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AIBU?

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Original poster

Landlord requesting acess for viewings under the guise of repairs. Safety risk?

37 replies

LolaMacbeth · 09/04/2024 07:28

Landlord is trying to sell the property, I have been a tenant for 11 years but know that has little meaning.

There was some dispute regarding the state of the house which lead to a notice being issued by the local council for the landlord to carry out repairs.

Since this the landlord is not interested in conducting repairs, only interested in getting rid of the property as he said he can't afford the repairs.

I have facilitated acess to the property for repairs ( was told was for work and repairs) but they never were for repairs, on the days allowed in someone comes for a viewing (without him nor a state agent) or it's for an inspection, or is for anything else but repairs.

I am actively searching to move out, my contract is periodic, landlord hasn't protected my deposit so can't evict me easly and I am guessing he needs my rent payments until selling. But I'm fed up of allowing acess for something that is never for what is asked for. For context I have a disabled teen that is immunecompromised and in psychological care so this affects us both.

Isn't this a breach of privacy and safety risk?

Legally what can I do?

AIBU to not allow more acess appart from REAL repairs?

OP posts:
Uncooperativefingers · 09/04/2024 07:32

Just don't give permission for him or anyone else to enter the house. You know you're in for a mini windfall when you go, right? Because he's not protected your deposit

NewNameHello · 09/04/2024 07:36

So hes just sending absolute strangers into your house for a look around? Giving them a key etc….?

iamtheblcksheep · 09/04/2024 07:36

So you reported your landlord to the council? That was your choice but this will always be the consequence.

Your landlord sounds financially compromised. You need to spend less time thinking about access and more time on finding somewhere to live.

Londonrach1 · 09/04/2024 07:37

Legally he can't have access to do viewings. Only maintenance work. Just be there.

Also as he not protected your deposit you need to contact shelter as you will get alot of money back if he failed to do that.

Report landlord to council, find somewhere else, don't allow access for viewings, move out as soon as you can and report the fact he not protected your deposit.

Bananabredd · 09/04/2024 07:40

I'd change the lock if I was you. He has absolutely no right to access your home without your consent. Tell him "no access". You don't have to give a reason.

calligraphee · 09/04/2024 07:41

iamtheblcksheep · 09/04/2024 07:36

So you reported your landlord to the council? That was your choice but this will always be the consequence.

Your landlord sounds financially compromised. You need to spend less time thinking about access and more time on finding somewhere to live.

Unreasonable victim-blaming here.

The landlord is the bad guy in this scenario - poorly maintained property, illegal treatment of tenant.

The tenant is allowed to refuse viewings.

Rockschooldropout · 09/04/2024 07:41

You have a right to “quiet enjoyment of the property “
Also he hasn’t protected your deposit so you need to go to court to claim this back , the court can award you up to 3 times the deposit .

Original poster
LolaMacbeth · 09/04/2024 07:41

NewNameHello · 09/04/2024 07:36

So hes just sending absolute strangers into your house for a look around? Giving them a key etc….?

Yes, just last week I denied acess several times for a particular day, as my child was receiving treatment and he still sent someone for a viewing. That someone was absolutely convinced that everything was fine to proceed with the viewing, no landlord and agent were present either. The first time this happened I actually conducted the viewing myself and let the lady come in.

OP posts:
calligraphee · 09/04/2024 07:43

Agree your steps are:
-Refuse access for viewings
-Contact Shelter re. deposit
-Take advice on next steps related to homelessness

Rockschooldropout · 09/04/2024 07:43

iamtheblcksheep · 09/04/2024 07:36

So you reported your landlord to the council? That was your choice but this will always be the consequence.

Your landlord sounds financially compromised. You need to spend less time thinking about access and more time on finding somewhere to live.

He sounds like a rogue landlord , poorly maintained property , refusing to do repairs , no tenancy deposit protection .

If you are a landlord you have an onus to keep the property in good condition .

OP please tell me the gas safety check is up to date ?

calligraphee · 09/04/2024 07:45

LolaMacbeth · 09/04/2024 07:41

Yes, just last week I denied acess several times for a particular day, as my child was receiving treatment and he still sent someone for a viewing. That someone was absolutely convinced that everything was fine to proceed with the viewing, no landlord and agent were present either. The first time this happened I actually conducted the viewing myself and let the lady come in.

Show quote history

Don't let people in, say no.
You say 'The viewing has not been arranged in accordance with the law, I'm sorry you have been misled'.

Original poster
LolaMacbeth · 09/04/2024 08:20

Rockschooldropout · 09/04/2024 07:43

He sounds like a rogue landlord , poorly maintained property , refusing to do repairs , no tenancy deposit protection .

If you are a landlord you have an onus to keep the property in good condition .

OP please tell me the gas safety check is up to date ?

Show quote history

I have one gas safety check. And yes I reported the landlord because after trying to negotiate with him repairs, even burying several pounds in remedy work in the house he was just interested in my rent money. This can't afford attitude has been his trade mark line for many years... he is indeed a rogue landlord.

OP posts:
Rockschooldropout · 09/04/2024 08:21

Was the gas safety check done within the last 12 months ?

hedgehoglurker · 09/04/2024 08:27

Has he exceeded the timelines given by the council for repairs? Have you gone back to them?

Also, is he providing viewers with a key? If so, change the locks. If not, you don't have to let them in.

Original poster
LolaMacbeth · 09/04/2024 08:27

Rockschooldropout · 09/04/2024 08:21

Was the gas safety check done within the last 12 months ?

No it has passed the 12 months mark.

OP posts:
NewNameHello · 09/04/2024 08:29

LolaMacbeth · 09/04/2024 07:41

Yes, just last week I denied acess several times for a particular day, as my child was receiving treatment and he still sent someone for a viewing. That someone was absolutely convinced that everything was fine to proceed with the viewing, no landlord and agent were present either. The first time this happened I actually conducted the viewing myself and let the lady come in.

Show quote history

Stop doing that. Id add extra security to the doors if possible eg separate locks/security chain. Double lock doors you can. Its worrying strangers could take copies of keys/route through your stuff when not there.

i was in rented but leaving. I showed a few viewers round and funnily enough we got burgled. Im not saying it was any of them but a bit of a coincidence

Rockschooldropout · 09/04/2024 08:29

LolaMacbeth · 09/04/2024 08:27

No it has passed the 12 months mark.

Show quote history

In which case .. not protecting your deposit is the least of his worries

Rockschooldropout · 09/04/2024 08:31

I’d be reporting him for not complying with gas safety regs . He faces a several thousand pound fine or even up to six months in prison

Original poster
LolaMacbeth · 09/04/2024 08:37

hedgehoglurker · 09/04/2024 08:27

Has he exceeded the timelines given by the council for repairs? Have you gone back to them?

Also, is he providing viewers with a key? If so, change the locks. If not, you don't have to let them in.

Not yet no. The timeline was 3 months for repairs in conjunction with 3 months selective license exemption as when the council was investigating him they found he didn't apply for one to rent. So he had to quickly apply for an exemption and tell them he is trying to sell. Meanwhile the council issues him the notice as the house does really need extensive work. So I assume he is now desperate to get rid of the property and not considering the people that live there and have been paying his mortgage all these years. He doesn't care. That's why he lying about who comes to the house... mind the lady that came to view the house told me she didn't know the house was tenanted. I am assuming he didn't tell the agency he is a landlord, wouldn't be surprised if he had a residential mortage instead of a btl one.

To be fair I just want out. Can't deal with this much longer. Hopefully can find a place soon.

OP posts:
Hereyoume · 09/04/2024 08:41

Depends OP.

How important is a reference for you to secure another property.

If you don't need one and also don't need your deposit back, then report him to whoever you like, then you can both enter into a protracted and expensive game of legalities.

If you do need a reference and your deposit then you might have to play the long ball. Keep him onside so you can move on. .

Rockschooldropout · 09/04/2024 08:41

I would be reporting him for the gas safety check ..I have zero sympathy for any landlord who fails to comply .. the boiler could be dangerous and could kill the next tenant

Original poster
LolaMacbeth · 09/04/2024 08:48

Hereyoume · 09/04/2024 08:41

Depends OP.

How important is a reference for you to secure another property.

If you don't need one and also don't need your deposit back, then report him to whoever you like, then you can both enter into a protracted and expensive game of legalities.

If you do need a reference and your deposit then you might have to play the long ball. Keep him onside so you can move on. .

At this point I don't think I will see my deposit as I asked him where he had protected it and he dismissed the question. I don't necessarily need it for new place but I would ofc want my deposit back. Reference? After reporting him to the council I am afraid I lost that. It's sad because I never faulted with paying rent, but that's how landlords have leverage over tenants and people are scared to report repairs.

OP posts:
BobbyBiscuits · 09/04/2024 09:14

Turn them away. Tell him no access from him or anyone else. Tell him you know he's not doing any repairs so legally he can't say fuck all.
What a scumbag.

Whatevershallidowithmylife · 09/04/2024 09:19

As a LL I’m normally not a fan of restricting access etc however in your case I think you really should be doing so. With regards deposit, repairs, etc I would contact your local council/shelter etc as given all these scenarios and the health ones you might be pushed to the top of a list.

valensiwalensi · 09/04/2024 10:42

he can fuck the fuck off and then keep on fucking going.

Please contact CAB/Shelter for advice here.