Police entering a rented property.

[Beeezer]

Afternoon.
I and several other companies rent units in a small yard.
I had a phone call this morning from a rental neighbour saying “did the police go in your unit last night”
On that I phoned the farmer that I rent off to see what had gone on.
Farmer recons plod got him out of bed at two in the morning saying “we’ve tracked some stolen property to here”
Plod seemed to know what unit they wanted to get into but said “why we are here we will check the other units” so the farmer let them in every unit for a nosey including my own…
Is this actually legal?
I thought that I would have to be there?
I’ve not been to my unit yet to see what awaits me but the farmer recons “they just stuck there head in the door”
I have thought about emailing the police force for an explanation but I’m not to good at wording things like that, if you know what I mean….

 

[Erie Fred]

"Unlawfull search & seizure" come to mind.

 

[Wozzaaah]

"Unlawfull search & seizure" come to mind.

Not sure you're the best person to comment on UK law......

 

[Migmac]

The owner was there so I presume he gave permission

 

[Wozzaaah]

Afternoon.
I and several other companies rent units in a small yard.
I had a phone call this morning from a rental neighbour saying “did the police go in your unit last night”
On that I phoned the farmer that I rent off to see what had gone on.
Farmer recons plod got him out of bed at two in the morning saying “we’ve tracked some stolen property to here”
Plod seemed to know what unit they wanted to get into but said “why we are here we will check the other units” so the farmer let them in every unit for a nosey including my own…
Is this actually legal?
I thought that I would have to be there?
I’ve not been to my unit yet to see what awaits me but the farmer recons “they just stuck there head in the door”
I have thought about emailing the police force for an explanation but I’m not to good at wording things like that, if you know what I mean….

Not sure of the legalities but you had nothing to hide, they looked inside and were happy.
I'd probably leave it at that.

 

[Erie Fred]

Not sure you're the best person to comment on UK law......

Yup !

 

[DAPPH]

It's not unknown for a thief to store their ill gotten gains in mates houses , sheds /units vans etc . So I suspect no crime was committed by the police investigating a crime at/ in industrial premises.

 

[8ob]

Had a few scallywags in my renters over the years, a raid is a raid and it normally includes the whole of that address/property.The police tend to be less brutal when inspecting other units that are not the prime focus .

Bob

 

[jimbo84]

I’d have thought because they were let in by the landlord they haven’t done anything wrong, had the landlord not given permission I would have thought they’d have needed a warrant.

I think your issue is more between you and your landlord having let people into your unit without your permission.

 

[arther dailey]

think its the farmers unit , I would nt have a problem with police searching property , nothing to hide so its no bother .

 

[MattF]

I think your issue is more between you and your landlord having let people into your unit without your permission.

Not letting them have a quick peek would have looked suspicious, possibly. Nowt hurt by letting them have a quick neb.

 

[cheb]

When the coppers don't do anything to try to find stolen property they get vehemently criticised.

And when they do investigate....

I don't like the nothing to hide, nothing to fear argument but it seems quite reasonable for the police to be able to search without permission if they have reasonable suspicion.

 

[8ob]

Landlords are expected to keep spare keys for a number of reasons, in the absence of them the police use their own method of entry which normally means needing a new door or frame.

Bob

 

[tigdlo]

Is your landlord in the habit of renting units to scallies?

I would be more concerned about stuff disapearing when they clear out of their unit.

 

[ajlelectronics]

think its the farmers unit , I would nt have a problem with police searching property , nothing to hide so its no bother .

Also far better than coming back with a warrant for forced entry!

 

[rtcosic]

Perfectly legitimate.
The owner was asked if would permit his COMMERCIAL premises to be searched.
Owner gave permission.
Premises were searched.
Nothing was found or observed that triggered further action.
Tea and Biscuits all round and off home.

However it gets a little trickier with residential lettings and peaceful enjoyment.
Holiday lets and AirB&B then fair game as with commercial property.
'Normal' residential tenancy then warrant would be the officer's safer route.
Short term tenancies - grey area. If the officer had serious suspicions he might go for it and argue later if he were brave.

 

[Agroshield]

I think your issue is more between you and your landlord having let people into your unit without your permission.

Would something like the landlord allowing or facilitating access be written into a rental agreement? Who might it be reasonable to admit without the tenant's permission? Maybe police as above, fire, gas and electricity.

 

[gaz1]

Farmer recons plod got him out of bed at two in the morning saying “we’ve tracked some stolen property to here”
Plod seemed to know what unit they wanted to get into but said “why we are here we will check the other units” so the farmer let them in every unit for a nosey including my own…

I’ve not been to my unit yet to see what awaits me but the farmer recons “they just stuck there head in the door”
I have thought about emailing the police force for an explanation but I’m not to good at wording things like that, if you know what I mean….

they only have right of access to that unit to be checked no other units have a right to be checked or viewed unless the warrant is stipulated for all of the units or place

the owner who gave them the right to view and opened up is infact wrong whilst the police used a fishing tactic to view into other propertys / units

what can you do to be honest nothing as the owner allowed them full access without a warrant

if you dont like it then find another place

 

[JMS1972]

Would something like the landlord allowing or facilitating access be written into a rental agreement? Who might it be reasonable to admit without the tenant's permission? Maybe police as above, fire, gas and electricity.

Most letting agreements have clauses allowing Landlords to access property at short notice. Residential you generally have to give notice but no doubt there are exceptions when immediate access required e.g. gas leaks etc

 

[Shedendman]

Afternoon.
I and several other companies rent units in a small yard.
I had a phone call this morning from a rental neighbour saying “did the police go in your unit last night”
On that I phoned the farmer that I rent off to see what had gone on.
Farmer recons plod got him out of bed at two in the morning saying “we’ve tracked some stolen property to here”
Plod seemed to know what unit they wanted to get into but said “why we are here we will check the other units” so the farmer let them in every unit for a nosey including my own…
Is this actually legal?
I thought that I would have to be there?
I’ve not been to my unit yet to see what awaits me but the farmer recons “they just stuck there head in the door”
I have thought about emailing the police force for an explanation but I’m not to good at wording things like that, if you know what I mean….

Have you a legal tenancy agreement between you and your landlord(ie farmer),if so then not even HIM himself is allow to enter without contacting you 1st(in writing to i believe),that also goes for plod,they would have to have good responsible grounds to enter said premises with a warrant
Anyone watch the black belt barrister?
Pretty sure summit like this was covered few weeks back