to be a bit uncomfortable about this? (house related)

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I recently moved in to a lovely flat. I rent privately from the landlord directly and they are a lovely couple, very laid back and they have been fantastic over the past few weeks, fixing everything that needed doing and helping me clean.

Recently a blind was ordered and it was the wrong size. Another one was ordered but I had no word of when it was coming to be fitted. I was out all day yesterday and came back to find that the blind had been fitted.

I have no idea when it was done but obviously someone has got a key to get in and out of my flat. I felt a bit about it but I haven't mentioned it to the ll because I'm not sure if this is acceptable or not.

I was out all morning because a joiner was coming to fix a bannister at 2. I got home about 1 to find my front door wide open and the joiner in my flat after letting himself in.

When I first moved in, I moved my stuff in before I did so I wasn't fussed with people going in and out but I'm settled now and feel really uncomfortable that people are just walking in and out my house without my knowledge and without me being there. I feel a bit jumpy because i can't hear anyone coming in until they are actually upstairs and in the flat, I gave a big wooden door at the top of the stairs (closed because of dds) and a glass paneled wooden door in the living room (again closed usually to stop dd2 escaping and climbing down the loo or similar) so I'm never sure if anyone is going to come in and I can't relax properly. I usually sprawl myself across the sofa in my pyjamas and I just can't do it because I'm on edge.

Aibu to think that this is not OK? Should I say something to landlords? I know they are just being helpful and getting stuff fixed up but I'd rather be here when tradesmen are about

YANBU. They should be asking you permission to gain entry (and you have the right to say no). Speak to your landlord.

Perhaps they knock first and only kept themselves in when you don't answer?

But in, I wouldn't be comfortable with that.

You will need to speak to your LL.

Let not kept

Sigh

Hmm, that is weird I think. I'm sure they're not allowed to do that - my DH rents a flat out and we always have to give them notice and/or get permission to let people in to fix stuff. Do you have a contract?

The landlord has the right to keep a key and to allow tradesmen access but they shouldn't be doing that without letting you know. It's great that things are getting done (mine takes years to get things done - literally) but they're probably just being a bit thoughtless. Definitely worth a word with them.

They are probably trying to be really helpful and get everything done quickly for you. Once your snagging list is done they will probably stop arranging things like this.

You have to decide when to say 'stop', enough is enough, it's not helpful any more. You could also change the lock, as long as you kept it and put it back in when you leave.

But, before you do anything, talk to them and check that they understand your pov and will stop once the fixes are finished/immediately.

I would have a nice chat with them, thank them for getting things fixed promptly, and then explain that you'd prefer a bit of notice. Pop in an anecdote about walking round half dressed and they might get the message.

We private rent and have had the landlord and workmen having to come in several times, we arrange with workmen directly after landlord giving us the nod and if the landlord ever wanted to come he gives us 24 hours notice, he doesn't call now but at the start needed to for a few things

I thought they had to give 24 hours notice, they can't just come in your flat.

Yes just have a word with them and say you'd rather know when someone's coming as you get a bit of a fright when people just let themselves in.

We privately let and legally they have to inform you if it's braking and entering. Landlord have to give 24 hours notice. I gave let workman in with less time than that but I agreed to it (the phoned before sayng on way and would it be ok) and it helped me. In one case we had a toilet that funny flush so glad it was sorted!

Don't you just hate auto correct....

YANBU legally they are not supposed to do that. You are entitled to 'quiet enjoyment' of the property. They need your permission to come in.

Yes have a word with ll. If they are lovely people as you say, they should be fine. Entirely reasonable to say you want to be home when tradesmen are there.

You have to nip this in the bud OP. Your LLs will more than likely be mortified that someone in your home without you being present has made you uncomfortable! They probably thought they were doing you a favour and sure, had they called you first to say "listen, the chippy is here, can we let him in to fix the stairs" you'd have been able to do a quick mental inventory of the room and ensure you'd not left your giant black shiny dildo in the middle of the living room floor (for example).

YANBU.