landlord wants to turn our living room into a rent-out bedroom!! - help

[Padfoot]

My daughter and her boyfriend are in private rented accommodation and having real problems with the landlord.

 

The landlord repeatedly let's himself into the property despite numerous complaints from my daughter and her bf.

 

Today he let himself in, told them to empty the living room as he was turning it into a bedroom and renting it out to someone else. He has also put a lock on the living room door and told them he will be back tomorrow to finish it off.

 

Any advice would be great as CAB are closed.

 

I have told my daughter to refuse entry tomorrow and I will be visiting the Police tonight to make them aware of what is happening as I think it is harassment.

[Sparks_]

Do they rent the whole house/flat or just one room?

[Lula]

What does their contract with the landlord say? are they renting the whole of the house/flat or are they renting in an HMO? (someone with far more knowledge than I will be along, but these are the first questions )

[Padfoot]

I am going to see their paperwork later this evening, but afaik they rent the whole flat.

[citizenB]

You might also want to contact Shelter - they will be able to advise further on this.

 

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/private_renting

[rebel11]

It really doesn't matter what he wants as H & S might be a consideration, the following info might be helpful:-

 

If you live in a house in multiple occupation (HMO), there are also limits on the number of people who can live in the property. The number of people allowed to live there depends on the number and location of cooking, washing and toilet facilities. The property must also meet fire safety standards.

 

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repairs_and_bad_conditions/health_and_safety/hhsrs

[SabreSheep]

However Be aware that there are two types of legislation on HMO

 

HMO regulations for council tax calculations and liability are separate to housing regulations for HMO. The former is set nationally the latter varies according to your local authority.

 

EG MY LA does not consider my place a HMO and does not require a licence unless it is occupied by 3 or more unrelated tennants. (EG 3 rooms + on seperate tenancies.)

 

H+S may fall within the latter, im not sure.

 

Anyway

 

What type of Tenancy is it?

Do you rent a room+communal areas? Or just a room?

 

IF your tenancy makes reference ot the lounge as a communal area this is a violation of the tenancy.

 

IF you only rent a room, the LL has the right to access communal areas. *I Think*

[ericsbrother]

does anyone else live in the property and is it registered as a HMO? If not change the front door locks and inform landlord that he is to desidt from his harassment. As said, get down to Shelter or CAB and get help with getting LL to abide by the law