I'm a single mum. I fled DV a couple of years ago and was homeless. Family helped for a short time and the LA couldn't help except to put us in a dingy hotel miles away from my kid's nursery and school.
I work part time and get a UC top up and decided to rent privately. At the time the rental market was insane. 30 odd viewings for one shabby house or flat. I was bottom of the pile at the time as a single mum on a low income competing against couples or families where both partners earned a full time income. I applied for loads, no one would accept me.
In the end I broke down during viewing number 15 or so to the estate agent. I explained that I was homeless and no one would consider me even though I have good credit and references etc., due to my lower income (although still enough to afford properties I was looking at). She said she'd speak to the landlord. Took pity on me probably. Embarrassing but never mind.
The landlord said he would accept me but I would have to pay six months' rent upfront. My sister lent me the money as she knew how desperate I was, and I got the house and have been there a couple of years, paid my sister back monthly as if she was my landlord.
Anyway, the agent had told me the landlord was redecorating and there was a delay for me to move in. Fine.
Move in day came around. The house was an absolute state and the landlord (had been occupier too previously) was still moving his things out. As he moved them out (including some very tall items of furniture), it became apparent that there was a significant mould problem. Mould growing halfway up the walls and had been hidden by furniture. I asked the LL what we could do about it, he said: "well, you just clean it." I was devastated at the state of it inside. Finally the landlord moved all of his things and I moved in.
I actually sobbed at how bad it was and how much had been hidden during viewings and how I'd handed thousands over for this house.
There are cracked windows, the LL had the garage filled with his things including chemicals dangerous to my DC and despite what the agent said it had not been decorated, every room was lime Green, bright yellow, pink or dark blue (not even joking). I complained about the mould, stuff in garage, dirty state of it (the bathroom pull cords were black, the grouting black, dirty food left in sinks, took me weeks to be able to walk around in socks without them being filthy), the lack of decorating despite this being promised. I also have one disabled child and the carpet on the stairs is so worn it's dangerous.
I've been speaking to the agent about all of this for TWO YEARS. Not one thing has been resolved. His things are still in the garage (which was advertised as empty and for the tenant not as storage for landlord - contract says the same), the crack is still in the window.
I've redecorated, it's now clean and fresh and neutral and lovely in many ways.
BUT the landlord never responds to the agent. To their calls, emails, letters, nothing, although apparently he replies to other matters on the same addresses. He's done nothing except take my money. Some of the issues are safety hazards and he doesn't care.
But here's where AIBU comes in.
Despite all this, he sends his adult sons to my home regularly to collect his post. They never ever give me warning. Each time they try to gain entry by manipulating me (lying that I have to allow them in for an inspection, saying they left something on top or the fuse box). After the third time I complain to agent. Say as a victim of DV and alone in the house with my kids I'm not happy with strange blokes showing up (often in the evening) to my home demanding entry.
The agent sends a warning to the LL.
Two weeks later his son is back again, this time wanting to come in to see if 'there's anything that needs fixing' despite being in receipt of a list or everything sent monthly by the agent and completely ignored.
I've never let them in.
The agent have now sent a letter to warn them about harassment.
Am I overreacting though? Should I just give them their post? I feel like I'm being petty but honestly it's so uncomfortable.
Is there anything I can do about this situation? Honestly have no idea anymore and worried he'll evict me if I don't keep handing them post etc.