Nataly 38 #26 November 16, 2009 Wow.. Just.. Wow.. I just had an awkward conversation with the Landlord about him accessing my apartment.. He basically told me he has a right to go in there whenever he wants and doesn't need to ask for permission. I told him actually he doesn't have a right to go in whenever he wants and he does have to ask for permission.. He has a right to enter ONLY to carry out maintenance, or if he's given permission (by me) to enter. He has a right to periodically check the condition of the apartment, but in every case, he has to either: - give 24 hours written notice or - be invited in (ie: he rings the doorbell and I let him in) And I said look.. I don't have anything weird going on in there that I'm hiding from you, but just as a matter of privacy, I think it's reasonable of me to get some notice when you do want access to the cellar - at the very least, knocking on the door!! I mean.. Do I really want him to come in when my laundry is hanging to dry and all my unmentionables are out?? NO! And what if, when he came in on Saturday, I had had some company?? At that hour, I could have had a gorgeous man between my legs - it's NOT ok (nor is it legal) for the landlord to just walk right on in!!! Hmm.."There is no problem so bad you can't make it worse." - Chris Hadfield « Sors le martinet et flagelle toi indigne contrôleuse de gestion. » - my boss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #27 November 16, 2009 QuoteI'd be steaming! Relax. Nobody wants to see you naked. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #28 November 16, 2009 In view of your LL's latest conversation with you, I urge you to speak to a local lawyer ASAP. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #29 November 16, 2009 Also talk to the Agent and maybe change the locks (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Misternatural 0 #30 November 16, 2009 Yeah, I still vote move out...it's an impossible situation that is going to be a regular problem with this guy. I retract my sex offender assumption- From what you just said what this guy has is a self proclaimed right of way. The cellar is his property, he is possessive and arrogant about it and according to him he has full access to it regardless of who lives there. Also he does not respect ANY renters rights. ANY right of way either real or imagined is going to be a problem for any property owner or renter. Note to everyone if you encounter a property with a right of way...run away! It's just going to be a constant battle with the other property owner.Beware of the collateralizing and monetization of your desires. D S #3.1415 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tuna-Salad 0 #31 November 16, 2009 Maybe you need to get one of the Wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube men to stand watch at the door. Al Harrington sells them at his emporium and warehouse on Route 2 in Weekapaug....Millions of my potential children died on your daughters' face last night. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,590 #32 November 16, 2009 Obviously, the landlord has neither common sense, nor comprehension of the law. Until you find a new apt, there is always this option, (which will get you in less trouble than a gun): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hevfz9YtfiI"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Misternatural 0 #33 November 16, 2009 >Wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube men AHAHAHHAA! Dude that's the funnyest thing I've read all day! Four laughy faces! Beware of the collateralizing and monetization of your desires. D S #3.1415 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #34 November 16, 2009 I'm a landlord, and I go way out of my way to respect my tenants. They are customers purchasing a product from me, and I treat them with respect. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nataly 38 #35 November 16, 2009 I was a landlady and ditto.. But yeah.. He basically admitted to coming in and out of this place on a regular basis to fetch stuff in the cellar and also in another storage cupboard - which the latter we *never* agreed to. I think 24 hr notice in writing could be a simple text on my phone.. And in this case I don't think the law is unreasonable.. I think it's there for a very good reason - a tenant has a right to enjoy the property as though it's his or her own, provided he/she respects the condition of the property and lives up to his/her side of the tenancy agreement. Pretty simple, really. And honestly, I think I'm a pretty awesome tenant.. I *always* pay on time (a couple of days early, in fact). I never have guests. I spend all my time either at work or studying or online, but NONE of this makes ANY noise, WHATSOEVER. I don't complain about anything. I'm clean and tidy (the place is MUCH cleaner than when I moved in). I haven't modified or tampered with or damaged the property in any way. Almost all of the furniture in here is mine. I don't use the heating. I don't use tons of water or electricity. Seriously, I can't think that they have any complaints about me at all."There is no problem so bad you can't make it worse." - Chris Hadfield « Sors le martinet et flagelle toi indigne contrôleuse de gestion. » - my boss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CobraRover 0 #36 November 17, 2009 I had a similar problem with my landlord in Spain (The laws here on letting are more or less the same back home in the UK regarding notice, etc). I work night shifts, and I had a feeling someone was going into my house when I was at work. I rigged the door with a tiny piece of paper to see if it was being opened when i was away, which it was. I confronted the landlord and called his bluff, telling him i knew he was entering when i was in work.. he denied. I thought after confronting him it would stop, but it didn't, so I later told him it was still happening, and that £1,000 euros had been taken (we both obviously knew it hadnt), and with the two of us being the only keyholders, i was prepared to do 1 of 2 things and i wanted an on the spot decision. 1) I personally change the locks, regardless of the contract saying the landlord must also have access to the property. We write up an agreement, and i will be the sole key holder of the property until my contract was up. 2) I ring the police and inform them that someone has been accessing my house with a key, and there are only 2 key holders. I also move out with immediate effect, so on top of faffing around with the coppers, he was losing a good tenant who always paid on time etc etc. He took number 1 really quickly and tip toed round me for the rest of the time i stayed there. Ever thought about taking out a restraining order on your landlord? I wonder if that would be possible with enough evidence of harassment - wont even be able to access his prized cellar if you´re at home :D Either way, I really think you should just see a lawyer and consider threatening him with legal action depending on the advice you get - maybe you could ring or pop into the local police station to ask them for their advice on the best course of action - im sure they have dealt with lots of similar issues, and you are definitely in the right on this one, so go for it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nataly 38 #37 November 17, 2009 The thing that needs to be taken into consideration is that the landlord lives above me.. In all respects but this one, I have had absolutely no problems whatsoever. His feeling that he has a right to come in whenever he wants is inconsiderate and demonstrates a misunderstanding of the law, but it's not necessarily ill-intentioned or creepy.. So if moving forward he respects my request to give me notice before coming in, there is no problem. I don't know him very well and his initial reaction might have been pretty rude, but for all I know maybe he has just had a shit day.. Although I do have legal rights, enforcing these usually causes a lot of undue friction. The reality is that if the problem persists, the only true solution is for me to find a new place. Edit to say: In the grand scheme of things, moving would cause me aggravation for a couple of weeks - a dispute with the landlord would be *way* worse.. Ideally, an amicable resolution can be found that avoids both scenarios (ie: he texts in advance or knocks on the door - pretty simple, really)."There is no problem so bad you can't make it worse." - Chris Hadfield « Sors le martinet et flagelle toi indigne contrôleuse de gestion. » - my boss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yoink 321 #38 November 17, 2009 Change the locks ASAP. It will eventually come to light that you've done this, it's unavoidable unless you're really lucky, but then you simply apologise profusely and explain that you lost your keys a couple of days ago and 'here's your copy, I've just been so busy that I've forgotten to drop it in..." yada yada" I've done this on every rental house / apartment I've ever used, with no comeback except added security. Call me paranoid, but I don't like the possibility of other keys floating around to my place, and there's no legitimate reason why the landlord would ever find out about it. "How do you know I've changed the lock? I certainly didn't receive any notice that you'd want entrance..." The only situation this doesn't work to your favour is if a pipe bursts or something of that nature while you're at work, but then to my mind, that's a small risk. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robskydiv 0 #39 November 17, 2009 Quote Answer the door with a shotgun.. & put vaseline on the doorknob. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nataly 38 #40 November 17, 2009 I don't know the rules on changing the locks, but I don't think I'm allowed to do this. Besides, going back to my previous statement, the landlord lives just above me and causing undue friction in the relationship is not a good idea... I don't personally think this is a battle worth fighting, unless necessary (ie: he causes damage to my stuff or I can't find a new place or timing is such that moving is not practical). The fact is that I have a nice, quiet, affordable flat in a great location.. On balance, I should count myself lucky. That being said, I don't think what he did is ok, and I think it's perfectly reasonable for me to ask him to give me notice or at least knock on my door before coming in!!"There is no problem so bad you can't make it worse." - Chris Hadfield « Sors le martinet et flagelle toi indigne contrôleuse de gestion. » - my boss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #41 November 17, 2009 He's violated the basic rule that requires you to have "quite enjoyment" of the leased premises. Do you think he has the balls to evict you or lock you out if you change the lock? Unless the answer is Yes, change the lock; and if he doesn't like that he can go fuck himself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,523 #42 November 17, 2009 Quote He's violated the basic rule that requires you to have "quite enjoyment" of the leased premises. Do you think he has the balls to evict you or lock you out if you change the lock? Unless the answer is Yes, change the lock; and if he doesn't like that he can go fuck himself. Or you could just install a simple bolt for when you are home. That way he can't just walk in on you. Yes, it's screwed into the door and frame, but it's only 8 small screws, it wouldn't look bad when installed and the holes could be puttied up if it ever gets removed. If he wonders why you need to put it on, just say "because I'm worried about strange men walking in on me""There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #43 November 17, 2009 QuoteOr you could just install a simple bolt for when you are home. That way he can't just walk in on you. Not adequate. He enters her residence in her absence, without either her advance permission or after-the-fact notification. That is unacceptable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beerlight 0 #44 November 17, 2009 I still vote for installing a nanny cam. Probably catch the dirty old gizzer going thru her "unmentionables"! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,523 #45 November 17, 2009 Quote Quote Or you could just install a simple bolt for when you are home. That way he can't just walk in on you. Not adequate. He enters her residence in her absence, without either her advance permission or after-the-fact notification. That is unacceptable. I agree that his behavior is inexcusable. And illegal. But how far is Nataly willing to push? It is her definition of unacceptable that is what counts here. I was just offering an option that protects her privacy while she is there. Personally, I like the idea of clobbering him over the head with a rolling pin and saying she thought he was an intruderBut that would probably have consequences that Nataly would find unacceptable."There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davjohns 1 #46 November 17, 2009 File a police report. Have the police explain the proper procedure to him.I know it just wouldnt be right to kill all the stupid people that we meet.. But do you think it would be appropriate to just remove all of the warning labels and let nature take its course. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tuna-Salad 0 #47 November 17, 2009 I bet he is rummaging around in her underwear drawer while she is gone..Millions of my potential children died on your daughters' face last night. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gonzalesna 0 #48 November 17, 2009 Quote >he's probably installed his on camera in your flat! oh shit, hadn't thought of that, he might even be lurking in the cellar while she's in her flat....Yeah- honestly thats a bad situation,she should move out. Not to increase her paranoia but no good will happen from a cellar access in her flat, that's always an excuse for landlord and maintenance intrusions and who knows what the fuck goes on down there. I have a rough idea...Some people refrain from beating a dead horse. Personally, I find a myriad of entertainment value when beating it until it becomes a horse-smoothie. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #49 November 17, 2009 QuoteThe thing that needs to be taken into consideration is that the landlord lives above me. So as an aside, this reminds me of a lesson I learned myself - the hard way - back in my single days: if at all possible, try to avoid living in an apartment where the landlord lives right there in the same building: their opportunities to make life in your own home miserable are 24/7, and one way or another, they will probably do so. Doesn't do you much good now, but it's a lesson to others... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpwally 0 #50 November 17, 2009 "its a small risk " yep and then if it ruins things, you will be liable,,been there ,done that ! Yes, you are a customer and yes, you are buying a service/product,,but ...you are still renting SOMEONE ELSE's property, you are NOT paying taxes or insurance I have prearranged monthly maintence at the beginning of the lease. Water filters,furnace filters,furnace cleaning,water sftner salt etc...so they know in advance these things get checked on a regular basis and they know if they are not home its going to happen reguardless. I have no interest in snooping their stuff,,,,,thats just plain BS...Nataly should be pissed. The last idiot that changed the locks himself came home to find the new front and back doors replaced with new locks. He then had to do two thing to get the new keys: 1- Go to the Police and respond to a complaint about doorlocks being stolen......and return them 2- Go to my lawyer to have the lease and rental laws in the US explained to him and then the lawyer gave him the new keys... I enjoy having rentals and i enjoy the people, but it gets worse and worse every year, 50% of the people will have no respect for anything but themselves and will have no problem trashing everything,,,smile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
