Landlord knocking on our door, no notice given.

[CravingTheSun]

This has happened three times now - he just shows up. He lives two doors down.

Yesterday, he showed up and started measuring stuff. He was also quite obviously looking around, making sure that everything was in good order. I keep the flat very nice, very clean etc so there was nothing to worry about but still, I felt like I was being judged...

What can we do about this? He’s a nice landlord otherwise, very strangely he will sometimes give notice but other times he just doesn’t and turns up asking to come in. I also feel like it’s been a bit excessive with the amount of visits we’ve had from him, only been here 3 months and he’s come over probably once every 2 weeks on average. I don’t want to fall out with him as I can’t afford to move again, plus it’s a bit awkward living a couple of doors down from him.

Any advise?

As with anyone who comes to your door - there's no obligation to let them in when they cold call. Just because he's the landlord - doesn't mean you aren't entitled to privacy.

Next time he chaps the door, throw on the robe over the clothes. Tell him that that particular time doesn't suit and can you arrange another time. He isn't entitled to be let in on demand

England - write him a letter reminding him of his responsibilities and your rights. Read your how to rent and follow the links. He's playing on your lack of knowledge.

Don't worry about eviction, even when your fixed term ends it is six months notice just for the legal action.

Don’t put up with this. He is doing it because you allow it.

The trouble is - he can see straight in. He won’t let us put up a blind on the door so he can see through the glass and into our flat. It’s only when I go upstairs that I can see it’s him at the door and he can see me.

I guess next time, I’ll just have to say I’m on a work call or something.

@CravingTheSun

The trouble is - he can see straight in. He won’t let us put up a blind on the door so he can see through the glass and into our flat. It’s only when I go upstairs that I can see it’s him at the door and he can see me.

I guess next time, I’ll just have to say I’m on a work call or something.

What!!! He has no right to tell you that you can't put a blind up. That's really really weird!

Also he can't just turn up. As a tenant you have a 'right to quiet enjoyment'

Is he letting himself in or knocking on the door? Is there a chain on the door? Do the letter thing as advised above but also keep the chain on the door so he can’t let himself in, but it’s also easier for you to shut the door on him and say no.

He should be giving you 24 hours notice (I think? Or 48?) but also you should be left alone for quiet enjoyment of your space or whatever the wording is. He’s taking the piss.

Also, you can put blinds on suction hooks or command strips so you don’t have to drill - if that’s his issue with a blind - or put temporary plastic film on the glass to block his view.

The blind thing makes it even worse. Put your foot down pronto!

What a cheek! It is not his home. I would put a note through his door and tell him you want notice in advance. And don't just agree to his times. Tell him xyz is not convenient but you could accomodate him at such and such a time and day. Also as previous posters have said, get some blinds up.
He'll have a long battle if he tries to evict you.
Seriously- this is not acceptable (from a landlord that wouldn't dare to impose on/disturb my lovely tenants like this..)

Many years ago I had the LLs friend call around one night at 9 0clock without notice. I had no idea who it was and was not going to answer at that hour but he knocked 3 times. In the end I shouted through the door that this was no time to call and I was going to ring the police. He went away and returned next day.

He told me he could not come earlier as he did not finish work til 8.30. I said "tough" this is not an acceptable time for calling on a single woman and you will have to come by mutual arrangement otherwise its harassment. He wanted to change the arrangement to paying the rent in cash. I said no, I will only pay with a bank transfer so I have a record of what I paid.

He never called again. Ive always been tough with landlords and even tougher with neighbours.

If you can't put a blind up (damage to the door?), you can surely stick brown paper or wrapping paper over the glass with blutak.
Then call through the door or yse the door chain if there is one.
' Sorry, it's not convenient right now. Please could you make an appointment'
Repeat, repeat.

Don't put a robe on. Just say it's not convenient and could he email/text/Whats App with any requests to come round so you can check against your calendar and let him know before hand.

It's hard though when you can't afford to move. I'd be concerned about upsetting him too, but you can't let this be the norm.

An alternative to blinds, assuming it's flat glass, is static cling privacy film. It peels straight off the glass when you no longer want it there.