In thinking our landlord is being completely out of order?

[LlamaFace19]

Hi all. Wanted to know if I'm BU or not. Accidentally posted this in chat but meant to post here. So, our landlord was round today to fix the shower. He fixed it, but he then went around the other rooms, essentially doing an inspection even though he wasn't here to do an inspection! At least I assume he did (my partner and I were both at work), as I then got a text saying he wants a 'serious talk' with us when we got home.

I got home first, he turned up 5 minutes later and started berating me about how untidy the house was. His complaints were:

• There was an empty cardboard box next to the stairs
• The washing up hadn't been done
• The kitchen was a bit cluttered
• There were empty toilet rolls in the bathroom
• The kitchen bin was full
• The washing basket was overflowing
• The WARDROBE was untidy? (yes he looked in the wardrobe)
• There were three plastic tubs of clothes piled up in the corner of one bedroom. I was sorting my son's clothes ready to take them to a charity shop

Yes our house isn't spotless, but we have two young children (4 and 1) and both work full time. There is some clutter but he made out like it was a complete pigsty and it genuinely isn't. There are things like piles of washing (not on the floor but in baskets) He also made some nasty personal comments, one of them being "I know you have kids but maybe you shouldn't have had them if you can't cope" 😡 Basically talking to me like a naughty schoolchild. He also said "I don't want to evict you, but...". He cannot evict us for it being a bit cluttered, surely? I was in tears when he left. He has given us a week to tidy up. There is no damage or alterations to the property, it's not dirty. It is simply that it's a bit cluttered (mainly due to lack of storage as we aren't allowed to use the loft).

I should say we've been here for four years, always paid rent on time, never been any bother, always reported any issues etc. He has inspected before and never had a problem. He rarely gives any notice when he inspects, just turns up and then says 'I'm within my rights to inspect my own house'.

Is he being totally out of line or am I being too sensitive? Considering complaining to letting agent.

What an actual dickhead. Unless it is causing damage to the building or is a health hazard he has not right to tell you how to live your life in your own home.

Some landlords really do seem to like the power they have over the people they rent to.

Thanks all. Just remembered another one of his ridiculous complaints.. The bookcase was too untidy. As in, our bookcase. Our furniture. The way the books were placed on and the fact there was a few of bits of paper and a games console resting on the top.. Too untidy and cluttered 🙃

Letting agent rang us today and said that he has broken our tenancy agreement by not giving any notice for the inspection, so if we wanted to move out we could at any time without any notice! We're viewing a property this afternoon so fingers crossed.

Get that in writing before you act on it!

Letting agents are not always accurate with their information.

I’m a Ll and I’m 99% sure that is incorrect. It’s not something I’ve ever considered doing so couldn’t be 100% without double checking, but tenancy agreements are legal contracts that have to be ended in certain ways. Breaking it doesn’t usually give either party the right to just walk away without notice. Obviously it also depends where you are.

Don’t just take their word for it though as if you leave and they are wrong then within an agreed surrender then you’ll be liable for the rent until the end of your tenancy, or a new tenant is found.

@YetMoreNewBeginnings Thank you, I will call them again to clarify and get it in writing.

Fucking helllllll what have I even read.

The absolute cheek of him to do an unannounced inspection and then ‘pull you up’ on basically nothing😳 that’s completely ridiculous I can’t believe that.

You’d think you punched two holes in the wall and he was rightly complaining about that. How awful. I hope the flat that you’re visiting seems okay and you can leave asap

Sounds like the sort of entitled shit my cunt of a sibling would do. Such a big wanker and that rules are for others, not him. That's why he can never work for anyone for very long, has to be self-employed.

He's also a petty thief.

As said, he is not allowed to do what he did. And I'm pretty damn sure inspections don't include searching wardrobes and demanding a tidy bookcase. FFS. Maybe he's a pervert, no-one knows. How many other times has he invaded your home without you knowing?

Hope you get the new place. And when you do, I'd immediately change the locks before you let the agency know you're leaving, so he can't get in. Wouldn't trust him an inch not to cause damage to mess with your deposit.

What a POS. He had no right to do any of that. I hope the other place works out.

Viewed new place today and it's fab. Holding deposit paid, now just awaiting checks 🤞

Get the letting agent to put in writing about no notice! They are well known for saying stuff then denying it!

I assume you are on a rolling contract in which case it is just a month's notice.

Your LL sounds like a right weirdo!!!

@towriteyoumustlive yes rolling contract so we'd only need to give a months notice anyway.

@LlamaFace19 If this landlord has never complained before and the condition of your house was similar, why is he so concerned now? Is he creating a narrative as a justification for eviction?

He was out of order. Can you make sure next time you're in the house?
Also, there's a Facebook page called 'tenancy matters' which is great for information.

@postwarbulge that's what I'm thinking. We've been here four years, he's inspected dozens of times and it's always been in a similar condition and he's never mentioned it or complained.

Honestly,op, some landlords are just awful 😖! Definitely let the letting agent get it in writing. Sending u a virtual handhold- I've had similar treatment from 2 landlords and it ain't pleasant 😕 😢 xx

Thanks all. I just remembered another incident about a year or so ago. I asked him if I could get a pet, a chinchilla if I recall. He said no because he was worried about it getting out, chewing things etc which was fair enough. But he the followed it up with 'and if you do get one, I will dispose of it' 😳

Should have tipped me off then that he was unhinged!

Yikes! You will definitely be better off out of there.

Unfortunately there are a fair few landlords like that, I think it is the word 'land LORD' it seems to go to their head, making them feel they are a very important person! In reality yes, they own the property, but are just providing a service, often in an inadequate way. There should be more legislation and a landlord register.

I’m beyond impressed that you got somewhere that quickly. Just getting a viewing round here is really difficult. Good luck in the future

Hope you enjoy your new home. I rent a property out through an agent. I always take the time to visit a new tenant and show them how the hob Ch etc works, and ,if being honest to just get a feel for who they are. However I would never dream of arriving unannounced or not giving them notice of an inspection.I always say “It may be my house but its your home and I will respect that”
Looks like your landlord is an entitled arse, we are not all like that.

PS my tenant has just bought there own home, anyone in west oxfordshire looking for a 3 bed semi to rent?😀

Omg I fucki g hate landlords like this!!! What a twat! Definitely get legal advice in case he tries to use it to threaten eviction