To think my landlord is overinvolved?

[MumHouseDilemma]

Private landlord (no agency), SE England. LL owns the building (6 flats in it) and lives v nearby.

He doesn’t do regular inspections but it does feel like he’s here very regularly. If there’s an issue with the flat and a tradesman attends to assess the issue, my LL will then follow up to take photos of whatever it is that needs doing. He will usually also turn up with the tradesman, even if I’m in. I’m waiting in at the moment and this will be the second time he’s been here this month. He will usually take photos of parts that need replacing so he can source them for less than the tradesman has quoted (this was also why part of my flat was out of bounds for about 20 weeks but that’s another story)

Constant emails to the entire building about the bins/ recycling.

On one hand I’m grateful that he’s diligent and sorts stuff but on the other hand, I feel like I’m in an Air BNB with the constant emails, visits, reminders etc.

or is this entirely normal? I’ve rented my entire adult life but haven’t seen much consistency in practice with LLs.

I don't think YABU and I don't think it's normal at all. We rent out one house and we don't use an agency. We only go in once a year (tenants are amazing). We generally use the same tradesmen (plumber, electrician, handyman) but for a huge job (roof), we may have a few people in for quotes. We never go ourselves to check before or after. Tbh, being the go-between arranging times etc is enough of a PITA. I think your LL doesn't have enough to do. I would first have a word with him and if he doesn't back down then look to move (I know it's easier said than done 🙁).

Also 20 weeks without a shower is very unreasonable.

Managing six units is a lot of work, sounds like the LL has high standards and is hands on. Booking trades is hard enough, just have to go with their availability to get the work done. It's the LL property but your home. It is in both your interests to look after the property.

He does actually live next door. Ish. He’s in the cottage behind this block.

This has been an interesting cross section of views. I do accept that he’s diligent and I’m lucky (!) in that respect.

Part of the issue for me, I think, is that I work from home in a role which involves highly sensitive conversations. So, if there are tradesmen about, and /or my LL, regularly, it impacts my work. He does know this. We had an incident last week where he was visiting with an electrician and I explained that after 4, I wouldn’t be able to accommodate anyone in the property as I needed to conduct a really sensitive call. I do use headphones but it’s a small flat and you can’t really hide away if all communal areas are being looked at.

anyway, the electrician was delayed and they turned up at 4:15. It was fairly stressful.

He’s a nice man, but, he definitely still sees the flat/s as his, and his alone.

I do actually feel bad whinging about this as I know how much worse it could be. And, has been (I have renting horror stories, ick)