cousin to the property. I'd also insist on a photo of the cousin and the cousin producing photo ID to verify himself.

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But if the “cousin” was just a “pet sitter” for just a few weeks surely he would have his own home to retreat to if he were locked out? This story makes less sense the more it gets told. I mean the tenants story. Its so ridiculous that I have no trouble believing it is happening.

anyolddinosaur · 27/12/2024 14:17

Does the lease allow pets? I'd be wondering if this was his boyfriend but I'd also be looking to evict him asap.

allaloneandlost · 27/12/2024 14:17

Knew this would turn complicated and it's a shame it's fallen on you to deal with when it's not your issue but has now become your issue. The friend is now a cousin.

You're right not to allow the cousin access he's not the tenant and it's a breach. The pets are a concern and can't be left for a fortnight but aren't your responsibility either. Again, is having pets a breach? I'd call the RSPCA to remove them as you have no other option unless you want to visit the property once or twice a day and you shouldn't have to. Either that or I'd tell the tenant he has to return and sort his own mess out and be having a conversation with him about the issues.

pikkumyy77 · 27/12/2024 14:15

What a mess!

TwinklyAmberOrca · 27/12/2024 14:15

Catcherintherice · 27/12/2024 14:07

Well this is getting more complicated by the minute.

I have had a video call with the tenant. The person who needs access to the flat is now his ‘cousin’ He has been there for a few days. He works shifts and normally sleeps in the late afternoon/ early evening and the tenant thought he was in bed asleep when he left. He does have the spare key, but didn’t have it with him ( no idea why).

A local locksmith has been and is unable to pick the lock. They can drill out the old lock but this will be expensive and the locksmith asked for proof of residency/ID. The friend doesn’t have this and I have refused the request to speak directly to authorise it.

Our call was terminated due to poor signal but it seems like allowing someone to stay without discussing it with me is not the only potential breach. The cousin needs access to care for the tenant’s pets. He has recently acquired reptiles and caged rodents.

It looks like I will have a list of issues to address when I see him. He is due back in the U.K. 10 January. In the meantime I am going to need to sort out a way of allowing access to care for the pets without giving permission for the cousin to be there.

Your tenant will just have to fly back to the UK to sort it out.

The story changing from friend to cousin, and now pets sounds all too suspicious.

But... someone staying for a week whilst someone is on holiday to look after pets is actually sensible. A pet sitter essentially, and far cheaper than arranging for the pets to be looked after at a boarding house. I'm assuming a tenancy can't ban this?

I'd let your tenant know that as a gesture of good will, and for the welfare of the animals, for an upfront fee of £50 you will attend the property at 6pm today to allow access to his cousin to the property. I'd also insist on a photo of the cousin and the cousin producing photo ID to verify himself.

Original poster

Catcherintherice · 27/12/2024 14:07

Well this is getting more complicated by the minute.

I have had a video call with the tenant. The person who needs access to the flat is now his ‘cousin’ He has been there for a few days. He works shifts and normally sleeps in the late afternoon/ early evening and the tenant thought he was in bed asleep when he left. He does have the spare key, but didn’t have it with him ( no idea why).

A local locksmith has been and is unable to pick the lock. They can drill out the old lock but this will be expensive and the locksmith asked for proof of residency/ID. The friend doesn’t have this and I have refused the request to speak directly to authorise it.

Our call was terminated due to poor signal but it seems like allowing someone to stay without discussing it with me is not the only potential breach. The cousin needs access to care for the tenant’s pets. He has recently acquired reptiles and caged rodents.

It looks like I will have a list of issues to address when I see him. He is due back in the U.K. 10 January. In the meantime I am going to need to sort out a way of allowing access to care for the pets without giving permission for the cousin to be there.

OP posts:

MJconfessions · 27/12/2024 14:02

Something seems so odd about this.

I think it’s only right for you to be suspicious.

If your tenant did genuinely sublet to his friend who is genuinely locked out, why didn’t your tenant pass on his friend’s personal information like name and contact details and more details about the arrangement they have? Ie how long it’s been going on for etc so you’re fully up to date. Instead he’s using himself as a go-between/conduit between you and his friend whilst simultaneously leaving the country and getting on a flight so can’t be contacted. It doesn’t make sense.

Personally I wouldn’t open doors for any random stranger. You presumably carried out background checks on your tenant so there’s a element of trust, whereas you have no idea who his friend is or whether you would even agree to him living there. If he damages the place, you have limited recourse. If he refuses to leave, you’re fucked. You know your actual tenant is safe and has keys.

NC10125 · 27/12/2024 13:24

If the tenant is a good tenant, this is the only problem which you have ever had, and the flat is in good shape when you check it I would just reiterate that he can’t sublet and leave it there.

Eviction is stressful and expensive, getting a flat ready for new tenants is stressful and expensive, having a flat empty is stressful and expensive and new tenants are a bit of a shot in the dark.

Doesn’t seem worth the money and the faff to me based on one evening’s disruption, however irritating.

IVbumble · 27/12/2024 13:21

Maybe check they have left the heating to come on over short periods whilst they are away to prevent the pipes freezing.

ThePollutedShadesOfPemberley · 27/12/2024 13:14

florasl · 26/12/2024 23:10

I would under no circumstances give a key to anybody that wasn’t named as a tenant or permitted occupier. You could find yourself liable for any damage or theft from permitting a stranger access.

This. I am a LL and there is no way I would make a key available. You are nullifying your insurance right there!

My next move would be to find a new tenant. The tenancy agreement clearly means bugger all to them.

Strictlymad · 27/12/2024 12:41

All sounds very shifty, I’d be very firm with tennent on return at least if not terminating contract

NoWayRose · 27/12/2024 12:40

From the ‘information’ you’ve been given, the tenant has offered to lend flat to a mate while away and has forgotten to given them the keys. This is obviously nothing to do with you and friend should find alternative arrangements. Though yes would go and check state of the property/windows etc!

saltysandysea · 27/12/2024 12:15

Hurdlin · 27/12/2024 09:10

Why should the landlord go at any point to allow someone illegally living in her property access to it?

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I never said let him in.

as property owner I would want to check out what is actually happening in her property, returning any left wallets etc & hopefully avoid more men trying to break down her door?

penelopelondon · 27/12/2024 12:11

Catcherintherice · 27/12/2024 11:09

Yes I have now following suggestions on here.

There’s no sign of it.

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maybe your Tenant got himself a lodger, or maybe "friend" is really tenants live in romantic partner? who knows.

allaloneandlost · 27/12/2024 12:08

Obviously this will be sorted when the tenant returns and OP has a conversation with him to find out whether the friend was just staying or is living there. If he's subletting then it was unfortunate they've let it be known!

Christmasandallthetrimmings · 27/12/2024 12:04

It would probably be cheaper for the tenant to next day courier his keys to another local friend of his and have the sub letter pick them up and cut a spare set, than pay £400 for a locksmith, although if they book a locksmith in advance, it wouldn't be £400, more like £50.

Iwanttoliveonamountain · 27/12/2024 11:59

Once you start subletting , it becomes an HMO so have implications for the landlord licensing wise

Ginkypig · 27/12/2024 11:52

I mean it does happen there is a house close to me that was let out to a small family.
I don’t know the landlord but my ex neighbour was friends with them and she had told me that the landlord only lets to families and didn’t want it as a flat share.

this year there have been at least three other adults living there. Still quiet and no problems but i noticed them in and out or parking up etc
I got chatting to one guy. he seems nice enough and in the course of conversation we were asking questions, what do you do etc. he asked me if I’m married. Small talk type chat.
I said so you’re living with family, it must be nice to stay with people close to you while you establish yourself in a new country and he replied oh no I only rent a room here. He was open about it and seemed happy he had a nice room on a quiet street to rent so I don’t think as far as he knows that the landlord wouldn’t have had this setup.

so the family who have moved in have seemingly let out the extra two rooms.

i don’t know how to contact the landlord even if I wanted to inform them as the other neighbour has moved away now.

none of this is relevant really but it’s to show that people do do this if they have the room to even when they don’t have permission.

for you though.
now you know obviously you can’t ignore it but it sounds like you know how you want to handle it. But you will have to wait until the tenant comes back from his visit.