Landlord entered my flat while I was in the shower

M

ManicPancake

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One day last week while I was in the shower I heard a knock on the door. I wasn't even 100% sure it was my door. A couple of seconds after the knock I could hear a key in the door. The landlord only went and let himself in! He was gone by the time I came out of the shower. Needless to say he hadn't notified me of his intent to enter the property. I wonder how often he has done this before.

I am absolutely livid. Who do I report him to? Or is there any point?
 
Have you considered moving to a more secure apartment. Happened to us many years ago, whilst my wife was nursing in walked the landlord and simply wouldn't leave.
 
Personally I don't think there is any point reporting him. What is going to happen to him for this? Nothing.

We used to have a landlord like that, he also gave keys to the apartment to various workmen who didn't bother waiting after knocking on the door, but tried to enter immediately.

After the landlord walked into my bedroom when I was asleep while my husband was out at work, we had to keep the key in the keyhole at all times while we were at home.

We left after our lease ended, that year in his apartment was really bad.

Maybe things got better for tenants now and something can be done but I am not so sure.
 
Oh I'm moving alright.

Pity then that nothing can be done. He should be officially told that this is NOT okay.
 
ManicPancake said:
Pity then that nothing can be done. He should be officially told that this is NOT okay.
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I would write to your landlord reminding him of your rights and stating this is not to happen again.
Threshold offer free advice and will be able to advise if it continues to be a problem.


Privacy

As a tenant you are entitled to quiet and peaceful enjoyment of your home. Your landlord is only allowed enter with your permission. If the landlord needs to carry out repairs or inspect the premises, it should be by prior arrangement with you. If the property is put up for sale, ask the landlord to agree viewing times with you. If your landlord repeatedly enters your flat without your permission contact Threshold for advice.

[broken link removed]

http://www.threshold.ie/menu.asp?menu=102
 
ManicPancake said:
Oh I'm moving alright.

Pity then that nothing can be done. He should be officially told that this is NOT okay.
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He may be told so, but at the end of the day it's still not much, if it's just words and nothing more.

I am sure he knows himself it's not OK, but just does it anyway.
 
Have you said anything to him yet? Why not ask as to why he did it and that you need 24 hours notice in future except in emergency. Why leave if you are happy with everything else?
 
Armada said:
Not trying to frighten you but how do you know it was the landlord?
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:D No, I know it was the landlord because his van was parked outside. He was doing some kind of work in the building last week and was around a lot. There was no-one else inside the building other than tenants.
 
Ask him to fit a bolt on the door so neither of you will be embrassed if a mistake like this is made again.
 
This is a general observation and is not a reference to this particular incident,so please excuse the kidnap of this thread....

Two years there was a strong smell of gas in a small block of apts we own. We called gas board. We weren't sure exactly which apt it was coming from. We banged on all the doors. One didnt answer. We were worried and -in my opinion - obviously had to open the door. Tenant was out, and the gas actually was from an adjoining building.

The point is - before one advises bolts on doors and quoting quiet enjoyment rights - that there are times when a landlord may need urgent and immediate access to an apartment.
 
A number of years ago myself and others who had rented an appartment arrived back after a weekend away to find that a solicitor! had moved his stuff into the apartment and into my bedroom!

The landlord had obviously received a higher rent from the said person for use of the apartment as an office.

We were furious and extremely upset to find ouselves homeless. But who could we have complained to? The local solicitor?

Move out. That would be my advice.


Marion
 
Albacorea -since reading your remark "it doesnt matter" if its an emergency, I googled -and recommend that you do the same .
In Ireland as in every other country mentioned -UK USA Aus NZ - LLs have right of entry in emergency or exigent circumstances.

I'm not sure why i bothered to check this as it is so obvious.

Again,apologies as this is not really germane to OP.
 
One xmas I went to a let property to see water streaming down (burst pipes) tenant's were away so I let myself in. That was an emergency same as Oldnick's. Not sure but don't we have a duty of care to the property and the tenants. In any case law or not what landlord who smells gas is going to look up the rules on contacting tenant's and getting permission. Ridiculous.

That said the landlord in the OP's case was completely wrong. She should discuss with her landlord.
 
AlbacoreA said:
I'm always open to correction. My understanding is. In an emergency the landlord doesn't have to give prior notice. But still (always) requires the tenants permission. Where are you getting its otherwise?

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/renting_a_home/landlords_rights_and_obligations.html
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An emergency means that no time is wasted on asking permission. While waiting to make contact a house could have burned down, extensive flood damage could happen to an apt and those below, tenant themselves could be in danger (gas leak).
 
I'm only pointing out what I think the law is. Based on what I can find. I could be totally wrong. If you can find otherwise please link to it. Just because something doesn't make sense. Doesn't mean its not the law. Like wise just because something is law somewhere else doesn't always means its the same in Ireland.
 
Emergencies where time is of such essence that it is permissible for the landlord not to wait even a minute or two after knocking on the door, to give the tenant time to open the door, are very rare indeed, and are obviously nothing to do with OP's case.

On the other hand, landlords who think they can enter at will whenever they want to, not bothering to give notice or even just to let the tenant open the door, are all too common, unfortunately. And I don't know any better way to deal with it than leaving.

If it just happened once only, it might be worth pointing out to the landlord that you are very unhappy about it, that he is not allowed to do it by law and that it should never happen again. If it keeps happening... I'd just leave as soon as I was able to.
 
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