A renter has raised concerns on social media after his landlord confessed to tracking his boyfriend's visits using a 'creepy' log, sparking outrage and calls for police action.
Landlord's text exchange
The tenant, identified as Ryan, shared screenshots of a text exchange with his landlord Malcolm, who claimed Ryan's boyfriend had exceeded the permitted overnight stays under the tenancy agreement. Malcolm wrote: '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.'
Ryan confirmed his boyfriend Josh had stayed over a few times but saw no issue. Malcolm then revealed he had been keeping a log, saying: 'I've been keeping a log. I have to say I was not expecting this type of arrangement at the property.'
The log detailed dates and observations, such as 'Tuesday 4th April - lights on past 11pm. Two shadows visible' and 'Saturday 8th April - two sets of footsteps on stairs between 11pm and midnight.' Malcolm also noted 'additional towel on washing line' and 'two coffee cups on kitchen windowsill 8am.'
Ryan was shocked by the invasion of privacy, replying: 'You've been standing outside my property logging my boyfriend's voice from the garden.' Malcolm defended his actions as a 'routine visual check' and claimed he had 'a particular type of tenant in mind' for his 'respectable property.'
Rent hike threat
Malcolm informed Ryan he would be charging an additional £200 (AU$375) per month, backdated to April, citing the clause violation. Ryan refused, stating that the landlord cannot legally charge extra for a guest. He also questioned why the logging began after Josh spent Christmas at the property.
Malcolm mentioned his brother-in-law is a 'conveyancing solicitor,' which Ryan dismissed, pointing out that conveyancing relates to property sales, not tenant law. Ryan demanded contact details of other tenants to compare enforcement of the clause, but Malcolm declined, calling it inappropriate. Ryan replied: 'No. I didn't think so. My solicitor will be in touch. And NOT a conveyancing one. Malcolm.'
Social media reaction
Property expert Jack Rooke reshared the exchange on Instagram, dubbing the log 'creepy' and asking followers if they would have paid the extra rent. Social media users flooded the comments, many encouraging Ryan to report Malcolm to the police for stalking and harassment.
One user wrote: 'I think someone should raise stalking charges with the police.' Another added: 'I'd be calling the police.' A third said: 'I’d be reporting Malcolm to the police for stalking & harassment.' Others mocked the log's absurdity, with one noting: '2 cups on the window sill? Lord forbid Ryan has guests over for a cup of tea or coffee.' Another chimed in: 'Another towel on the line!! God forbid!'
