What to do about horrible neighbour?

Not to mention we had that creepy guy at uni who made it on the news because he was going around killing and eating people  .

Well, that kind of puts the neighbor guy in perspective, yes?

I hate to say this, but your neighbor reminds me of my grandmom. How old is this guy and does he work?

My grandmom lived in the same apartment duplex for 35 years.  She knew the landlord well and he asked her to "keep an eye" on his property (this was said during a friendly conversation in which he stated she was a model tenant). She took this job very seriously. She must have had 20 different people live in the apartment below her during those 35 years. She took it upon herself to inform them of all the "rules" (many of which she made up herself). She'd tell me, "Do you believe the (25 year old) guy below me goes out at 1 a.m.! Who goes out at 1 a.m.!  Mr. S (the landlord) is not going to like this!"  I could straight talk with grandmom, so I'd say, "Grandmom, it's none of your business. Who gives a sh*t?"  She'd tell the neighbors when she did her laundry (meaning, they couldn't do theirs on "her day"). She'd comment to others about when they ran their water. She'd tell my mom or me on the phone, "Mr. Tomcat must be home. I hear the toilet flushing."  My Grandmom is 91. If this guy is close to her age, perhaps we can hook them up.

I suspect, as another said, that he is lonely. Grandmom was, but she brought it on herself (she shunned friends and family invitations so she could keep guard!)

Lol fallgal you're grandma sounds cute just like mine and similar in age too!

This guy is either in his early 40's or late 30's. He says he does work, it's just that he's always in at awkward times on different days like me (student). So I'm not sure if I believe him. He's lonely, that's for sure! I just wish he'd go find a hobby that's not so annoying!

Well so far so good. He hasn't talked to us much of this week so hopefully it will continue that way.

Just an update:

The annoying neighbour has posted a letter through our letter box that says flat inspections are next week and that we need to contact him to arrange a convenient time. I saw him put it in our letter box so I'm not sure what's going on. The letter looks official like it's from the agency. But what gives? Why are they making him do the inspections? He's just a tenant. They've confirmed that he doesn't work for them. Is that legal? They gave him keys to everyone's flat so that he could "check on things" and "help when things are broken". I'm so angry right now, I can't even get this out right.

A few days ago, I saw him walking out of somebody's flat (the one next to ours) and lock the door with his keys quietly. I'm not sure if they let him do that or what but I am dead scared he walks into our flat when we're not there. Or even worse, when I'm there alone.

Is this a police matter now? I'll call the agency up and ask them what's going on (again). Can I refuse a flat inspection if they say that my neighbour will be doing the inspection? I also don't want to be alone. My husband works from 6am to 7pm so the only time we're both here is on the weekend or late night weekdays. I don't think they'll go for an inspection that's convenient for us though. Also there's the matter of us needing a good reference from them when we move this year so I don't want to be particularly awkward and p*ss them off. I'm also sick of being walked all over though.

What should I do?

They've confirmed that he doesn't work for them. Is that legal? They gave him keys to everyone's flat so that he could "check on things" and "help when things are broken".

Are you serious?  The agency gave this guy keys to everyone's flats, and he doesn't even work for them?!

Yep... I would be on the phone to the agency, telling them that this is not acceptable.  Ask to speak to the manager or owner!   This is not right!

Are you serious?  The agency gave this guy keys to everyone's flats, and he doesn't even work for them?!

Yep... I would be on the phone to the agency, telling them that this is not acceptable.  Ask to speak to the manager or owner!   This is not right!

Yeah from the sounds of things that's what's happening. Unless I've misunderstood something. I'm going to call them up when they open.

I definitely wouldn't live in a place where my neighbour had the key unless that neighbour was the official super or owner...even then, I've never heard of supers having keys without having to get them from an office.  And an owner or super acting that way would probably put up red flags. Definitely contact the owners/agency.  You have the right to live in your flat without interference from the owners, their representatives, or some random neighbour they decided to allow to help out.

My first thoughts would be that I would contact the agency and tell them that this is unacceptable and you want a representative from the agency to do this and that you only want the agency to hold the key. I would also make sure I record everything and keep a file of everything on about this.

You may want to get further advice like:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/eviction/harassment_and_illegal_eviction_by_landlord/what_counts_as_harassment
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/housing_e/housing_renting_a_home_e/common_problems_with_renting.htm#The_landlords_rights_of_entry

'Your landlord has a right to reasonable access to carry out repairs. What ‘reasonable access’ means depends on why your landlord needs to get access. For example, in an emergency, your landlord is entitled to immediate access to carry out any necessary work.

Your landlord also has a right to enter the property to inspect the state of repair or to empty a fuel slot meter, but they should always ask for your permission and should give you at least 24 hours notice.

If you are staying in lodgings where it is agreed that your landlord provides a room-cleaning service or where you share a room with other lodgers, your landlord can enter without permission.

Your landlord does not have a right to enter in any other circumstances unless they have a court order.'

This is from the CAB, as above. So it seems unless repairs are required or it's an emergency, there is no legal requirement to allow the landlord to enter.

Perhaps consider moving out early if at all possible. 

You have the right to feel safe where you live.
 

How creepy!  I thought it was just a bit odd, but I'd be bothered by landlords or agencies giving away my key without my express permission.  Just wondering, have you approached your neighbours that you saw him coming out of to see if there was a reason for him to be there?  If there was permission given, that can set your mind at ease a bit, if there wasn't, I think they should know that someone is breaking in to their flat!

we just can't catch a break as far as living somewhere problem free. I feel like crying. This is the 4th time we've moved in under 4 years and this is the 4th crap hole we've had to deal with.

To keep evidence of what the agency says, should I email them instead of calling?

Cadenza, no I didn't get to ask the neighbour yet. I've knocked on their door a few times but nobody's answered. Makes me think maybe it's vacant now? I hear noises like the toilet flushing though so I don't really know what's going on.

we just can't catch a break as far as living somewhere problem free. I feel like crying. This is the 4th time we've moved in under 4 years and this is the 4th crap hole we've had to deal with.

To keep evidence of what the agency says, should I email them instead of calling?

Cadenza, no I didn't get to ask the neighbour yet. I've knocked on their door a few times but nobody's answered. Makes me think maybe it's vacant now? I hear noises like the toilet flushing though so I don't really know what's going on.

I'd still call. Then make a diary entry of what was said by whom. You can always follow up by email as well for a paper record.

I'd get some advice about this. It may take the weight off a bit. Also check your contract - you may need it to hand when getting advice.

More help here:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Privaterenting/Problemsanddisputes/DG_195065

I'm sorry you have had a tough time with housing. 

((Hugs))

So GG... I am interested to hear what the agency had to say for themselves when you phoned yesterday...

So GG... I am interested to hear what the agency had to say for themselves when you phoned yesterday...

I haven't called yet. I've got a week to finish all my uni work so I've put this aside for now. Will call next week when I can breathe again. I wish this BS could've waited just one week so I could deal with it when I have time.

*update*

Stupid neighbour creeped on me when I was leaving my flat today. This was the conversation:

Him: when are you going to set up an appointment for the inspection?
me: Who's doing the inspection?
him: me
me: Do you work for the agency?
him: no.
me: so why are you doing the inspections?
Him: I work for the landlord. The agency doesn't do inspections.
me: yes they do. They did ours last time.
Him: well we're not with an agency anymore. I even deal with the rent with some people. 
me: so do you have the keys to everyone's flat then?
him: I have the master key but it doesn't work on everyones.
me: ok well I'm busy with my uni work next week so I can't do it then.
Him: ok just knock on my door when I'm in and I'll do the inspection then.

Then I just got creeped out, started shaking, and left. Is he allowed to have the master key even if he does work for the landlord?  I want us to move away from here so bad. I've been diagnosed with OCD and knowing he has the key to our flat makes me scared to sleep. I check everything all the time over and over again. This is making me go crazy. I don't know what to do at this point. I tried calling the landlord today but nobody picked up the phone.

There is something very wrong here, I think.  Someone who is not an employee of the agency should not have a key that opens your front door.  Especially when said person makes you feel extremely uncomfortable.  Try to get in touch with the landlord / agency on Monday and tell them of your concerns.  You shouldn't be adding to your stress with this, it's not good for you at all!

I would call the agency/landlord and the police. This is just not right and whether it's the neighbour being absolutely beyond creepy and invasive or it's the agency/landlord being completely irresponsible and unprofessional, the police need to be involved. Without a doubt. Whatever is happening is not okay. Talk to your other neighbours about it as well.

I hope it gets sorted Gibby!