is my landlord taking the piss?

[Kungfutea]

We rented a house with a storage room in the basement. We use it a bit but still plenty of room. Our landlord emailed and TOLD us that he will be coming to use the storage room. We were a bit that he stated a fact and didn't ask but in the spirit of good relations we agreed, assuming he would be using it for his own personal items.

He turns up with a friend whose things he will be storing. He was basically showing her the space. Then he tells her that if her things don't fit in the storage room, she can put things in the garage. THey're planning to bring these things next week.

I'm not sure of the nature of the relationship with this friend but it sounded very business like. I'm also not happy about him offering the garage (and TELLING us he will do so) as we often put the car in when we're away, the kids are in and out with their bikes and scooters etc, the gardening stuff is in there.

AIBU not to be happy about this? I checked the lease, not a word about landlord having the right to use the house for storage.

If the landlord ASKED to store some personal items in the storage room, that'd be OK. But to let someone else use it and then offer them use of our garage, that's taking the piss, right?

I don't think IABU but my landlord seems to think he's entitled to all of this as it's his house!

Taking the piss. I presume your rent covers the garage plus the storage room? If so he has no right to store anything there really.

No he's being a knob. He should ask anyway, but if he wants to change the terms of your tenancy agreement which I presume doesn't mention his storage arrangements then he has to give 1 months notice.

Covers everything. We're paying enough money! It rankled a bit that he didn't even ask or act like we were doing a favor to begin with. But to start allowing friends to store items? I suspect he's renting out the storage space.

I just sent him an email asking what the nature of this relationship is and that we're not happy about use of the garage.

Completely taking the piss.

Is the a proper tenancy or a casual arrangement?

We're renting in the US so not sure what the laws are. I think tenants have less rights than in UK - no tenant deposit scheme for a start!

I would be emphasising that you cannot be held responsible for anything stored there.

No, proper two year lease and everything. Certainly not casual!

Also, presumably the person who is storing their stuff might want access to your home? That's just wrong.

And what about contents insurance? Yours won't cover these items.

sounds TTP, but as you aren't in the UK can't really advise.

in the UK the landlord cannot use any parts of the property unless they are specifically excluded from the let.

That's what I just asked him - insurance implications, access , etc.

But glad to know that I'm not being precious. We're renting out our house in London and couldn't imagine doing something like this to our tenants!

I think you need proper legal advice, but my gut feeling is to say no. What happens if something gets damaged?

It will be interesting to see what he says. If I were you I'd have worded the email much more strongly.

He is completely in the wrong here - you are renting the entire place - including the storage area & garage. Either tell him to come and remove the stuff or tell him you will be paying xx less due to storing his/his friends stuff.

Oh, you're in the US - you should have said. I have no idea what the laws are there.

What if the items were stolen? How would you prove you hadn't nicked them?

I want to keep good relations though so trying to handle this diplomatically. We really don't mind him putting some personal things in the storage room but he's acting like it's a right not a favor on our part.

He's not a bad landlord in other ways although always moans to us how much things cost - ignoring that we pay him $5500 a month!

I'm not sure what the laws are either but pretty sure the same principle of quiet enjoyment of the house apply! At least that's what the lease says. I need a US mumsnet equivalent.

That is a hell of a lot in rent!

I know!! Rents here are ridiculous. Which is another reason why this is sticking in our throats a bit....

You need to check the laws in your county as they can differ from area to area. Can you say what state or city you're in?

NYC

I would drag every unused piece of furniture into the store room and fill it with my own stuff, I would then keep the car in the garage at all times I was not driving it.
And I would contact the LL to say that you are sorry but you've being loaned some new furniture by a friend so need use the store room for your own items.

I am a LL and would never consider this.

You pay to rent the house, in the US that means the house is yours to do with as you please, your LL has no right to dictate use of your home.

Thanks everyone! So glad to know that we're not being difficult tenants. Strengthening me for a showdown with landlord if he insists.

Owner Entry

In New York City, owners may enter a tenant's apartment for three general reasons: emergency repairs, non-emergency repairs or improvements, and apartment inspections. Emergency repair requires no advance notice to the tenant. However, access for non-emergency repairs and improvements requires a minimum of one week's advance written notice, and access for inspection requires a minimum of 24 hours advance written notice.

www.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/tenants/tenantsrights.shtml

If you decide you want legal advice, my sister might know someone in your area.

Thank you missuswife! I just remembered that the father of one of my dd's friends is a lawyer so we may give him a call to ask him.