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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think the landlady and letting agency are harassing me

72 replies

squashimodo · 18/09/2010 12:32

So the agency phoned and said the landlandy would like to inspect the property and can she come round on Saturday(today) We have various plans this weekend, so said not convenient until Tuesday.
Again the letting agency phone us today and say the landlady wants access to a shed at the bottom of the garden to remove her belongings. We said no, not until Tuesday. By now I am feeling harassed and anxious, by the tone of the agents. They then say the landlady can gain access via the neighbours, but the neighbours are away so I said no giving the reason.
Stay with me.
The agents then inform us that they will not stop us from being evicted and "I hope nothing goes wrong with your home.." in a threatening manner.

I feel very anxious now and am wondering what will happen if they just turn up anyway.

OP posts:
pompadourprincess · 18/09/2010 12:42

What is writtin in your contract? Mine says a min of 24 hours is required for an inspection? Check yours if its the same then send them a letter with a copy of the contract and highlite that part.
There isn't anything they can do to you other than at the end of your tenancy not renew it, but thats a risky plan as they may not relet it for several months.
Igonre them I would, just a grumpy agent not liking the word no.
Is there anyway you could tell if they come in while your out. If so and they do let them in you can get them charged with trespassing I'm sure.

Original poster
squashimodo · 18/09/2010 13:04

She is outside now and knocking on the door, ringing the bell. The letting agency is ringing now. I don't want to pick up the phone. I know I am here, but her coming through the house to get her stuff from the back shed is a huge inconvenience, she spends ages in the house looking around. She puts stuff in the shed, then she removes it again. It just seems like a ploy to enter at will.

OP posts:
Marjee · 18/09/2010 13:08

Shock don't let her in, you've already said no shes taking the piss!

FiveGoMadInDorset · 18/09/2010 13:08

When did they phone up?

Lauriefairycake · 18/09/2010 13:08

Don't let her in - put the chain on, open the door and say 24 hours notice is required and that Tuesday is convenient for you.

Then shut the door and ignore. Call the police if she makes a breach of the peace.

Bucharest · 18/09/2010 13:11

Eh? It's a bit of a pain, granted, but if she only wants to get something that belongs to her out of the shed in the garden I don't see what the problem is?

I also don't understand (unless there's more history here) why the letting agent would get all weird and start talking about eviction? Surely you can't be evicted for not going out so she can't get in her shed?

FakePlasticTrees · 18/09/2010 13:17

Can you tell her you're about to go out and although you said she couldn't have access today, you will let her through to the garden if she can be out in 2 minutes?

clam · 18/09/2010 13:19

You OK? They still there?

bigchris · 18/09/2010 13:20

She must have told the agent she'll evict you for them to say that
do you want to carry on living there?
I'd let her in and start looking around to move asap

MrsC2010 · 18/09/2010 13:22

How much notice did she give? Sounds like she did phone up in advance so you can't be cross about that. If you're in, why can't you just let her...easier than falling out with people for the sake of it.

Original poster
squashimodo · 18/09/2010 13:24

Well she seems to have disappeared now. Really feel cowardly and like hiding in my home. At the moment the boiler is not working properly and the heating won't come on. Maybe I should just let her in and she might fix the boiler, but am stubborn. Oh my gawd, the neighbours are ringing the bell, probably harassing on her behalf. I don't want to talk to anyone.

OP posts:
Original poster
squashimodo · 18/09/2010 13:28

There is history, she always ignores us and continuously comes round without notice. She tried to evict us without following the proper procedure, and now seems to be applying pressure. I want to move, but can't find a 4 bed property I can afford..

OP posts:
hobnobsaremyfavourite · 18/09/2010 13:29

I really don't understand why you didn't just let her in? I must be dense cause this whole thread just doesn't make sense. If you had let her in she would be gone by now and you could just get on with your day instead of hiding.

Marjee · 18/09/2010 13:32

Do you get on with your neighbours? If I was you I'd strip off and answer the door in a towel and tell them you were in the bath and you'd already told her she can't come round today. This is what I really hate about being a private tenant, some landlords take the piss and if you say anything they threaten eviction! Hope you're ok xx

Original poster
squashimodo · 18/09/2010 13:41

Well she is here with the letting agent now.
I can't ljust let her whenever she wants to come here, it is nnot just about convenience, it is almost a principle

OP posts:
maduggar · 18/09/2010 13:43

She is acting illegally. There is a really good section on moneysavingexpert.com with a lot of really good info, in teh house selling & renting section. Go there for some sound advice, they really know their stuff x

maduggar · 18/09/2010 13:44

You can also phone the police if you feel harassed. She can only enter the property in an emergency, unless you ahve agreed to access (even if they give 24 hours notice).

Hermya321 · 18/09/2010 13:46

They can't come into your house without permission, if they continue to knock on the door ring the police.

You are allowed 'quiet enjoyment of your property', you have already said that she couldn't come round on Saturday and offered to rearrange. You have been reasonable, they have not.

Marjee · 18/09/2010 13:59

FFS!!! Angry

I'm assuming the letting agent has keys and they've now let themselves in?!

I really feel for you op, they are behaving like a bunch of bullies. You need to get some legal advice fast, they can't get away with intimidating a paying tenant in their own home like that!

paisleyleaf · 18/09/2010 14:54

Again, when did they phone?

Plumm · 18/09/2010 15:01

Even if they give you 24 hours notice you still have to give your permission for them to come in.

The landlady sounds like a loon and i don't unstained why the letting agent is getting involved like this - s/he must sully know that this behaviour isn't allowed.

Do you have a proper contract? How long has your tenancy got to run?

emptyshell · 18/09/2010 17:44

Legally unless it's an emergency - she has to give 24 hours notice in writing to gain access to the property - and you are within your rights to refuse. I know this, my letting agency know this - but they still try to try it on when it comes to our scheduled inspections - saying they'll gain access if I'm out, that times can't be rescheduled etc. Funnily they back right down when reminded of the law.

Best forum to go to is probably one called LandlordZone (Google should find it). It's very landlord heavy so you might find a few thinking "woo arsey pain in the rear tenant" but they should be able to give you bang-on the legal position of it all.

Best of luck - hopefully we're buying in the next month or so cos I've had it with numpty landlords and agents and I'm sick to death of magnolia walls.

Catkinsthecatinthehat · 18/09/2010 18:19

You need to speak to your local Council first thing on Monday. There may be a tenancy relations officer who can help or there may be someone in the housing or environmental health departments who specialises in harassment issues.

Tippychoocks · 18/09/2010 18:20

Are you OK OP?

oldienotamoldie · 18/09/2010 18:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.