UK Landlord Forum / Life

I have had a few problems with my letting agents - builders / plumbers letting them selves in with the keys while I am in the property which has been a real shock. One time I was still in bed and this man lets himself in and starts walking up the stairs!!

I know they are due that to come that day as I have been given notice, but  they seem to think its okay to just let them selves in using the key - instead of ringing the door bell.

They have said that they let themselves into the tiny communal hallway and then knock on my door - but I obviously do not hear this if I am out the back - which is why I have asked them to not enter the premises at all and ring the door bell like anyone else would. I will then let them in.

I have also asked the letting agent to simply not give them the keys if I am going to be in, so that I feel a bit safer and there is no confusion - but they are refusing.

I wanted to know what my rights were in this type of case. I have no problem with them entering my flat when I am not there but surely I must have some kind of acknowledgment if I am there!?

This is my home and normally work men would ring the door bell and wait for an answer.

Any advice on how I can tackle this problem would be very much appreciated

Hello Rosie,

You are entitled to "quiet posession".  This means if you are entitled to live in your flat without unexpected arrivals (to be fair the agents are advising you when people will eb calling) and it would be normal for those workmen to wait to be let into your private area, which they aren't.

Legally speaking the workmen are agents of the lettings agency and they, in turn, are the agents of the landlord.  So teh landlord if failing to comply with offering you "quiet posession".

So write to the lettings people.  Explain that your right has been violated a number of times.  You will not tolerate this again.  If your rights are violated a subsequent time then you'll change the locks, not provide a copy key and deduct the cost from the rent.  But if they wish to resolve the issue in a non-confirntational way, then you'd welcome the workmen offering you the common decency of knocking before entering your flat.

At best this is outright rude, at worst it could be a bit pervy, what of they walk in and see you in the buff, getting dressed?!

Hope this helps.

Thanks Jeremy - I've written to the letting agents, so we'll see!