A landlord who admitted he kept a logbook of visitors to his tenant’s home has been slammed for the ‘creepy’ behaviour.
The logbook came to light after the landlord, Malcolm sent his tenant, Ryan, a message to say he would be increasing rent as a result of Ryan’s boyfriend spending more nights at the property than permitted.
Property strategist Jack Rooke shared the exchange with his followers and described the landlord’s act as “creepy”.
“Hi Ryan. I’ve been reviewing the tenancy agreement and I need to raise something with you,” Malcolm said.
“Clause 6.3 states that overnight guests are permitted no more than three nights per calendar month. I’ve noticed this has been exceeded.”
Ryan confirmed his boyfriend had been sleeping over at the property here and there but didn’t understand why that could possibly be an issue requiring an increase to rent.
It was at this point Malcolm revealed he had been tracking Ryan’s guests.
“I see. Yes … I’ve been keeping a log. I have to say I was not expecting this type of arrangement at the property,” Malcolm replied.
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A tenant has challeneged his landlord’s actions after it was revealed a logbook of visitors had been kept. Picture: Supplied
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“I run a respectable property and I have certain standards I like to maintain. The additional charge will be £200 (AUD $375) per month backdated to April. I’ve attached the log.”
The log Malcolm forwarded included dates as well as observations that could only have been made by someone standing outside the property or close to a boundary.
“Tuesday 4th April – lights on past 11pm. Two shadows visible,” the log 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.”
A shocked Ryan queried exactly what the landlord had been doing to create the log and threatened appropriate legal action.
“You’ve been standing outside my property logging my boyfriend’s voice from the garden,” Ryan said.
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A tenant has challeneged his landlord’s actions after it was revealed a logbook of visitors had been kept. Picture: Supplied
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“I will not be paying the £600 (AUD $1100). 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 simply “conducting a routine visual check” and he was within his rights to keep the log and raise rent per the advice of his brother-in-law who was a conveyancing solicitor.
“Conveyancing Malcolm. That’s property sales. It has nothing to do with tenant law. My solicitor will be in touch. And NOT a conveyancing one. Malcolm,” Ryan said to end the exchange.
Rook’s video highlighting the exchange has been viewed more than 125,000 times, with many of his followers slamming the landlord’s actions.
“Never mind a solicitor, I’m calling the police after that text,” one person said.
“That landlord is way WAY out of order,” said another.
“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,” said another of their own experience.
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