Landlord ignoring requests to unlock post box, or to give us a key

Have you acutally phoned the landlord? And if not, do so first thing tomorrow morning.

Building management are likely to have quite something to say if the lock is damaged - as many "locksmiths" that are basically just drill-wielders will do.

No you can't change the locks on/ damage property not owned by the landlord and then take it out of the landlords rent!

Even if the LL owned the postbox, you still cannot change the locks and take it out of the rent. Unless the LL agreed to it first (in writing for your sake).

So either way you may phone your LL. Messaging a certain generation rarely works, let me guess you're 20/25 yo?

Did you call him.

If not call him and ask him. I know management companies can take weeks to get new keys out.

Im always getting accused of ignoring messages from family that they say ive read and i havent. I just dont have much interest in messaging apps.

If you want to talk to me just ring me.

Most of those locks are LF branded keys see if there is number on the lock you might be able to get a key made or even off the shelf from a good lock smiths shop. Otherwise buy a lock pick set and pick it it can't be that hard. A small screw drive and paper clip you could rake the pins in the lock look it up on youtube. Then change the lock yourself.

I'm amazed that the consensus here is the landlord has no obligation to address correspondence unless it's through the favoured channel of those on this thread.

OP, yes do ring the landlord. But you do have a right to expect that the LL respond in the first instance to your chosen method of communication.

Phone him up and tell him you need a key.

Ask him if you can pay for a locksmith and deduct cost from rent. He'll most likely agree to this. If not, tell him you need a key right away.

Just call him.

You said it was an emergency.

Which is it?

Yes Telegram is a good choice - it's the favoured platform now for Trump types and lots of others😂

You won't see if he replied and it hasn't come through. He will but might have noticed. It's not as reliable as you think it is.

You've already tried texting and got no result. That's why people are saying ring. Isn't that why the thread was started in the first place. No contact, and instead of ringing wanted to cause property damage. That's the context.

Maybe not.. In a previous job I often asked people to contact others and get something done. Sometimes, time would move on and nothing had happened and you would then hear... "but I sent an email." I didn't ask for proof of attempted contact... I asked for direct contact and resolution.

It depends on what you are looking for... if you want to cover your ass for a future argument... start the paper trail, if you want something urgent done.... go for direct contact and then only start the paper trail, if you don't succeed. But don't start the ass covering exercise and leave it at that, if you actually want a result.

As you say its about context. But if someone doesn't get context, the problem isn't communication.

It's like that IT crowd episode where he emails the fire dept about the office being in flames.

Follow up with an email or text saying that you are confirming the details of our conversion or record the phone call, only 1 party has to agree to the recording.

This thread is descending anyway.

The issue is sorted now. People have different preferences in terms of communication methods. In terms of a landlord/tenant relationship, no one method is more valid, or "grown up" than others.

Unfortunately a tenant who's too scared of talking to someone to phone in the first place will probably decline to answer.

One requires an instant response (and an internet connection) the one doesn't. Sometimes when the phone network is jammed. A message might get through.

You can ignore anything. If someone had ignored multiple phone calls, they might not be able to pick up a call. They might though be able to respond to a message.

I'm the same, I have certain groups and people constantly on mute because of the amount of noise from them. But you can mute some contacts and not mute others. So I assume a tenant wouldn't be on mute. But whatsapp often delivers messages late.

But a phone call either at work, or at home will generally get a faster response than messaging. Unless I'm training someone not to ring me. That also happens. In which case I'll answer their messaging, email faster. Though I know at work, many people ignore all emails and messaging, and only take things seriously when someone rings them.

Squeaky wheels get oiled. WhatsApp doesn't squeak, it just gets muted.

If you want a different result, you need to use a different method to one that has already failed to work.