Landlord threatens to change locks, etc

[22sylvia22]

Hi. Need help with writing a letter to my landlord, things have gone too far now. Briefly, I am late with my rent by 2 weeks, it is a periodic tenancy; I have lived in the property for over 5 years now, it is not first time that I am late but as far as I am concerned it was not a problem as never received a single letter about it. My landlord begun to threaten me to change the locks, to 'blacklist' me, as well as making sure that I will not be able to rent again from local letting agents by giving bad ref; it all started about a month ago. At first I tried to explain to him that for the past 3 yrs I was a full time student I often had financial difficulties and that he should now by now that I am not going to run away (I have a full time job now, but have not been paid yet), he would not take a notice. He sends me lots of text messages giving me the dates stating when to leave(3 different so far), he also says I am staying in the flat illegally as there was no new contract signed, I am know that he is not right. Now he says he does not want money, he wants us out by Fri. He also said,( without seeing the flat!) that he will keep half of my deposit to cover the expenses for cleaning carpets which are surly as old as I am(I have a dog, L agreed to it about 4yrs ago, but changed his mind recently, ordering me to get rid of the poor animal).

I am assuming he thinks that I have not got a clue about the legal proceedings etc Websites like this one help a lot! What do I tell him in the letter; want to keep it short, polite but clear of what I am asking for.

Should I report it to any authorities, just do not want to find myself homeless after getting back from work on Fri evening. Never been stressed that much, really want it to stop.

[wheelergeezer]

Landlord cannot change locks - but you can! I would change them immediately to prevent unauthorised entry without your permission. Contact your local authority housing office and tell them what has happened. They will put the landlord straight on what they can and cannot do.

[45002]

Hi. Need help with writing a letter to my landlord, things have gone too far now. Briefly, I am late with my rent by 2 weeks, it is a periodic tenancy; I have lived in the property for over 5 years now, it is not first time that I am late but as far as I am concerned it was not a problem as never received a single letter about it. My landlord begun to threaten me to change the locks, to 'blacklist' me, as well as making sure that I will not be able to rent again from local letting agents by giving bad ref; it all started about a month ago. At first I tried to explain to him that for the past 3 yrs I was a full time student I often had financial difficulties and that he should now by now that I am not going to run away (I have a full time job now, but have not been paid yet), he would not take a notice. He sends me lots of text messages giving me the dates stating when to leave(3 different so far), he also says I am staying in the flat illegally as there was no new contract signed, I am know that he is not right. Now he says he does not want money, he wants us out by Fri. He also said,( without seeing the flat!) that he will keep half of my deposit to cover the expenses for cleaning carpets which are surly as old as I am(I have a dog, L agreed to it about 4yrs ago, but changed his mind recently, ordering me to get rid of the poor animal).

I am assuming he thinks that I have not got a clue about the legal proceedings etc Websites like this one help a lot! What do I tell him in the letter; want to keep it short, polite but clear of what I am asking for.

Should I report it to any authorities, just do not want to find myself homeless after getting back from work on Fri evening. Never been stressed that much, really want it to stop.

 

Your landlord Has No right to lock you out and change the locks..

 

This would come under 1977 protection from eviction act,illegal eviction and harassment

 

Your LL would need to serve you "notice to quit" in writing (not text messages) and go to a county court to seeking possession order for your flat,he cannot just lock you out,its a criminal offense and can carry up to two years in prison,if convicted, plus suing him in the court court for damages..

 

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/eviction/harassment_and_illegal_eviction/what_counts_as_illegal_eviction

 

Contact your local council housing dept private tenancy office ASAP

[MrShed]

Unlawful eviction, simples.

 

Speak to your local housing officer as mentioned above ASAP, and Shelter or a legal professional.

 

Would also concur with the advice to change the locks.

 

Would probably follow up with a polite but formal letter to the landlord stating that you have security of tenure until you receive a valid eviction notice from him, and until, after the expiry of said notice, that a possession order is granted by a court. Until such a possession order is granted, remind him that you have absolute right to remain in the property, and any attempts to remove you via threats or force will be recorded and reported to the relevant authorities. It may also be worth reminding him that unlawful eviction is a criminal (not civil) act, and is punishable with massive fines and jail time.