A landlord has ignited outrage after revealing a 'creepy' logbook he used to meticulously track his tenant's boyfriend's overnight visits. Malcolm sent his tenant Ryan a text message explaining that he would be adjusting the rent after noticing the boyfriend had stayed over more often than the tenancy agreement allowed.
The Initial Exchange
'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 wrote.
Unfazed, Ryan casually confirmed that his boyfriend Josh had indeed slept over several times. However, Malcolm pointed out that the 'individual in question' was not listed on the tenancy agreement.
'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 then claimed that Ryan's guest had exceeded the permitted number of overnight stays and attached a detailed log.
The Logbook Details
Malcolm sent over a log detailing the specific dates and times Josh had stayed overnight. The entries included:
- '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.'
Stunned, Ryan responded: 'You've been standing outside my property logging my boyfriend's voice from the garden.' The landlord defended his actions, claiming he was simply 'conducting a routine visual check.'
Landlord's Justification
'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. When Ryan asked what he meant by 'a particular type of tenant,' Malcolm replied: 'Someone who respects the property and the surrounding neighbours Ryan. That's all I mean.'
Refusing to back down, Ryan confronted the landlord, stating that he 'cannot legally charge additional rent for a guest' and that he would not pay the £600 (AU$1,100) backdated charge. He also questioned why the landlord started logging overnight stays only after Josh spent Christmas at the property.
Legal Threats
The landlord claimed he was 'confident' in his decision because his brother-in-law is a 'very well-rounded' conveyancing solicitor. Ryan fired back: 'Conveyancing Malcolm. That's property sales. It has nothing to do with tenant law.' He then asked for the contact details of other tenants to compare how the clause was being enforced, but the landlord refused, saying 'That wouldn't be appropriate.'
Ryan concluded: 'No. I didn't think so. My solicitor will be in touch. And NOT a conveyancing one. Malcolm.'
Public Reaction
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. 'An additional towel is hilarious, as if one person only has one towel in their house,' one said. 'The cups on the windowsill sent me so hard,' another shared.
