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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think landlords should be crb checked

126 replies

Unwind · 30/12/2010 21:46

I don't imagine it would have helped protect Jo Yeates, even if her LL is found to be guilty, but it has made me think about the powerful position private landlords are in. There are too many stories, on here and elsewhere of them abusing that. Prospective tenants have to provide references, but landlords provide nothing, and they keep a set of keys.

My current landlord has threatened to have my neighbours killed. A previous landlord (who lived in the same building as me) once let himself in to my flat when he knew I was in there alone.

OP posts:
Silver1 · 30/12/2010 21:49

Maybe you should reconsider where you let properties from, rather than posing an onerous burden on people who 99% of the time are just renting out properties. You cannot legislate for every eventuality, as in the tragic Bristol case-if it is the LL he was a teacher subject to scrutiny, and as in your case there are accrediting agencies for LLs try checking your LL against one of them next time

Actuallawyer · 30/12/2010 21:49

Does her LL have a criminal record though? Otherwise CRB checking would only give you a false sense of security. Apart from the cost and logistical issues, I would have thought a comprehensive licensing system would be more effective.

MakemineaGandT · 30/12/2010 21:50

I think that is just daft. Landlords don't work with children - tenants are adults.

HappyHECmanay · 30/12/2010 21:50

a crb check only shows whether or not you have been convicted of something. the increasing reliance on them is worrying as they create a false sense of security. a clear crb check means nothing.

Tee2072 · 30/12/2010 21:51

My first ever Biscuit

PeeringIntoAFestiveVoid · 30/12/2010 21:51

YABU - what a ridiculous suggestion. Hmm

BaroqinAroundTheChristmasTree · 30/12/2010 21:51

I think it's a daft idea for numerous reasonsa

However makemineaGandT ,,,,,,,,I had to have a CRB check done for work a couple of years ago. And I can assure you there was not a single child in sight in my job.

oneortwo · 30/12/2010 21:52

maybe, but without a previous criminal record a CRB shows nothing. References from previous tenants might be better.

it is a huge position of power and horrible when its abused, especially since there is not a lot you can do in a lot of cases of abuse of this power. Ours went through our files last time he was here Sad

Lucyintheskywithdiazepam · 30/12/2010 21:55

It's only of any use iof the person has been convicted of a crime in the past...a CRB check won't tell you if all the LL's previous tenants are propping up the patio unless he's already been found guilty.

Also, they're only valid on the day they are issued. If Chris Jeffries was CRB checked today, it would come back clear as he hasn't yet been convicted of anything...yet.

Original poster
Unwind · 30/12/2010 21:55

I know a crb wouldn't do much, but it might help in some cases.

OP posts:
ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 30/12/2010 21:57

It may well be that her landlord doesn't have a criminal conviction so a CRB check wouldn't make any difference.

There are loads of landlords who don't abuse their tenants rights (I'm a landlord as you might have guessed) but nobody writes about them because their behaviour is normal and acceptable.

You can't always protect against risk; where do you stop: CRB check on your partner? Your in-laws before you leave the kids with them; random one night stand; the plumber who fixes your broken tap?

I agree with CRB checks for people whose jobs give them certain responsibilities or put them in contact with vulnerable people but an adult in their home is not normally in a vulnerable category.

Tee2072 · 30/12/2010 21:59

Oh okay. So let's spend extra money and waste resources on something that 'might help in some cases.'

What a stupid idea.

Lilyloo · 30/12/2010 21:59

Sadly i don't think a crb would have helped at all

junkcollector · 30/12/2010 22:00

I don't think CRB checks would work, but I have often thought about some kind of referencing system for tenants to access as well as landlords. I have had some excellent landlords and some really really, bordering on dangerous, rubbish ones.

If you could somehow share information with previous tenants without defaming anyone's character it would be really useful. Although I don't reckon it would be that useful in cases like this really.

LisaD1 · 30/12/2010 22:00

A CRB check would serve no purpose, it just tells you that up to that point the person is considered safe.

The LL you are referring to is still an innocent man until such time, if any, he is proven guilty.

I have a very close friend who was wrongly accused of rape many years ago, sadly, many people decided he was guilty even before he went to court and even after the "victim" admitted she has made it up the mud still stuck.

piprabbit · 30/12/2010 22:01

Lots of landlords have no contact with their tenants, the properties are managed by letting agents.
Should the agents be CRB checked too?

BaroqinAroundTheChristmasTree · 30/12/2010 22:18

a new LL wouldn't have any other tenants to ask about anyhow. I'm only the 2nd tenant to live in this house - and the previous bloke scarpered quick (was all paid up on bills for the house and to the LL but I suspect from the number of letters from HRMC that I've had to return he was possibly not updtodate with his business accounts.......)

KalokiMallow · 30/12/2010 22:23

Mixed feelings on this, can see how it might help, but on the other side it does require them being convicted of something.

Do think there should be ways of preventing landlords just letting themselves into properties uninvited though.

BitOfFun · 30/12/2010 22:26

Perhaps we should brand all ex-cons with something on their forehead? In case it might help, like.

bupcakesandcunting · 30/12/2010 22:26

I think LLs should be judged on their face and threads; if they look like they could turn a toad into a potato you should avoid. If they're cuddly looking and jolly then go for it

charliesmommy · 30/12/2010 22:27

I can see the point in there being some sort of check. Especially as they do have the keys to the property.

I know that often it is people who have never been caught before, who would therefore have come up clean on a CRB who commit the crimes, but even so, you wouldnt want to be renting a flat from a convicted sex abuser or even a convicted burglar, and I am not aware of any checks that are in place to stop such people from privately renting out their property.

classydiva · 30/12/2010 22:28

CRB checking a Landlord is a bit of a ridiculous statement to make.

As at yet he may well have been arrested but he has not been charged, he might be the one, however as yet he is still presumed innocent.

Myleetlepony · 30/12/2010 22:28

"Do think there should be ways of preventing landlords just letting themselves into properties uninvited though."
There is, it's illegal.

BaroqinAroundTheChristmasTree · 30/12/2010 22:30

Letting Agents often have keys to the property too.

KalokiMallow · 30/12/2010 22:31

Well yes, but the kind of person who is going to turn up to your home and cause trouble (say yelling abuse and threatening you) isn't going to pay a lot of a attention to a little thing like the law.

Plus it's seen as a civil dispute, there are minimal consequences.

Whereas, if someone did turn up unannounced and let themselves in, as a tenant you are still not allowed extra security. Eg. a deadbolt.