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AIBU?

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Original poster

Another locks related question

44 replies

LessonsinL · 01/09/2011 20:51

Moving into new place this week. The front door doesn't have a security chain or deadbolt, and as such, I'd like to put a lock on the main study (holding most of the important expensive items!).

The landlord is un-contactable (utterly, doesn't respond to phone calls, we deal with another tenant in the house who gets our rent to him).

Would I be unreasonable to replace the keyless mortice lock that is already fitted in the door? I don't want to put a padlock on it as that will involve drilling holes into the doorframe.

OP posts:
randommoment · 01/09/2011 22:48

I wonder if he even knows you exist? Sounds like the other tenant is subletting to you. Which means you have no protection at all from any potential dodginess. OTH, also means if you put in a new lock, the landlord can only get angry with the original tenant, not you - as you don't officially exist!

scottishmummy · 01/09/2011 23:08

your set up is well ropy,you're in a sublet via other tenant

scottishmummy · 01/09/2011 23:10

have you signed tenancy agreement specific to you
eg your name
start date
rent payable
notice
expectations
deposit
normal tenant - LL stuff

Original poster
LessonsinL · 01/09/2011 23:11

Other tenant is definitely not subletting to me, I know this! The setup is very ropy, I know.

But thanks for the advice on the lock everyone :)

OP posts:
Morloth · 02/09/2011 05:28

If you are already in a dodgy set up, why would it matter if you changed the locks?

Andrewofgg · 02/09/2011 06:38

Just do it. In the worst case when you leave, you have to leave the lock and key.

TheHumanCatapult · 02/09/2011 07:09

I changed all the locks to the house i rent .Pointed out to Landlord that since he had 15 truck drivers house sharing in here ( no its not a mansion they was sleeping 3 to a room and some in lounge as shifts .That I wa snot happy as no clue how many spare keys were floating about

Firestone · 02/09/2011 07:43

If you don't have an address for the landlord in this country (UK) then you are not liable to pay rent. You do though become liable for all rent for the whole tenancy once provided with an address in this country, and the address can be for a third party, eg a letting agent.

I agree it sounds v dodgy and I don't really understand given the dodginess why you think changing the locks is an issue!

Original poster
LessonsinL · 02/09/2011 08:34

Hmm where did you get that info from, Firestone? I'd love to read a link on that..

It's not terribly dodgy, and unfortunately, most of the properties around where I live are organised like this. At least, in my paygrade :) I'd love to live in a place where things are a bit more uniform but can't do that yet :(

OP posts:
Talker2010 · 02/09/2011 09:34

The other tenant is subletting to you ... it may be with the landlord's permission but that is still what is happening ... you are paying the other tenant rent ... he is paying the landlord = subletting

This means, as many have said, that you have not rights or protection ... I hope that you have not paid a deposit of any kind !!!

Given all of this ... I would ask the other tenant what the thoughts are on lock changes ... after all he can ask the landlord if he wants to

scottishmummy · 02/09/2011 09:47

have you signed tenancy agreement specific to you
eg your name
start date
rent payable
notice
expectations
deposit
normal tenant - LL stuff
is there any paperwork relating to you and the tenancy?

it does sound like subletting,and puts you in potentially difficult position and reduced tenant rights.

Original poster
LessonsinL · 02/09/2011 14:02

Scottishmummy, no.

And I have not paid a deposit (not out of choice but because the landlord refuses to answer my calls requesting an account number or sort code, or to discuss it).

It's fine for now :)

OP posts:
Lougle · 02/09/2011 14:08
BlueGeranium · 02/09/2011 14:08

LessonsinL - I really think you need to take some professional legal advice here regarding your tenancy. Ring your local Citizens' Advice Bureau and talk to someone there as soon as you can.

nocake · 02/09/2011 14:14

Agreed... it sounds like you're on legally dodgy ground. You are almost certainly sub-letting as you have no tenancy agreement and have paid no deposit.

Original poster
LessonsinL · 02/09/2011 17:47

"Yay, I'm moving to a much better place and because I have no contract, I don't have to give notice.>

Let's be positive :)

OP posts:
FigsAndWine · 02/09/2011 18:32

YABU.

In every way.

HTH. Wink

Firestone · 02/09/2011 18:56

I used to work as a paralegal at a housing solicitors, representing tenants in possession cases, both rental and mortgaged properties. The legislation is s48 The Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, see link for more info here TBH I don't care if everyone you know rents like this it is at best poor practice by landlords who either don't know or care about their legal obligations, or at worst the deeply dodgy act of a complete con artist.

scottishmummy · 02/09/2011 19:45

thats a v interesting link firestone.
op what proof do you have rent gets paid to ll via other tenant? do you see bank statements, get a receipt,what conformation of payment do you get?

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