A renter has raised his concerns on social media after his landlord confessed to tracking his boyfriend’s visits using a “creepy” log.
The tenant, whose name is Ryan, shared screenshots of a text exchange between him and his landlord Malcolm, who explained that he would be increasing his rent after noting that his partner had stayed overnight at the property a couple of times.
“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,” the message read.
Ryan, unperturbed by his landlord’s text, confirmed that his boyfriend Josh had slept over a few times, but didn’t think anything of it.
“I see. Yes. The individual in question is not listed on the tenancy Ryan,” the landlord insisted, before dropping a bombshell.
“I’ve been keeping a log. I have to say I was not expecting this type of arrangement at the property,” he added.
The admission stunned Ryan, who replied: “What type of arrangement?”
Malcolm went on to claim that “the clause had been exceeded” and Ryan’s guest had overstayed the permitted number of nights that he was allowed.
“I run a respectable property and I have certain standards I like to maintain,” he said, before informing Ryan that he would be charging him an additional £200 (AU$375) per month, backdated to April.
“I’ve attached the log,” he added.
The log detailed the dates that Josh had been over at the property, along with notes made by Malcolm.
“Tuesday 4th April – lights on past 11pm. Two shadows visible.
“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.”
Ryan was gobsmacked by the invasion of privacy, replying: “You’ve been standing outside my property logging my boyfriend’s voice from the garden.”
Malcolm replied: “I was conducting a routine visual check Ryan. 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.”
When the renter asked what “particular” tenant he had in mind, Malcolm responded: “Someone who respects the property and the surrounding neighbours Ryan. That’s all I mean.”
Ryan called his landlord out for the move, saying he “cannot legally charge additional rent for a guest”, before refusing to pay the extra fee.
“I’ll also be raising why a landlord with zero issues suddenly started logging overnight stays the week after Josh spent Christmas here,” he added.
Malcolm then revealed that his brother-in-law is a “very well-rounded” conveyancing solicitor, which is why he felt “confident” with his stance on the matter.
“Conveyancing Malcolm. That’s property sales. It has nothing to do with tenant law,” Ryan hit back.
The renter then asked for Malcolm’s other tenants’ contact details so he can “compare notes on how equally the clause is being enforced”, to which the landlord replied: “That wouldn’t be appropriate.”
Ryan hit back, writing: “No. I didn’t think so. My solicitor will be in touch. And NOT a conveyancing one. Malcolm.”
Property expert Jack Rooke, who reshared the text exchange on Instagram, dubbed the log “creepy” and asked his followers: “Would you have paid it?”
Social media users flooded the comments section of the post, with many encouraging the tenant to contact the police about the matter.
“I think someone should raise stalking charges with the police,” one person wrote, while another added: “I’d be calling the police.”
A third added: “I’d be reporting Malcolm to the police for stalking & harassment.”
Meanwhile, others pointed out how ridiculous the notes in the log were, with one person writing: “2 cups on the window sill? Lord forbid Ryan has guests over for a cup of tea or coffee….”
“Another towel on the line!! God forbid!” a second person chimed in.