10th Jul 2025 (5 days ago)
We recently began renting a property through your agency. Unfortunately, on the second day of our tenancy, the landlord admitted to H and H agents that he had looked through our windows—an act that constitutes a serious violation of our right to privacy.
Following this incident, we mutually agreed to end the tenancy early. However, we have been informed that a full month’s rent will be retained, with the explanation that the landlord’s actions were merely "a quick peek" and therefore not a cause for concern. Regardless of how brief the intrusion was, any unauthorized observation into a tenant’s private space is entirely inappropriate and unacceptable.
According to the terms of the tenancy agreement, landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ notice before entering or inspecting the property. If there are concerns regarding the condition of the property, the appropriate course of action is to use the security deposit—not to violate a tenant’s privacy. In our case, the deposit was returned in full. While we acknowledge that we painted the walls without permission to high standard and neutral white colour, this does not in any way justify the landlord’s actions or the withholding of a month’s rent.
Due to the seriousness of the privacy breach, I have reported the matter to the police, as it may constitute a criminal offence. I will also be pursuing the matter through civil court to recover the withheld rent.
The response from your agency has been disappointing. In particular, a member of your staff, Shirley, laughed when I expressed discomfort over the landlord’s behavior. This dismissive attitude only adds to the distress we have experienced. A Complaint is ongoing but the agents to not seem to have the time to respond within a few days..
Renters deserve to be treated with the same respect and dignity as homeowners. Owning a property does not entitle anyone to disregard the legal and ethical boundaries that protect tenants’ rights , we are not second class citizens..... Read more