I have serious problem with my private landlord which is causing me enormous stress

I should note I live in Scotland, but the laws are very similar in England.

If I start at the beginning.

I took this place 6 months ago, I was never given a contract or the landlords address, but I was desperate to find somewhere local to where I worked, so I took it. I know that was a mistake.

My rent as always been on time (proved by my bank statements)

Apart from the fact I am fairly confident in saying my landlord is not a registered landlord which is illegal and the place does not have an electric certificate which is also illegal.

I won’t waffle on why I know this but I am 99.9% sure I am right.

My main problem is I lost my job six weeks ago and am awaiting money (dwp) and looking for another job. I am only one month in arrears, but my landlord has told me to leave.

Well he has demanded.

He has done the following to date.

Threated by phone with demands to pay money.

Abusive txt messages saying he will come in and take my keys

Threated to cut my gas and electric off.

When I threatened to report him for harassment, he threatened to come to my home with his friends to ‘discuss the matter’.

I really don’t think he wants to ‘discuss the matter’, based on his previous interactions with me, that was a thinly veiled threat of violence.

Obviously whether this happens or not is beside the point now he is actually threatening me.

I’m scared and I can’t focus on job hunting because I don’t know what is going to happen next.

The problem I face is I can’t do anything.

I only have his bank details and mobile number

he refuses to give me his address (further evidence this is very dodgy)

I can’t report him if I don’t know where he lives.

All I do is sit here terrified in case the door opens.

I know if he comes here and removes my stuff by force I can ring the police.

But my biggest fear is if I go to an interview and come back and my stuff is on the streets and the locks are changed.

It’s all well and good saying he can’t do this but that doesn’t help me if I am homeless and my stuff is being stolen outside in the street.

I’m afraid to leave the house and because I don’t have his address details there is nothing I can do.

Please can someone help me, It’s actually not even a month’s rent in arrears. I feel so helpless and terrified.

Why havent you contacted the police yet? They can get the council to give you emergency accomodation.

Thanks for the quick response.

I haven't gone to the police yet becuase he hasn't actually done anything yet, most of threats have come from telephone conversations. I know what they will say.

I have spoken to the council, they cant help unless I am actually homeless, they did say that they can help if I have a written demand to leave or a letter from the court. Fat chance of my landlord going through legimate channels.

Report your concerns to the police anyway, hopefully they will give you a crime reference number, also contact shelter and ask there advice.

Report your concerns to the police anyway, hopefully they will give you a crime reference number, also contact shelter and ask there advice.

Again thanks, I will do that. I have already spoken with shelter they cant see me for at least a week. I suppose they are really busy. Is there anything else I can do? A week of worry and stress with no idea what could happen.

I am also very concerned if i involve the police it might make things worse with my landlord

Again thanks, I will do that. I have already spoken with shelter they cant see me for at least a week. I suppose they are really busy. Is there anything else I can do? A week of worry and stress with no idea what could happen.

Can you ask a friend to flat sit while you are out and about, I would also take photos of inside and outside of the property including to the locks.

I am also very concerned if i involve the police it might make things worse with my landlord

Not at all, you are allowed legal protection and no one should be allowed to intimidate you.

Hi

Contact the Local Council Private Housing Department and inform them of your Landlord,your issue and what is presently happening.

While doing that ask if they could inspect the property due to the issues. (give them the bank account details you pay rent to)

Do you still have the threatening text messages on your phone?

I agree you need to report these threats not just to the Police but the Local Councils Anti Social Behaviour Team (check councils website)

Are you looking for somewhere else to move to?

Do you pay council tax in your rent?

Keep a written record of every single incident that happens and report it and log it you need to keep a good paper trail

Have a look at this link:

Housing and Property Chamber: https://www.housingandpropertychamber.scot/news/new-private-residential-tenancy

Incident Log-with form fields -----.pdf

Just to point out protection against Harrassment and Illegal Eviction, comes under The Rent (Scotland) Act 1984

http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2006/08/08165212/0

http://www.gov.scot/Resource/Doc/207733/0055109.pdf

1977 protection from eviction act covers England and Wales only

do you have any threatening texts? if so keep them

If he isn't a licenced landlord your council need to know this too. As others have said, keep a diary of everything that happens. And get the police involved. You say you don't want to make the situation worse but you're scared to leave your home. That's already bad.