AIBU to think my tenant might be subletting

[landladywithmissingtenant]

I live in a flat in a large block (60 flats in all) I own the one I live in and one other, which I rent out.
I used to see my tenant now and again, probably twice a month or so but I have realised that I haven't seen her in about a year or more. My daughter lives nearby and also used to bump into her quite a lot at the local shop and she says she hasn't seen her in ages either.
She's a retired single lady and it's a single occupancy studio flat.
The other day I was locked out of the main building and I rang her buzzer to ask if she wouldn't mind letting me back in and a man answered and buzzed me in before I'd finished my sentence.
I tried the buzzer again the next day and no-one answered.
Am I being unreasonable to think she might have left the flat and be subletting it? or something more sinister?
And WIBU to go and knock on her door and see if she's there? I'm worried I might come across as harassing her. And what do I say if she answers?

Sorry have seen it’s all electric!

OK, it's actually getting funny now.

Like sitcom level amusing 😂

Right! 😁

Have you tried the buzzer intercom from outside again? They might be more likely to answer it than someone knocking on the flat door. I would try the key tomorrow after knocking at a reasonable hour. It literally could be anything and I'd be worried about her safety and the security of your property.

Can you report the original post and ask MN to add 'THERE IS NO GAS BEFORE YOU ALL START' to it? 🤣

I don’t know if you’ve tried looking this up but I’ll link it anyway (I’m guessing the quickest and cheapest way is to ask for a welfare check)

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=what+can+i+do+my+tenant+-+no+one+answering+door&client=safari&scaesv=d40e97be2015c66f&ei=JUtoaPGDKqeskdUP5o7LiAE&ved=0ahUKEwixqp-llqSOAxUnVqQEHWbHEhEQ4dUDCBA&oq=what+can+i+do+my+tenant+-+no+one+answering+door&gslp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiL3doYXQgY2FuIGkgZG8gbXkgdGVuYW50IC0gbm8gb25lIGFuc3dlcmluZyBkb29yMggQABiiBBiJBTIFEAAY7wUyCBAAGKIEGIkFMggQABiABBiiBDIIEAAYgAQYogRIv1tQ2glY8D9wAXgAkAEAmAFZoAGIEKoBAjI3uAEMyAEA-AEBmAIRoAKOC8ICChAAGLADGNYEGEfCAgQQIRgKmAMAiAYBkAYIkgcCMTegBhnsgcCMTa4B4MLwgcGMi0xMy40yAdn&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

I'd be quite worried.

If you don't have success with contacting her, how about contacting the police, and asking them to attend?

Accompany them and allow them to go into the flat using the key if no one answers, or if a man answers.

The woman may be fine, but also something could have happened to her.

You can absolutely knock on the door to perform a welfare check on your friend and neighbor who you haven't seen for some time, irrespective of the fact that you're also their landlord.

Tenants are lazy.

Ahh, you're one of those. Never mind.

Does she have a postbox in a communal area? Is it being emptied regularly?

So many frustrating comments on this thread who think they know it all but don't, or who just haven't bothered reading the thread!

Anyway OP, I would either contact her to arrange in inspection of the property OR contact the police to do a welfare check. Tell them you are concerned that she has not been seen in some time, but a man answered the intercom.

At least if she is subletting, you can get him out immediately.

OP - just wanted to congratulate you on your comebacks to the patronising crowd. Reading through your posts on this thread has given me a right snigger. Please come back with updates!

PS: did you know you have responsibilities? 🤭

Sounds really tricky OP. Feel exasperated for you that so many haven’t read the thread properly.
Agree with recent poster who said it is fine to knock to check all is well on the basis that you were friendly for a good while. If she doesn’t answer, you can legitimately say you are a friend and are feeling concerned as you’ve not seen her lately.
If nobody answers again, then keep trying the phone. Are you receiving the rent? As the landlord, are you allowed to check the name on the electric bill? What about Council tax? You can check electoral registers I think….
If you remain concerned about her welfare, then you should report to the police.
If you are concerned about subletting then you may need legal advice.
Good luck - not an easy situation and hope your recovery continues.

Could you knock on the either side neighbours door and see if they can shed any light if you’re not getting an answer from your tenant? They would potentially have seen her/who is living there more recently?

Bloody hell. Have you done the gas checks 😁 cancel the godamn cheque. Seriously OP you do need to speak with whoever is in your flat. I would pop a letter through asking to do an inspection and see who is in there.

Blatant bookmark

CANCEL THE CHEQUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😆

You realise there is literally a button on every thread for this, right???

Its big and purple and says WATCH THREAD

I’d use the new proposed changes to the EPC’s as an excuse to pop in and reacquaint yourself with the accommodation. If necessary book an EPC assessor to go with you as its relatively cheap and, if you can get a C at the same time it will be good (as a C now can be preserved for ten years). And current C’s may fall to a D after new rules start in 2026.

UPDATE: not an exciting one, sorry.

I was lying in bed last night, and as often happens, a thought popped into my head - I received her usual Christmas card this year under my door!

So she was around 6 months ago for sure, so not as long as I thought.

I am going to try and knock again in a couple of hours but the situation isn't actually as bad as I thought 😄sorry!

Also keeping an eye on the front entrance.

But @landladywithmissingtenant - what about the gas checks? 😂

Are you in Scotland? Just wondered because of your use of "chap the door" which is something I haven't heard elsewhere. No idea if tenancy rules are different up here, I think they are. Personally I would go and chap the door, you have a long standing friendship with this woman, it's not a standard landlord/tenant relationship. You would be perfectly justified to knock on her door and wonder if she'd like a cuppa and a catch up given it's been so long and to fill her in on what has been going on with you.

@tammienorrie do read the full thread - OP has stated repeatedly there is no gas supply to the property. Electrical checks only need to be once every 5 years and are not due yet.

Hi op I do hope your tennant is ok, could you ask the police to do a welfare check if you are worried? (Ps you sound like a lovely landlord)

I think she's joking x

THEREISNOGAS! = great username!

Ah, you caught me! well spotted!

I am Scottish, but I've lived in England for 30 years!

you can take the girl out of Scotland....