A landlord has sparked fury after revealing a ‘creepy’ logbook he used to track his tenant’s boyfriend every time he stayed over.
Malcolm sent his tenant Ryan a text explaining that he would be adjusting his rent after noticing his boyfriend was staying over more often than permitted.
‘Hi Ryan. I’ve been reviewing the tenancy agreement and I need to raise something with you. Clause 6.3 states that overnight guests are permitted no more than three nights per calendar month. I’ve noticed this has been exceeded,’ Malcolm said.
Unfazed, the renter responded casually confirming that his boyfriend Josh had been sleeping over a few times.
However, Malcolm pointed out that the ‘individual in question’ was not listed on the tenancy.
‘I see. Yes… I’ve been keeping a log. I have to say I was not expecting this type of arrangement at the property,’ the landlord replied.
Confused, Ryan asked: ‘What type of arrangement?’
The landlord claimed Ryan’s guest had exceeded the permitted number of overnight stays.
A landlord has sparked fury after revealing a ‘creepy’ logbook he used to track his tenant’s boyfriend every time he stayed over
‘I run a respectable property and I have certain standards I like to maintain. The additional charge will be £200 (AU$375) per month backdated to April. I’ve attached the log,’ Malcolm said.
He then sent over a log detailing the dates Josh had stayed overnight.
‘Tuesday 4th April – lights on past 11pm. Two shadows visible,’ it read.
‘Saturday 8th April – two sets of footsteps on stairs between 11pm and midnight.
‘Sunday 9th April – additional towel on washing line.
‘Friday 13th April – male voice audible from garden.
‘Saturday 14th April – two coffee cups on kitchen windowsill 8am.’
Stunned, Ryan responded: ‘You’ve been standing outside my property logging my boyfriend’s voice from the garden.’
The landlord said he was simply ‘conducting a routine visual check’.
‘I have to be honest with you, when I bought this property I had a particular type of tenant in mind. I just want to make sure we’re all comfortable with the arrangement going forward,’ Malcolm explained.
The renter asked: ‘A particular type of tenant?’ to which Malcolm responded: ‘Someone who respects the property and the surrounding neighbours Ryan. That’s all I mean.’
Refusing to back down, Ryan confronted the landlord, saying he ‘cannot legally charge additional rent for a guest.’
‘I will not be paying the £600 (AU$1,100),’ the tenant said.
‘I’ll also be raising why a landlord with zero issues suddenly started logging overnight stays the week after Josh spent Christmas here.’
The landlord said he was ‘conducting a routine visual check’ on his property (stock image)
The landlord said he was ‘confident’ with his decision because his brother-in-law is a ‘very well-rounded’ conveyancing solicitor.
‘Conveyancing Malcolm. That’s property sales. It has nothing to do with tenant law,’ Ryan fired back.
‘I’d like your other tenants’ contact details please. So we can compare notes on how equally the clause is being enforced.’
The landlord responded, ‘That wouldn’t be appropriate.’
However, Ryan replied: ‘No. I didn’t think so. My solicitor will be in touch. And NOT a conveyancing one. Malcolm.’
It’s unclear what happened next but the heated text exchange was re-shared by UK property strategist Jack Rooke, who described the landlord’s logbook as ‘creepy’.
His video has been viewed more than 125,000 times, with many calling out the landlord for ‘crossing the line’ with his ‘illegal’ and ‘creepy’ behaviour.
‘Never mind a solicitor, I’m calling the police after that text,’ one suggested.
‘I had a landlord try to do this to me. Tried to charge my friend the same amount as rent as I was paying. I simply ignored it and nothing ever came of it,’ another revealed.
‘That landlord is way WAY out of order,’ one added.
Meanwhile, some saw the funny side to the situation.
‘An additional towel is hilarious, as if one person only has one towel in their house,’ one said, laughing.
‘The cups on the windowsill sent me so hard,’ another shared.
