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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Declared that I don't require a TV licence. What's expected if they inspect my property?

165 replies

YoGatoradeMeBitch · 01/08/2015 14:42

I've done a declaration online to say i don't need a TV licence since we only use Netflix and Amazon Instant Video. Its says online they may come and check. Anyone had this?

I don't mind them coming to check but I'm wondering how invasive it is? Will they want to check rooms for tvs etc? Really don't want a stranger in my bedroom!

OP posts:
Theycallmemellowjello · 01/08/2015 14:43

I think they're unlikely to. I've not had one for years and they've never come.

scatterthenuns · 01/08/2015 14:44

You just tell them they can't come in, if/when they do turn up.

You don't have to let them inspect.

Theycallmemellowjello · 01/08/2015 14:44

I also don't think they have any authority to demand you let them in.

Coffeethrowtrampbitch · 01/08/2015 14:47

I believe you can write to them and withdraw their 'assumed consent' to approach your property. This means they can't knock on the door to check for receiving equipment, as you've written to them to say they are not welcome on your property.

I got this advice from Scottish website though so if you're not in Scotland I would Google it to check if it's possible in other areas.

Coffeemarkone · 01/08/2015 14:48

They have ZERO authority to enter your home. You just have to say NO.
The more people that know this the better.
Some of them do carry a piece of paper that says 'WARRANT' at the top, but this is FAKE.
THEY HAVE NO RIGHT TO EVEN STEP OVER YOUR DOORSTEP!!
sorry for shouting but is is something that I feel very strongly about.

Original poster
YoGatoradeMeBitch · 01/08/2015 14:48

Ok thanks Grin

I wasn't sure if they had any authority to search. They make it sound like they do... cheeky!

OP posts:
Coffeemarkone · 01/08/2015 14:48

oh yes 'no implied right of access' I have seen that in people's doors and windows.

VitaminCrumpet · 01/08/2015 14:48

They may come to inspect but you do not have to let them in. You would think that all the technology in the detector vans could tell them if you have a TV. Grin

Branleuse · 01/08/2015 14:49

ive always let them in. I have a telly for dvds, but i show them that it isnt connected to the aerial or any freeview box etc.
Theyre not the police, theyre not trying to catch you out

Coffeemarkone · 01/08/2015 14:50

oh yes the 'detector vans' Grin some old transit with a wire coat hanger stuck on the roof....

Coffeemarkone · 01/08/2015 14:51

" theyre not trying to catch you out "

yes Bran, they are, they really really are.

As you say, they are not the police, you do not have to let them in any more than you have to let in eg a Sky representative.

LazyLouLou · 01/08/2015 14:53

They can look in from the door, through a window, but cannot enter if you say no.

We let them in, we really didn't have a telly and it was pissing down. They are quite pleasant, just doing their jobs.

ghostyslovesheep · 01/08/2015 14:56

Some of them do carry a piece of paper that says 'WARRANT' at the top, but this is FAKE.
THEY HAVE NO RIGHT TO EVEN STEP OVER YOUR DOORSTEP

just a word of caution - if they actually HAVE a warrant they CAN enter

TV Licensing can only enter your home without your permission if authorised to do so under a search warrant granted by a magistrate (or sheriff in Scotland). A magistrate (or sheriff in Scotland) has discretion to grant a search warrant for authorised persons to search premises suspected of illegal activity in respect of TV licensing. It is an offence to intentionally obstruct a person exercising the warrant (see section 366(8) of the Communications Act 2003). TV Licensing will be accompanied by the police when executing a search warrant

ListenWillYou · 01/08/2015 14:57

My DCs all fill out the no licence declaration and have yet to have a visit, but If they do I've told the, I think it's much easier just to let the person have a quick look.

A lot of MN'ers think its a huge intrusion but I don't see the problem in 99% of cases. I think if there is a particular problem for example if you are vulnerable then it would be better to contact the TV licensing dept and let them know. Much easier than worrying about it.

VitaminCrumpet · 01/08/2015 14:58

I once had a full and frank discussion with a man with a clipboard and a TV detector van. I didn't have a TV or a license. He didn't believe me and insisted I was watching BBC 2! I asked him how he knew I was watching a TV. He told me the detector had picked it up. IHe insisted that he had the right to search my house. I told him to come back with a warrant. I never saw him again. I knew then that the whole "detector" thing was a pile of bullshit and he was probably working from a list.

Coffeemarkone · 01/08/2015 14:58

oh yes of course, but it clearly states, a real warrant is only enforced with a police officer present.
Some of them carry a fake 'warrant' which they attempt to execute alone.
That is what I meant.

scatterthenuns · 01/08/2015 15:00

So rule is, if the police turn up, let them in.

The lone TV guy can do one.

Coffeemarkone · 01/08/2015 15:01

exactly scatterthenuns, tell them to do one.
It is not because I am 'vulnerable' listen, I just don't want agents of the BBC in my house.

Coffeethrowtrampbitch · 01/08/2015 15:03

They are definitely out to get you.

When I got married I noticed my TV licence renewal had moved from April to January. On inquiry, I was told as they had no record of a licence held in my married name, they had taken it upon themselves to backdate it to the beginning of the year, stealing four months I'd already paid them for.

They grudgingly corrected it but never even apologised. I can't wait until my licence is up for renewal next April, I've stopped watching TV and can't wait to stop paying for it.

Original poster
YoGatoradeMeBitch · 01/08/2015 15:04

I actually don't mind them looking in the living room. Its the only room with a TV. I do draw rhe line at having personal spaces invaded.

I have heard about their 'detector vans'. It would be interesting to know if they actually can detect whats being watched.

OP posts:
ivykaty44 · 01/08/2015 15:07

You don't need to let them inside your home unless they have a search warrant - so its your choice to tell them to go away and come back with a warrant ( which they can only get if they have proof) or let them inside

If they turn up and you allow them inside then the last one that called came in the lounge and went again, but it is your choice.

LilacWine7 · 01/08/2015 15:07

You don't have to allow them in. I didn't own a TV for years when I lived alone, but I didn't want them coming into my flat, it felt intrusive and they were quite rude at the door. I just told them it wasn't convenient so they had to take my word for it. I don't think they have any legal right to enter your home.

Andrewofgg · 01/08/2015 15:13

"Come back with a police officer with a warrant card . . . or don't come back at all"

Original poster
YoGatoradeMeBitch · 01/08/2015 15:19

Funny you should say that Coffee. My last licence should have expired mid August. I moved August last year and started the license from then yet i had an email on 30/7 telling me that it expires at midnight Hmm

They are out to get us!!

OP posts:
ollieplimsoles · 01/08/2015 15:21

If they suspect you are trying to get out of paying it they can return with a police officer or warrant to check the tvs in your house, I know this because it happened to my in laws.

We don't have a tv license either and a man came round to check. He seemed very embarrassed to be there and wouldn't come in past the porch, he was polite and left very quickly.