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Original poster

Landlady let herself into my flat while I was in bed

103 replies

BaeHole · 25/05/2016 00:57

Hi just wondering how I should handle this. I was in bed this morning at about 10.30am, having worked until about 4am. I heard the door knock briefly (a few seconds, I was half asleep and ignored), and then someone let themselves into the flat. It was my landlady. I called out from my bed "hello?" and she replied that she had just come to clean the hallway and wanted to get some water from the sink. She said immediately - "Oh are you sleeping?" and I said, "Yes, sorry". She went straight back out. I assume she only let herself in as she assumed I wouldn't be there and it would do no harm filling her bucket up with some water. I am not really angry, but I am uncomfortable with this. I'm aware it's illegal, and also don't like the idea she might just wander into my flat whenever she feels like it, without notice and agreement. I want to say something, and really want it to never happen again, but also want to maintain the friendly rapport that we have and not spoil the good relationship between me, Landlady and Landlord. How do I broach it? WWYD?

OP posts:
Iknownuffink · 25/05/2016 01:40

Overstepping the mark. A landlord has absolutely no right to enter your home.

Call the police every time it happens.

VioletBam · 25/05/2016 01:42

Of course it's overstepping the mark but Nuffink it has happened ONCE and OP is giving the benefit of the doubt as any sensible person would do.

Calling 999 would be stupid. And unnecessary. That is for emergencies.

Iknownuffink · 25/05/2016 01:46

Indeed when the tenant has bopped the intruding property owner on the head. Blood pouring from the soon to be dead intruder...

VioletBam · 25/05/2016 01:47

Oh don't be silly.

Iknownuffink · 25/05/2016 01:51

Tenants have a right to privacy and non interferences.

Holding a mortgage for a property, renting it out does not give special Privelige to the mortgage holder/ rent collector/bully.

Sultanashirls · 25/05/2016 01:51

What INeedNewShoes said is perfect

VioletBam · 25/05/2016 01:54

Nuffink OP has not suggested her LL is a bully. She has come in ONCE. If this were something happening repeatedly then yes, the police.

but ONCE is not enough to leap to conclusions and act in a stupid fashion.

Original poster
BaeHole · 25/05/2016 02:05

I have sent the message suggested by INeedNewShoes, with some adjustments. Thank you!! :)

OP posts:
Beeziekn33ze · 25/05/2016 02:06

Op - you sound calm, sensible, and courteous. I'm sure you'll come up with the most suitable wording for your message to your landlady. 💐

Beeziekn33ze · 25/05/2016 02:10

Cross post! You've already sent a calm, clear message. 💐

Original poster
BaeHole · 25/05/2016 02:13

Thank you Beeziekn33ze that is very kind, much appreciated Flowers

OP posts:
VulcanWoman · 25/05/2016 02:15

That's so out of order. I agree about putting a chain across at least. Who the heck does she think she is.

Original poster
BaeHole · 25/05/2016 02:19

Vulcanwoman and PP who suggested it, yes perhaps a chain, just for the sense of security, might be something to consider.

OP posts:
Shakirawannabe · 25/05/2016 02:44

As a landlord myself I would never do this.
The cheek! A polite text is the best way to go for the first incident, I'm sure you're landlord will be mortified once she realised what she has done, are you renting private or through an agent? If an agent is involved id have a word with them hth

AnotherTimeMaybe · 25/05/2016 02:52

Imagine if you were having sex Blush

Always leave the key on the door when you're in at least!

CoYoAddict · 25/05/2016 05:36

This is so cheeky, she's on very thin ice legally as well. She didn't just want water, she's checking up on you.

I would get a door chain fitted.

ToDuk · 25/05/2016 05:54

Does she live in the same building? Are there other ways she can get water? Obvs not suggesting it would give her the right to enter if not.

BrienneAndTormund · 25/05/2016 06:00

We don't know it has only happened once! Once when the tenant has been home - how many times when she hasn't?
Op I'd be furious, spitting mad so well done for not firing off an angry text. She needs to know it's not on though. Don't leave her in any doubt. Be assertive!

Pacx · 25/05/2016 06:20

A chain won't solve anything when the tenant is out. And you'll need permission to put one on as it involves drilling into the door. Otherwise, when you leave, you could be charged with the cost of removing it and making the door good.

I think the landlady sounds like she just doesn't know her boundaries as a landlord. The 24 hour text should prompt her to look up what she can and cannot do.

pattysgotastropon · 25/05/2016 06:27

I always change the locks on rented property. It should be simple, replace the barrel (think that's the correct term) not the whole lock. You know your landlady has a key but what about previous tennants who may have made copies, or given a spare to their family / friends / lovers. If you don't change the lock you run the risk of anyone wandering in (either when you are in or out).

CoYoAddict · 25/05/2016 06:34

Well that could apply to any property, not just a rented one. I don't know anyone who automatically changes the locks when they buy a house. I own rental properties and I'd be pretty pissed off if a tenant just randomly changed a perfectly good lock without consulting me first.

  1. if you don't get the right kind of lock it would invalidate my insurance and not comply with fire risk legislation,

  2. it might be inferior quality to the lock that was already there,

  3. it costs me a lot of money to have sets of keys cut for myself, the managing agent, the tenant/s and my emergency maintenance/keyholding person and I wouldn't be happy about finding out after you'd moved on and your deposit had been returned that I am left with a ton of keys that are useless and have to bear the cost or replacing them myself

  4. Providing I give you the required notice it is my right to enter my own property whether you are present or not and if I haven't got a key I can't do that.

ProfessorPreciseaBug · 25/05/2016 06:38

I had to enter my tennants flat without permission when we had an electrical problem... (I had to unplug everything whilst testing a ring main).

I notofied them I had entered and explained the reason why. It is unacceptable to just wander into someones home without permission. However, it is more likely that the ll is most likely not thinking.

BrienneAndTormund · 25/05/2016 06:46

Providing I give you the required notice it is my right to enter my own property whether you are present or not

Is that what you believe? Scary. No it is not your right. Your tenant has the right to refuse you entry and you can only enter without permission if it is an emergency. You cannot simply give 24 hours notice and walk in because you want to.

TheBlessedCheesemaker · 25/05/2016 06:50

If you plan to stay for a while then why not install a burglar alarm and tell her the access code changes weekly and she will need to call you for it whenever she needs to enter?

Swissgemma · 25/05/2016 06:51

I actually think you don't need to go "formal" in your text... I suspect given your ll left as soon as it was obvious you were sleeping that it was honestly a need for water and an assumption you wouldn't mind and would 't be in. The ll knocked do had the intention of asking not entering. Had she knocked and asked for water you would have given it and she wouldn't have popped in!

Just send a text saying ... "I work shifts so keep off hours, it's really disturbing to have my sleep disrupted could you drop me a text if you are popping round so I can let you know whether I'll be sleeping of not!"