UK Landlord Forum / Life

Would very much appreciate your advice...

I have a tenant who has been issued a section 21. I do not have a set of keys for the property (long story!) - only the tenant has a set of keys.  I now need access to the property to allow for a survey to take place. However, since the legal process has now begun, the tenant has stopped returning calls.

I have now written to the tenant asking for access, but no response. Am I within my rights to turn up on the suggested day (provided the tenant doesn't respond before then denying access at that time) and to change the locks if they are not at home in order to gain access? And or course making sure the tenant has a new set of keys to the flat.

Um, speak to a lawyer.

Personally I would think the answer is no.

Things I would do if pushed.

Write to them registered post, signed for etc, get a copy of the signature.

Get a registered locksmith to do the work, minimum of damage etc.

Do this before, and not with the appointment with the Surveyor.

Hang around outside at a time they might be in, and ask to borrow the key to get it cut.

I am definitely not liking your chances of looking reasonable in front of a liberal magistrate if they tell the story about you breaking in and changing the locks!

You might be able to justify entry and changing the locks if you suspected or had had a 'report' of possible water or gas escape.  If you had a plumber/gas guy with you when you checked and then the surveyor conveniently turned up at the same time and had a quick wonder round, who knows.

Sneaky!

Like your thinking.

hi sir im DR ibrahim yosep form Gabon ,i m a businessman and really like to invest in UK but he doesn't have any business experience.could help?

Quote from: masayosep ltd on January 23, 2014, 08:48:17 PM
hi sir im DR ibrahim yosep form Gabon ,i m a businessman and really like to invest in UK but he doesn't have any business experience.could help?

I certainly can help but I'll have to give you my bank account details first.  What's your email address and I'll send them over.

You could always get a new key if you use a coded lock and then you can request duplicate keys when you need them.