Landlord’s handyman in flat with no prior warning

[WagathaChristieMystery]

I’m in a flatshare and live-in landlord is away atm. I was just relaxing in the living room and suddenly hear the front door opening, and realise the landlord’s handyman had just arrived. Was a bit confused as I didn’t expect anyone else to be in, and landlord didn’t mention the handyman was coming.

I’ve met the handyman a few times, and he is nice enough, but can be a bit ‘handsy’ for want of a better word. If I’m in when he’s around, he will often hug me when he sees me, to greet me. The first couple of times it happened, I thought it was maybe a bit familiar but didn’t really think much of it.

This time though, particularly as I was alone in the flat and had no idea the handyman was going to be coming in, I was a bit freaked out and felt a bit vulnerable.

I was on the phone in the living room when the handyman saw me, and I sort of acknowledged him when we saw each other, as I didn’t want to seem rude, and then he opened his arms to hug me, and I avoided the hug, sort of laughed and just got up to leave the flat (I was planning to head out anyway), and he just kind of whispered ‘take care’ at me. I don’t think he meant it to sound threatening or anything - think that’s just how he is. He doesn’t speak much English so I can’t really tell him how it makes me feel, or anything, but I just felt a bit off and wanted to get away from him.

AIBU to feel a bit weirded out? And is the landlord being U to let the handyman in when he’s not in the flat and I’m in on my own? I’m willing to be told I’m being a bit precious, but I just felt vulnerable.

Seeing as you have a live-in landlord, are you a lodger? If so you won’t have the same legal right to 24 hours notice. But you wouldn’t be at all unreasonable to tell the LL he’s making you uncomfortable and to ask for advance notice.

You need better boundaries if you let random people hug you when you'd rather they didn't?

Yes I’m a lodger - I should’ve clarified that, sorry! I realise I’m not entitled to 24 hours’ notice, but I would’ve appreciated some prior notice. I get on well with my landlord, and LL, other flatmates and I have a WhatsApp chat where we catch up and update each other on stuff, so I would’ve appreciated him just putting a quick message on there. Then perhaps I could’ve arranged to be out when the handyman visited (especially given the handyman has his own key to let himself on) c

Johnny that’s not quite what I was getting at in my OP. Thanks for the advice though

Have you confirmed with the LL that he asked the handyman to come round? I think I would be worried that he knows LL is away and decided to come round knowing you are on your own.

You may not have a legal right to notification but I would ask the LL to let you know when the handyman is coming round. It can be quite frightening when you're home alone and you hear someone let themselves in but you're not expecting anyone.

If there is a door chain I would make sure you use it at night.

Thanks FOJN - yes I’ve texted LL and asked him if he was expecting the handyman and how long the handyman was going to stay for. I also set our burglar alarm at night, and double lock the door etc, which I find helpful for safety

Creepy handyman has unchallenged access and knows you're alone.

I think you need to look for new lodgings.