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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To sour relationship with new neighbours before its started?

29 replies

FrustratedDan · 05/05/2018 09:03

I live in a house converted into four flats but each two flats share a communal hall. We have been here 8 years and the previous tenant was here before us so never had an issue.

New tenants moved in two weeks ago and seem okay but they are constantly leaving the communal door open. They are only locking it when they are not in. If I'm not in or we are both in it's been unlocked including overnight. She was out overnight without keys the first night so just left it open.

I'm not happy about this. Firstly the actual flat doors are crap internal doors and easily broke down and B all our post goes into the communal hall so at risk of ID theft.

They are leaving it open so that their mates can come up (because there's no bell at present and you can't hear them knocking)
We've mentioned it nicely already and have had people trying the doors and in the bins looking for ID.

We are going on holiday for a week soon and it's stressing me out.

Aibu to leave a note on the door.

OP posts:
Flyme21 · 05/05/2018 09:05

Don't leave a note, go and speak to them.

EleanorHooverbelt · 05/05/2018 09:06

Contact landlord and just say you are concerned. They might fit a door-closer and one of those locks that just clicks shut and doesn't need a key.

CuppaSarah · 05/05/2018 09:07

Maybe buy them a doorbell and bring it when you speak to them. It's much easier to hear you're an irresponsible twat when you get a gift alongside the news. Plus it solves the issues of their friends not being heard knocking.

RedHelenB · 05/05/2018 09:07

I would movery one thing of theirs then they might take it more seriously.

JustPotteringAround · 05/05/2018 09:13

RedHelenB - theft is not the way to resolve the issue Hmm

RomeoBunny · 05/05/2018 09:16

Get a door closer fitted and put a sign on the door. AND go and talk to them.

Juells · 05/05/2018 09:18

@JustPotteringAround

RedHelenB - theft is not the way to resolve the issue

No, but it made me laugh!

yoyo1234 · 05/05/2018 09:22

Fit a door closer, give them a door bell and talk to them.I would be very worried in the same situation.

Jenala · 05/05/2018 09:23

I think taking a door bell is a good idea. If you want to keep a good relationship you can be self deprecating/say it in a please humour me kind of way eg it just really bothers me when it's unlocked, its just my thing so would you mind making sure its locked I'd so appreciate it - here is a door bell so there is no inconvenience for you etc.

Not how some would go about it but I prefer to do whatever to minimise conflict while also getting my own way Grin I can swallow being a bit softy soft for that

Juells · 05/05/2018 09:23

In fact it made me laugh so much that I'm thinking of other things to do. Wee wee on their front door while they're out. Bag of dog poo outside their door? Claim you've had the same?

Being serious, though, I don't know what you can do. My daughter had this all the time she lived in a tenement in Edinburgh. The main door was self-closing, but people would put something to block it closing completely. It used to drive her berserk.

You may have to bite the bullet and get a locking post box and a stronger door on your flat. Your new neighbours sound like arseholes.

flumpybear · 05/05/2018 09:32

Talk to them, also tell them your insurance is invalid if the door is propped open as it probably is!!

Original poster
FrustratedDan · 05/05/2018 09:34

It's rented so I can't get a new door. We aren't allowed to do anything it's a nightmare.
We can't fit a door bell without the landlords permission and due to the set up I don't think that the bell range would work on one of those stick on ones.

I have just got permission for a lock box outside for my post but with a whole herd of terms and conditions.

We have had people trying the doors and in the bins hence I'm more bothered.

OP posts:
Nanny0gg · 05/05/2018 09:41

Talk to the landlords/agents. Their insurance will also be invalid if any damage is done to the building.

DobbyTheFreeElf · 05/05/2018 09:44

Get in touch with Royal Mail they will hold your post whilst you are away.

FittonTower · 05/05/2018 09:44

Have you actually spoken to them? Just tell them its a security risk and ask if they can shut it. I had this is a rented flat and just asked them to be more careful, they appologised and it was sorted. Easy. People react a lot better to a conversation than a note.

FittonTower · 05/05/2018 09:46

And you can get wireless doorbells cheaply that the landlord wont object to because they can be removed easily. Or, like we have to do with my friend who has a flat and no doorbell they could call when they're outside.

Original poster
FrustratedDan · 05/05/2018 09:52

Yes already spoken to them.
That's what we do Fitton. We have no bell either now as door was replaced so people ring when they are on their way or text if they come unexpectedly. No big deal.

OP posts:
Annechristmas · 05/05/2018 09:54

YANBU Presumably they have a phone so suggest their friends phone them to be let in. If that doesn't work them I'd speak to the landlord.

Annechristmas · 05/05/2018 09:54

Cross posted!

anniemagoo · 05/05/2018 09:54

Speak to them and explain it's leaving you and your property at risk.

In fact there was a post on here a while ago where the exact same happened. The neighbours left the communal door open and someone came in and broke into the OP's flat. There were issues with insurance.

It's not acceptable and they must stop doing it. If not you'll have to take it up with the landlord.

applesisapple5 · 05/05/2018 09:57

The wireless doorbells have a pretty good range, we have one through stone walls that works, it was inexpensive so may be worth a try.

I agree with others to speak to your neighbours, not leave a note.

HisBetterHalf · 05/05/2018 09:57

Definitely speak with them. Could void your insurance also in the event of a claim

Yesiamhappy · 05/05/2018 09:58

Tell your landlord you want a reduction in rent due to the security risk - should motivate him to sorting out the other tenants

TSSDNCOP · 05/05/2018 10:02

Do you mean you've spoken to the tenants and yet they still leave the door open?

Original poster
FrustratedDan · 05/05/2018 10:04

Hard to explain but house is on three levels. Will have to check the range on those bells thanks I just presumed they wouldn't work.

OP posts:
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