Landlord Entering Property Without Permission

sodafountain · 21-11-2019 10:29am #1

I'm hoping someone can advise me on what to do here...

Back story is I'm a first time renter and I'm not sure how to approach this situation. My husband and I own our own home and have lived there happily with our 3 kids and our dog, however, back in June our neighbours were having huge renovations done to their house, but their builders managed to cause very significant structural damage to our house in the process. It is so bad that we've had to move out while repair works are done, because the house is not safe to live in until all the damage is put right. This meant that we had to jump into the rental market, and we were lucky enough to find a house that would take the dog too.

Over the last few months, there have been occasions when I've gotten the feeling that someone has been in the house while I have been out. There's never been anything glaringly obvious, but it there would be little things moved, or internal doors I'd swear I closed before leaving would be open when I got back. There was nothing really concrete, and part of me thought I was going insane, so my husband suggested we get a few of those Nest cameras and stick them up round the house.

We put them up at the start of October, and lo and behold, there have now been 3 instances where the landlord has let himself in to the house and had a mooch around while I've been out.

In terms of our lease, we have a fixed one-year lease and it's definitely for the entire house (ie it's not a licensee situation) and it specifies that the landlord may not enter the property without prior notice to the tenant, barring an emergency situation.

He's never been in to inspect the place since we moved in, and I had remarked to my husband that I thought this strange seeing as how he knows we've never rented before, and we also have a pet. I'd have expected at least a quarterly inspection in those circumstances, however if he's been regularly letting himself in to have a look around, that would explain why he's never asked to inspect the property. I always have the house spotless, and our dog sleeps in a crate, so there's no issue with him having the run of the house while we're not home. Also, what is extra creepy is that he seems to know my routine; when I drop the kids to school in the morning, I always bring the dog with me and stop off in the nearby park on the way back, to walk the dog. This is always the time when he calls in, and I suspect it's because he knows the dog isn't there.

I've no idea what to do about this. My husband is absolutely furious and wants to report him to the Guards. I'm not sure what to do because I don't want him to find some excuse to boot us out. That being said, I'm absolutely not ok with him coming in and snooping around while we're not there. I've no problem with him inspecting the place, but this is not on. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Doop · 21-11-2019 10:37am

I would suggest sending him a letter/email telling him you have observed him entering the property without permission (and have evidence of same) and that the guards have been notified and will be in contact should this occur again. Should he want to inspect the property it needs to be in accordance with the lease.

I presume you want to stay in the property and play out the lease which is why personally if it were me I would play a slightly soft approach as per the above. This way he knows the score...wont do it again...and you get to get on with living there short term. You kind of want to slightly keep him onside while embarrassing him also...? (I would suggest anyway)

Also side note the gaurds will most likely fob you off with 'its a civil matter'

Salary Negotiator · 21-11-2019 10:40am

If it was me I'd speak to him and tell him the time and dates he was in the house and that if it happens again you'll take things further. Dont mention the cameras.

Read your lease as well and see if there are any break clauses that allow the landlord to evict during the fixed term and whether these apply to your current situation (though that is very unlikely).

You could refer to the RTB who may take action against the landlord but up to you whether you want to go down that route initially.

tommythecat · 21-11-2019 10:40am

Doop wrote: »

I would suggest sending him a letter/email telling him you have observed him entering the property without permission (and have evidence of same) and that the guards have been notified and will be in contact should this occur again. Should he want to inspect the property it needs to be in accordance with the lease.

I presume you want to stay in the property and play out the lease which is why personally if it were me I would play a slightly soft approach as per the above. This way he knows the score...wont do it again...and you get to get on with living there short term. You kind of want to slightly keep him onside while embarrassing him also...? (I would suggest anyway)

I would do all of this except mentioning the guards. That will just get confrontational. The embarrassment of being caught on camera should be enough to put an end to his visits. If he is defensive etc then you can bring the guards up.

is_that_so · 21-11-2019 10:42am

Doop wrote: »

I would suggest sending him a letter/email telling him you have observed him entering the property without permission (and have evidence of same) and that the guards have been notified and will be in contact should this occur again. Should he want to inspect the property it needs to be in accordance with the lease.

I presume you want to stay in the property and play out the lease which is why personally if it were me I would play a slightly soft approach as per the above. This way he knows the score...wont do it again...and you get to get on with living there short term. You kind of want to slightly keep him onside while embarrassing him also...? (I would suggest anyway)

I'd say this is the best approach although I'd leave mention of the Gardai out of it for now. Just a polite and firm email/letter to state the lie of the land.

gibgodsman · 21-11-2019 10:44am

I don't know how the above poster can suggest such a calm approach to something so serious

Not only is he entering your home without your knowledge, he is quite clearly watching your movements in order to check when the best time to be creepy is.

Every serial killer does the same thing....

Go straight to the guards, the lease should be the least of your worries, the safety of your family should be your main worry.

Also, he would have absolutely no chance of kicking you out as you look for legal action as he has in sense defecated on his own lease and you have protection from being evicted due to his own actions

DelBoy Trotter · 21-11-2019 10:48am

The above couple of posters seem to think you will be embarrassing the landlord by bringing it up. I have a feeling he won't be embarrassed and thinks he has every right to do what he is doing, and will dig his heels in when you mention this. I'd be going straight to the guards before contacting the landlord.

Does he live close by? I'm wondering how he could know your routine, as it seems to be like he does. If he doesn't live close by and wouldn't be driving by to check if cars are there, I'd be wondering if there was a camera on the front door of the house

tom1ie · 21-11-2019 10:52am

Is there a pattern in how often the LL visits the house? If there was a pattern, maybe you could leave the house with the dog as usual on the day your pretty sure he is going to visit, and your husband could be at home waiting for him. Catch him in the act.

D3V!L · 21-11-2019 10:55am

You can talk through the nest cams. Get your husband to watch the house through them when this guy is coming and tell him that the Gardai have been notified of the burglar in your house.

Mad_maxx · 21-11-2019 10:58am

I'm serious when I say the OP would have near complete and absolute immunity from eviction after what this landlord has been caught on video doing

I'm not saying that the OP has plans of this kind but some people would stop paying rent after an outrageous stunt like this

Landlord must be the stupidest man alive

eusap · 21-11-2019 10:58am

Change the door lock and when he calls to ask why its changed, turn it back and ask how he knows.

You can explain the lock as being stuck and didn't want to bother him

is_that_so · 21-11-2019 10:58am

DelBoy Trotter wrote: »

The above couple of posters seem to think you will be embarrassing the landlord by bringing it up. I have a feeling he won't be embarrassed and thinks he has every right to do what he is doing, and will dig his heels in when you mention this. I'd be going straight to the guards before contacting the landlord.

Does he live close by? I'm wondering how he could know your routine, as it seems to be like he does. If he doesn't live close by and wouldn't be driving by to check if cars are there, I'd be wondering if there was a camera on the front door of the house

Nuclear option leaves you no other choices and who knows what effect that might have. It's always better to resolve things as non-confrontationally as you can and to have a few more steps. Gardai would certainly be the next move after that.

SmartinMartin · 21-11-2019 11:00am

Doop wrote: »

Also side note the gaurds will most likely fob you off with 'its a civil matter'

It is a civil matter, and the guards have no function unless a criminal element arises, for instance the landlord entered in order to steal something. I would say contact the RTB for advice.

sodafountain · 21-11-2019 11:01am

Doop wrote: »

I would suggest sending him a letter/email telling him you have observed him entering the property without permission (and have evidence of same) and that the guards have been notified and will be in contact should this occur again. Should he want to inspect the property it needs to be in accordance with the lease.

I presume you want to stay in the property and play out the lease which is why personally if it were me I would play a slightly soft approach as per the above. This way he knows the score...wont do it again...and you get to get on with living there short term. You kind of want to slightly keep him onside while embarrassing him also...? (I would suggest anyway)

Also side note the gaurds will most likely fob you off with 'its a civil matter'

Yeah, I figured the Guards would most likely say it was a civil matter. Nothing is missing from the house or anything like that.

You're right about wanting to keep him onside and wanting to play out the lease - our own house is currently stripped back to the blockwork so we have nowhere else to go. Also our kids are still in school, and it was a nightmare trying to find somewhere to rent within a reasonable driving distance to the school, that would take a dog.

Salary Negotiator wrote: »

If it was me I'd speak to him and tell him the time and dates he was in the house and that if it happens again you'll take things further. Dont mention the cameras.

Read your lease as well and see if there are any break clauses that allow the landlord to evict during the fixed term and whether these apply to your current situation (though that is very unlikely).

You could refer to the RTB who may take action against the landlord but up to you whether you want to go down that route initially.

The break clauses are repeated instances of antisocial behaviour, or unacceptable damage to the property - neither of which would be applicable here. That being said, I personally know several people whose landlord just broke the lease and basically said "if you don't like it, tough."

I'm kinda reluctant to get the RTB involved for the same reason that I don't want to go to the Guards; it would most likely put us on bad terms with him. Our lease isn't up until the end of June, so he could still make things unpleasant for us in the time we have left here.

tommythecat wrote: »

I would do all of this except mentioning the guards. That will just get confrontational. The embarrassment of being caught on camera should be enough to put an end to his visits. If he is defensive etc then you can bring the guards up.

The most recent time was yesterday, and I got a notification from the app on my phone so I could actually see him on the app, wandering around the house. Part of me wanted to ring him and ask him what he was doing there, and watch his reaction on camera :pac:

is_that_so wrote: »

I'd say this is the best approach although I'd leave mention of the Gardai out of it for now. Just a polite and firm email/letter to state the lie of the land.

My husband is now suggesting getting our solicitor to send him a letter (instead of going to the Gardai) but I think that might be a bit full on, also.

Having read the replies here, I was thinking of sending an email saying basically I've observed him entering the property on x dates and times. Neither I nor my husband gave permission for this, and there was not an emergency that necessitated him accessing the property without notifying us. *Quote relevant bit of lease regarding peaceful enjoyment of the property and him having to give us notice before entering* We have no objections to him inspecting the property, however it must be done at a mutually agreed time, when we are present in the house.

Or would I be better sending a registered letter to him? I don't want to come on to hard, but by the same token I want him to know it's definitely not ok to continue doing what he's doing. It's trying to strike the balance of being firm but not aggressive.

TheBoyConor · 21-11-2019 11:05am

Do you think the gardai will have eny interest in this let alone entertain it or do anything?

You'll be laughed out of the garda station once the door is closed behind you.

You have to handle this yourself.

gibgodsman · 21-11-2019 11:06am

sodafountain wrote: »

Yeah, I figured the Guards would most likely say it was a civil matter. Nothing is missing from the house or anything like that.

You're right about wanting to keep him onside and wanting to play out the lease - our own house is currently stripped back to the blockwork so we have nowhere else to go. Also our kids are still in school, and it was a nightmare trying to find somewhere to rent within a reasonable driving distance to the school, that would take a dog.

The break clauses are repeated instances of antisocial behaviour, or unacceptable damage to the property - neither of which would be applicable here. That being said, I personally know several people whose landlord just broke the lease and basically said "if you don't like it, tough."

I'm kinda reluctant to get the RTB involved for the same reason that I don't want to go to the Guards; it would most likely put us on bad terms with him. Our lease isn't up until the end of June, so he could still make things unpleasant for us in the time we have left here.

The most recent time was yesterday, and I got a notification from the app on my phone so I could actually see him on the app, wandering around the house. Part of me wanted to ring him and ask him what he was doing there, and watch his reaction on camera :pac:

My husband is now suggesting getting our solicitor to send him a letter (instead of going to the Gardai) but I think that might be a bit full on, also.

Having read the replies here, I was thinking of sending an email saying basically I've observed him entering the property on x dates and times. Neither I nor my husband gave permission for this, and there was not an emergency that necessitated him accessing the property without notifying us. *Quote relevant bit of lease regarding peaceful enjoyment of the property and him having to give us notice before entering* We have no objections to him inspecting the property, however it must be done at a mutually agreed time, when we are present in the house.

Or would I be better sending a registered letter to him? I don't want to come on to hard, but by the same token I want him to know it's definitely not ok to continue doing what he's doing. It's trying to strike the balance of being firm but not aggressive.

In my honest opinion you are handling this way way way too calmly, I think "he could still make things unpleasant for us" is past since he is literally already doing it. Go to the RTB, it doesn't have to be full on, ask their advise, also ask a solicitor

Doop · 21-11-2019 11:10am

sodafountain wrote: »

...
You're right about wanting to keep him onside and wanting to play out the lease - our own house is currently stripped back to the blockwork so we have nowhere else to go. Also our kids are still in school, and it was a nightmare trying to find somewhere to rent within a reasonable driving distance to the school, that would take a dog.

To be honest I think you are spot on with that up to you re registered letter...maybe would add weight to the situation.

Going to war with him as suggested by other posters is a fair response but the stress would not be worth it (IMO), this way you will be able to get on with it and move to your new/renovated place in the summer (which im sure has involved enough stress as is up to this point!)

is_that_so · 21-11-2019 11:12am

sodafountain wrote: »

Yeah, I figured the Guards would most likely say it was a civil matter. Nothing is missing from the house or anything like that.

You're right about wanting to keep him onside and wanting to play out the lease - our own house is currently stripped back to the blockwork so we have nowhere else to go. Also our kids are still in school, and it was a nightmare trying to find somewhere to rent within a reasonable driving distance to the school, that would take a dog.

The break clauses are repeated instances of antisocial behaviour, or unacceptable damage to the property - neither of which would be applicable here. That being said, I personally know several people whose landlord just broke the lease and basically said "if you don't like it, tough."

I'm kinda reluctant to get the RTB involved for the same reason that I don't want to go to the Guards; it would most likely put us on bad terms with him. Our lease isn't up until the end of June, so he could still make things unpleasant for us in the time we have left here.

The most recent time was yesterday, and I got a notification from the app on my phone so I could actually see him on the app, wandering around the house. Part of me wanted to ring him and ask him what he was doing there, and watch his reaction on camera :pac:

My husband is now suggesting getting our solicitor to send him a letter (instead of going to the Gardai) but I think that might be a bit full on, also.

Having read the replies here, I was thinking of sending an email saying basically I've observed him entering the property on x dates and times. Neither I nor my husband gave permission for this, and there was not an emergency that necessitated him accessing the property without notifying us. *Quote relevant bit of lease regarding peaceful enjoyment of the property and him having to give us notice before entering* We have no objections to him inspecting the property, however it must be done at a mutually agreed time, when we are present in the house.

Or would I be better sending a registered letter to him? I don't want to come on to hard, but by the same token I want him to know it's definitely not ok to continue doing what he's doing. It's trying to strike the balance of being firm but not aggressive.

I'd opt for the email if it were me as it is a little less impersonal and confrontational than the solicitor. Maybe work on the email together to set the tone of the conversation? You'd still have the solicitor option available to you after that.

Fol20 · 21-11-2019 11:15am

Speaking from a ll point of view. This ll actions are inexcusable - he should not be entering your place at all full stop when your not there without your express permission.

Iv seen some snowflakes complain about not liking people look at their home during viewings when they are also in the house but a ll going into your house when you are not there is very extreme.

I would not be happy with this at all, you could have expensive items on view. More personal items in view and he can look at anything he wants without your knowledge.

You
Have your own home so this is a temporary move so you have less risk as your end game will be to move back into your own home. This ll will not feel embarrassed, I usually don’t say this but this person needs to thought to respect people’s private spaces. This is a confrontational approach but I would call him first and mention you think someone has been in the house to gauge his reaction. Then tell him you know it was him. See what he says. Irregardless of what he says, I would still report him to rtb and lodge a case against him.

I know some people are fearful of repercussions however a breach of privacy of this nature boils me and he will continue to do this after your gone unless someone nips this in the bud.

Again, I’m a ll and a lot of topics I see being posted here are anti ll or not practical etc but even common sense here would tell a person, don’t enter a persons home unless you talk to them first.

Thoie · 21-11-2019 11:21am

More than slightly passive aggressive, but while you're thinking about the approach you want to take, you could print a copy of the lease, highlight the bit about when the landlord can enter, and tape it on the inside of the front door, with dates and times he's entered written beside it, and see if he takes the hint. Make sure the tape doesn't do any damage though!

E.g.
15/11/19 10:05 - 10:16
18/11/19 09:53 - 10:32

To be honest, I would notify the gardaí on the basis that he's obviously taken the time to learn your routine, which is creepy AF. Drop in to your nearest station, have a chat, explain that you'll deal with the unauthorised entry through the RTB/your solicitor if it comes to it, but that what you're reporting to them is the stalking aspect, given that he's taken the trouble to learn your routine. Tell them you'd like to have a record of the complaint in case it goes any further. Get the name of the guard you speak to, and keep a note of it along with time and date.

DelBoy Trotter · 21-11-2019 11:24am

Agree with the above from Fol20. I really can't understand how calm the OP and some posters are being about this. The LL looks to be watching/recording the house and entering for a snoop whenever they want. The LL has royally ****ed up here, ending the tenancy will not be an option for them so I can't see why the softly softly approach is being taken

21-11-2019 11:27am

STB. wrote: »

You need to change the lock on the front door immediately. Keep the old one.

No way is this acceptable.

It isn't acceptable, but neither is changing the locks without permission. That's a good way to put the ball back in his court and give him a valid reason to evict.

You have two options here, OP. ?You can either confront him about it, or not. If you don't confront him then it WILL keep happening. God only knows what he's doing out of sight of the cameras so, for me, that would not be an option.

So, the only real option is to confront him. You could play dumb and just say it to him in an "I think you should be aware, someone has been inside the apartment so I got a security camera to bring to the guards" kinda way. Personally, there's no way I'd be going down that route though.

I'd phone him (record it!) telling him you checked the security footage and have evidence of him snooping around while you're there. I'd put the frighteners on him to say that any further instances will be brought to the Gardas you've no idea what his motives are and someone who snoops around kids bedrooms belongs on the sex offender's register.

Thoie · 21-11-2019 11:29am

DelBoy Trotter wrote: »

Agree with the above from Fol20. I really can't understand how calm the OP and some posters are being about this. The LL looks to be watching/recording the house and entering for a snoop whenever they want. The LL has royally ****ed up here, ending the tenancy will not be an option for them so I can't see why the softly softly approach is being taken

I suppose we're trying to be rational, not necessarily calm. My younger self would have gone for the landlord baldheaded if I was in that situation - I'd have been around screaming at him, which wouldn't help in the slightest. As I get older I appreciate the wisdom of gathering your thoughts and having a definite plan of action before approaching someone. Steps such as notifying the gardaí first, having a log of all unauthorised entries, etc.

I'm not even involved and my blood is boiling on the OPs behalf, but threatening the landlord without having your ducks in a row won't help.

The Nal · 21-11-2019 11:29am

Download an app called "Alfred". Install on and old phone and your current phone and catch him in the act before you confront him. At least then you have proof.

GBX · 21-11-2019 11:36am

The Nal wrote: »

Download an app called "Alfred". Install on and old phone and your current phone and catch him in the act before you confront him. At least then you have proof.

They have a Nest cam which provides this already.

The Nal · 21-11-2019 11:44am

GBX wrote: »

They have a Nest cam which provides this already.

Even better. But yeah, get some concrete proof before and then confront him about it.

gibgodsman · 21-11-2019 11:45am

The Nal wrote: »

Even better. But yeah, get some concrete proof before and then confront him about it.

I feel you came in without reading anything? They have the concrete proof, from their nest cams, mentioned in the OP....

The Nal · 21-11-2019 11:56am

gibgodsman wrote: »

I feel you came in without reading anything? They have the concrete proof, from their nest cams, mentioned in the OP....

Thats exactly what I did yes. I stopped reading after you started mentioning serial killers.

So, whats the issue? Call the landlord and confront him on it.

El Weirdo · 21-11-2019 12:02pm

gibgodsman wrote: »

...Every serial killer does the same thing....

Thoie wrote: »

... stalking aspect...

Deleted User wrote: »

... the sex offender's register.

Ah here.

Seth Brundle · 21-11-2019 12:04pm

El Weirdo wrote: »

Ah here.

They are extreme examples but at the same time the Op has the LL on camera entering the property three times. The LL entered the property a number of times before this which was what made the OP get the cameras.
Why is the LL wandering around the property that frequently? It's a bit Robin Williams in One Hour Photo!

21-11-2019 12:09pm

STB. wrote: »

You need to change the lock on the front door immediately. Keep the old one.

No way is this acceptable.

Changing the locks is also unacceptable and could lead to the op being evicted. The op is fully in the right here so no need to muddy the waters.

I have no idea why people are suggesting going to the guards, it’s nothing to do with them. The fact he owns the property does not change because it’s rented out and while he can’t enter from a tenancy law perspective that is a civil matter, he is not committing any offence as far as the guards are concerned.

Contacting him and informing him that he is entering the property without permission and you have evidence of it should be enough to put a quick stop to this.

gibgodsman · 21-11-2019 12:13pm

The Nal wrote: »

Thats exactly what I did yes. I stopped reading after you started mentioning serial killers.

So, whats the issue? Call the landlord and confront him on it.

You just lied though, because my message was after the OP which had the information you failed to read....

sodafountain · 21-11-2019 12:15pm

I know I probably seem calm, but inside I'm raging about this. My husband is raging too, although his rage is slightly more visible

He favours the going in all-guns-blazing approach, and while there is a side of me that's all for that, the rational side of me is worried that we could end up with nowhere to live if the LL turns nasty. We have very few possessions in the house - basically it's just clothes, a few toys for the kids, and electronics. All of our stuff could be cleared out within an hour, and I don't want to come home and find the locks have been changed and our stuff is in boxes in the driveway. I know that's massively illegal, but realistically it would take months or more for us to get any resolution to that from the RTB, and that would solve the immediate problem of us being homeless.

Also, we're stretched to the limit financially at the minute - our rent is €3k per month, our furniture is all in a storage unit that's costing €150 per week and we're still paying the mortgage on our own house. We will eventually be reimbursed for these costs, but got knows how long that will take, and at the minute we haven't got any spare cash at all, so if he does illegally evict us, we wouldn't have the deposit to find somewhere else, and we also wouldn't have enough to stay in a hotel or Air BnB.

In terms of changing the locks, that's expressly forbidden in the lease and I want to make sure I do everything above board.

My husband has said the solicitor rang him earlier on (he missed the call) about something to do with our own house, so when he rings back, he's going to ask him should we write to the LL or have the solicitor do it. I'm leaning more towards a registered letter and then if he starts any nonsense, then set the solicitor on him so he knows we're serious.

I think the suggestion of popping in to the local Garda station is a good one, just in terms of the fact that he may be watching the house. I'll call in and see can I have a chat with someone about it, and emphasise that it's not the civil side I'm concerned about, moreso the stalkery element.

The weird thing is that this guy is a "professional" landlord. He has a load of properties rented out, so I don't know why he's so bothered with us. Unless he spends literally all his time learning the various routines of his tenants and sneaking in when their properties are unoccupied.

Fol20 · 21-11-2019 12:17pm

One other item I would point out and this is the cynic in me coming out but I’m not sure exactly how neat stores the videos but I would ensure you have the videos saved in a safe offsite location like the cloud. If the ll continues to come into your property, he could look to destroy evidence depending on where a ll would take this.

0xzmro3n4y7lb5 · 21-11-2019 12:20pm

I’d say you’re looking at a €10k award from the RTB.

gibgodsman · 21-11-2019 12:23pm

sodafountain wrote: »

so if he does illegally evict us, we wouldn't have the deposit to find somewhere else

You need to understand, even those who try legal evict tenents take months to do so, there is literally no way he can evict you, if he did every try to touch your stuff then a simple call the to the guards would have him sorted

awec · 21-11-2019 12:24pm

OP, I guess all you want to happen now is for these strange visits into your home to stop, right?

I would just start by just confronting him about it directly. Tell him you are very unhappy and somewhat creeped out that he has been entering the property and ask him why he has been doing so. I wouldn't even mention the cameras initially, to see if he tries to deny it.

If that doesn't work, then you can look at going further. There's no point in going nuclear straight off the bat, it's easier to escalate things later than de-escalate once people have their backs up.

sodafountain · 21-11-2019 12:24pm

We've signed up for the Nest subscription, so our videos are all stored on the cloud. Also, my husband has them downloaded and saved on a couple of flash drives, which are not kept in the house.

We have cameras in all the rooms downstairs (it's open plan so just the hall, kitchen/dining and living room and then play room) and one in the landing. He has gone into the bedrooms while he's there, but from the timings he looks to be literally walking in and straight out. He wouldn't have enough time to be sniffing my underwear or anything weird like that.

edit: Yes, I just want him to stop coming in to the house. TBH, the cynical/devious side of me wants to get this sorted without going nuclear, because then I'll have a nice bargaining chip if there's any issues with returning the deposit at the end of the lease.

The Nal · 21-11-2019 12:28pm

gibgodsman wrote: »

You need to understand, even those who try legal evict tenents take months to do so, there is literally no way he can evict you, if he did every try to touch your stuff then a simple call the to the guards would have him sorted

Indeed. Even if he tries, lodge a complaint with the RTB and it could take years to resolve if you're awkward about it. So don't fear eviction.

_Brian · 21-11-2019 12:30pm

This is too creepy.

If he were checking the property surely one visit would have told him it was being looked after. I’m a landlord myself and the thoughts of this is disgusting.

Definitely save the evidence.

Absolutely confront him over this with times, dates and print off stills from video.

It’s unacceptable behaviour, he’s entering your home uninvited.

kennethsmyth · 21-11-2019 12:34pm

sodafountain wrote: »

I know I probably seem calm, but inside I'm raging about this. My husband is raging too, although his rage is slightly more visible

He favours the going in all-guns-blazing approach, and while there is a side of me that's all for that, the rational side of me is worried that we could end up with nowhere to live if the LL turns nasty. We have very few possessions in the house - basically it's just clothes, a few toys for the kids, and electronics. All of our stuff could be cleared out within an hour, and I don't want to come home and find the locks have been changed and our stuff is in boxes in the driveway. I know that's massively illegal, but realistically it would take months or more for us to get any resolution to that from the RTB, and that would solve the immediate problem of us being homeless.

Also, we're stretched to the limit financially at the minute - our rent is €3k per month, our furniture is all in a storage unit that's costing €150 per week and we're still paying the mortgage on our own house. We will eventually be reimbursed for these costs, but got knows how long that will take, and at the minute we haven't got any spare cash at all, so if he does illegally evict us, we wouldn't have the deposit to find somewhere else, and we also wouldn't have enough to stay in a hotel or Air BnB.

In terms of changing the locks, that's expressly forbidden in the lease and I want to make sure I do everything above board.

My husband has said the solicitor rang him earlier on (he missed the call) about something to do with our own house, so when he rings back, he's going to ask him should we write to the LL or have the solicitor do it. I'm leaning more towards a registered letter and then if he starts any nonsense, then set the solicitor on him so he knows we're serious.

I think the suggestion of popping in to the local Garda station is a good one, just in terms of the fact that he may be watching the house. I'll call in and see can I have a chat with someone about it, and emphasise that it's not the civil side I'm concerned about, moreso the stalkery element.

The weird thing is that this guy is a "professional" landlord. He has a load of properties rented out, so I don't know why he's so bothered with us. Unless he spends literally all his time learning the various routines of his tenants and sneaking in when their properties are unoccupied.

Changing the locks maybe forbidden in the lease but I would write the solicitors letter and it state that the locks are now being changed otherwise gardai will have to be involved.

Also the poster that says no crime committed - trespassing, intimidation (by way of fear of person in house) I'm sure your solicitor can build this further

harr · 21-11-2019 12:38pm

If it was me I would definitely want to confront him and I would try to see if he has a pattern when he pays a visit, get your husband to be at home, but then again he could watching to make sure everybody is out. Me personally I feel letters and the likes is letting him off the hook and just a slap on the wrist.
Definitely contact RTB and give them a copy of the rental agreement... You might understand one check on the house but this isn’t the case and I would be worried about personal details/ belongings being looked at including any financial stuff you might have knocking around. I wouldn’t feel comfortable till the locks were changed.

Fol20 · 21-11-2019 12:48pm

kennethsmyth wrote: »

Changing the locks maybe forbidden in the lease but I would write the solicitors letter and it state that the locks are now being changed otherwise gardai will have to be involved.

Also the poster that says no crime committed - trespassing, intimidation (by way of fear of person in house) I'm sure your solicitor can build this further

Similar to what the ll is doing, two wrongs don’t make a right. You are not allowed changed the locks if you are renting

Not sure a solicitor is required. Just talk to ll and rtb

kennethsmyth · 21-11-2019 12:51pm

Fol20 wrote: »

Similar to what the ll is doing, two wrongs don’t make a right. You are not allowed changed the locks if you are renting

Not sure a solicitor is required. Just talk to ll and rtb

Locks have to be changed, use the solicitor to force a side letter agreement or otherwise action will be taken further including rtb.

Locks are needed to allow family members feel safe. Landlord will agree to this to avoid fine and possibly be in a local news report.

Thoie · 21-11-2019 12:58pm

El Weirdo wrote: »

Ah here.

There's a 99.9% chance that he's just a nosy fecker. But taking the trouble to learn when the house is empty (particularly as he's a "professional landlord"), and going there repeatedly is just downright weird, El Weirdo.

There is absolutely no harm making a report to the gardaí. No-one's suggesting a lynch mob, just a factual statement about what's been going on. If it's all just nosiness, grand, nothing will ever happen. If things escalate, at least there's a record of it.

Woshy · 21-11-2019 1:03pm

The Nal wrote: »

Indeed. Even if he tries, lodge a complaint with the RTB and it could take years to resolve if you're awkward about it. So don't fear eviction.

This is my take too - he cannot just throw your stuff onto the street and it is notoriously hard to evict tenants even when they are in the wrong. If you take it to the RTB it will take ages for it to be heard - but he will be aware that you know what he has been up to and hopefully that is enough of a deterrant for the future.

It is just so creepy that he has done it quite a few times and when he knows you won't be around. I'd be worried he'd be up in my bedroom sniffing knickers or something.

Cathmandooo · 21-11-2019 1:04pm

If you just want it to not happen again without a massive fight then I'd contact the landlord and say you're 100% sure that someone has been in your house, that perhaps a former tenant still has a set of keys so you are requesting a change of locks. And that in the meantime you are picking up some cameras this evening to set up inside the house.

If he asks how you're sure then say you suspected it before and that yesterday you're 100% sure something was moved / door was open that was left closed. Pick something you saw him touch.

Even if he's reluctant to change the locks he knows you'll have the cameras. I can't imagine he'll go in knowing you have cameras set up, if he does then you confront him.

Bogwoppit · 21-11-2019 1:05pm

Similar happened to me in the uk, my very friendly neighbours observed the LL doing viewings for potential new tenants while I was away.

I confronted the LL over the phone immediately and they were highly embarrassed.

I demanded 3 months rent as compensation or I’d consult a solicitor, money was in my account the following week.

Those suggesting indirectly making the LL aware you know someone has been in the house are dead wrong, this LL has a sense of entitlement and will not stop until you confront them. Asking the LL to change the locks won’t make any difference, they’ll still hold keys to the new locks.

Confront the LL now with dates and times and demand recompense or you’ll take it further.

dennyk · 21-11-2019 1:13pm

There's really no sense in playing silly games here. If you want him to stop coming into your house without permission, then ring him and politely but firmly tell him to stop coming into your house without permission. If he still persists after that, then you go to the RTB regarding his breach of obligations, or to the guards if you have reason to believe he's up to something more serious (e.g. plotting to rob the place or retrieving memory cards from his own hidden cameras or something). Don't screw around with passive-aggressive nonsense, just deal with the issue up front.

tommythecat · 21-11-2019 1:16pm

Yes I definitely wouldn’t be insinuating anything. Just straight out embarrass him that he is recorded entering and walking around your house. Tell him it stops now. End of.

Auguste Comte · 21-11-2019 1:17pm

Thoie wrote: »

There's a 99.9% chance that he's just a nosy fecker. But taking the trouble to learn when the house is empty (particularly as he's a "professional landlord"), and going there repeatedly is just downright weird, El Weirdo.

Would make you wonder would he have a camera or two discreetly installed around "his investment" to keep an eye on his tenants movements.?

Landlord Entering Property Without Permission

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