Housing officer wants to visit but I prefer in writing.

[Sarahmiles99]

Hello wonderful people.

The housing officer of my sublet flat (sold by council who are freeholders to my landlord who is leaseholder) wants to inspect my property due to antisocial behaviour complaint (not that I feel I’ve done anything anti social).

I think I legally have to let him in to inspect but can I legally insist that he talk with me only in writing and for me to reply ‘no comment’ if he asks me any questions in person?

I have severe social anxieties and a bad short term memory and I generally require legal things to be processed in writing as I am not effective at communicating in person.

Also, I don’t like the ambiguity of the claim ‘antisocial behaviour’ and feel that this visit is going to be the very type of ambush I fear.

The argument ‘if you’ve done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear’ isn’t making me feel relaxed as I am worried I will say things that are misremembered when being flustered.

Bubbles That may be so, but op has a right to quiet enjoyment and does not have to let the landlord or freeholder have access to the property unless in an emergency, which clearly this is not. Neither does she have to engage with the housing officer, although sometimes a collaborative approach is often more helpful in dealing with any issues. But this can be done away from her home which may feel less intimidating for op.

Bubbles I find that very unlikely- certainly if it’s the case as per the lease then the housing officer should’ve identified this.

But mainly because if so the housing officer should be dealing with the landlord and secondly, listening to what’s happened- demanding the LETTING AGENT attend?!?- it doesn’t sound like the housing officer has a clue what s/he’s on about.

This all seems very weird. Contacting Shelter sounds like your best bet, they will help you sort it out Whats the best was to get in touch with Shelter, knowledgeable people on this thread?

How do you get on with your neighbours OP? Presumably they reported you?
It would help you be prepared if you could work out the issue.
Rubbish disposal in the block - presumably you follow the rules and haven't been caught on cctv disposing of rubbish the wrong way. You don't leave bags of rubbish outside your door for example? Waiting until you go out to get rid of them?
The usual neighbour complaints are:
Noise
Hoarding
Bad smells
Smoking cannabis
Too many visitors (suspicion of drug-selling/prostitution)
Late parties
Children crying more than usual (neglect) - although not sure a landlord would get involved in that.
Hanging washing in the wrong place
Noise/smell from pets

Do you have pets? Could that be it?
I hope you get some help from Shelter OP. Try not to worry.

I think it would be OK for you it reply "I'm happy to facilitate access as I understand you need to. However, due to my anxiety and verbal processing issues I can't participate in a face-to-face conversation without additional support and preparation. This needs to include having details of everything you want to talk about in writing in advance, and I will need an independent advocate present. Do you require medical evidence that these reasonable adjustments are a necessary accommodation for my mental health needs before you can comply?"

Tenor’s reply ^ is brilliant, in your position I would definitely use that.

OP please go with tenants answer and please do NOT accept the advice from others saying you don't need to give access. I work for a HA and you do need to give access.

I work for a HA too watfordmummy. Under what circumstances are you claiming she needs to give access?