61 Courthouse Road

I got this room [found through Spareroom UK website:- https://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/flatshare_detail.pl?flatshare_id=17729965&search_results=%2Fflatshare%2Fmythreads_beta.pl%3Fthread_id%3D22267036_17729965%26listing_restrict%3D%26offset%3D0%26show_deleted_too%3D%26label_id%3D%26keywords%3D%26only_unreplied%3D%26folder%3Dinbox%26sort%3D].

# Extremely Disappointing and Distressing Experience – Warning to Prospective Tenants

I am writing this review to share my extremely disappointing and distressing experience of renting a room in a privately owned house in Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK. I hope my experience helps prospective tenants make an informed decision before entering into a similar arrangement.

### 1. Initial Agreement and Expectations

Before moving into the property, I clearly informed the landlady that I had recently completed my postgraduate studies and was returning to the UK to actively search for employment.

She was therefore fully aware that I was not currently employed and would naturally be spending a considerable amount of time at home while applying for jobs and attending online assessments and interviews.

The agreed monthly rent was £600, which included accommodation, utilities and one vegetarian meal per day, seven days a week.

Initially, she appeared welcoming, understanding and accommodating. She repeatedly described me as a decent and well-mannered tenant and expressed that she was looking for someone reliable to stay in her property.

Unfortunately, within just a few days of moving in, her behaviour and expectations began to change significantly.

### 2. Unusual Rent Payment Arrangements

One particular concern was her approach towards receiving rent payments.

She did not want rent payments to be made directly into her bank account through an online bank transfer.

As she explained to me, she did not want other people to become aware of the rental arrangement, as she believed this could result in additional council tax charges.

I found this concerning, particularly because I would normally expect rental payments to be handled through a transparent and properly documented arrangement.

I would strongly advise prospective tenants to clarify the accepted payment method, obtain written receipts and ensure that all financial arrangements are documented before agreeing to move in.

### 3. Complaints About Normal Electricity and Water Usage

Within approximately five days of my arrival, the landlady started complaining that I was spending too much time at home.

She explained that she generally preferred working professionals as tenants because they would be away from the property during the day, resulting in lower electricity and water consumption.

She specifically questioned how frequently I was using the bathroom and suggested that my presence was increasing her utility expenses.

This was particularly unreasonable to me because I had explicitly informed her before moving in that I was currently looking for work.

I was paying rent to live in the property, and using the bathroom, water and electricity for ordinary daily activities should not have been treated as unreasonable behaviour.

### 4. Changes to the Agreed Meal Arrangements

Another issue concerned the food arrangements.

Before moving in, I was informed that one vegetarian meal would be provided daily as part of the agreed rent.

However, shortly after my arrival, the landlady mentioned that she would become busy from Monday onwards and might not always be able to prepare the agreed meal.

This created uncertainty about a service that had been presented as part of the original accommodation arrangement.

### 5. Property Viewings and Lack of Privacy

I was also surprised to discover that the landlady intended to sell the property.

On one occasion, prospective buyers came to view the house, and I was instructed to leave the property while the viewing took place.

I was also prevented from cooking because the landlady was concerned that the smell of food might affect the viewing.

This situation made me extremely uncomfortable.

I had personal belongings, important documents and valuables in my room. Although I tried to secure everything inside drawers and wardrobes, these storage spaces did not have locks.

The thought of unfamiliar individuals entering the property and potentially having access to my personal space and belongings made me feel that my privacy and security were not being adequately considered.

### 6. Contradictory Behaviour and Emotional Pressure

What made the situation particularly confusing was the landlady's contradictory behaviour.

On one hand, she repeatedly complained about my electricity consumption, water usage and time spent at home.

On the other hand, she would tell me that I was a very good tenant and ask me not to leave because she needed a decent and reliable person to occupy the room.

She frequently discussed her personal circumstances and financial difficulties, often explaining at length why she needed rental income.

While I sympathised with her circumstances, I increasingly felt uncomfortable with the emotional pressure surrounding what should have been a straightforward rental arrangement.

I felt that I was expected to accommodate her personal difficulties while my own basic needs as a paying tenant were being questioned.

### 7. Being Prevented From Using the Bathroom

**The most shocking and distressing incident occurred on the morning I had to leave the property.**

The landlady complained once again that I was using the bathroom too frequently.

She then physically stood outside the bathroom entrance and prevented me from using it, stating that I had already used the bathroom once that morning and could not go again.

I found this behaviour extremely humiliating, unreasonable and unacceptable.

Access to a bathroom is a basic human necessity. I had never imagined that, as a paying tenant, I would have to defend my right to use such an essential facility.

The situation became increasingly confrontational, leaving me feeling distressed and deeply uncomfortable in the property.

### 8. Complaints About Ordinary Phone Conversations

On the same morning, the landlady also claimed that neighbours had complained about my phone conversations.

This allegation surprised me because the house was detached and was not directly attached to neighbouring properties.

I was not provided with any specific information about the alleged complaints.

I regularly needed to make phone calls for personal communication, job applications and professional matters.

If there had been a genuine noise concern, I would have appreciated a reasonable discussion rather than additional accusations during an already distressing confrontation.

### 9. Sudden Departure and Lack of Consideration

Ultimately, the situation escalated to the point where I had to leave the property that very morning.

I had only been living there for approximately one week.

I was forced to pack all my belongings in a hurry and arrange alternative accommodation with a family member in Bristol.

Despite the sudden circumstances, I carried my heavy luggage and personal belongings downstairs by myself.

What particularly upset me was the landlady's attitude during my departure.

Rather than showing concern or offering assistance, she appeared pleased that I was leaving.

While I was struggling to carry my belongings downstairs, she came over holding a plastic dustbin bag and instructed me to take that away as well.

I found this final interaction particularly insensitive and humiliating.

By that point, I was physically exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed. I simply wanted to leave the property as quickly as possible.

### 10. Deposit Deduction Without a Clear Explanation

I had initially paid a deposit of £250.

However, when I left, the landlady returned only £70.

**This means £180 of my deposit was withheld.**

I was not given a clear explanation or itemised breakdown of the deduction at the time of departure.

Given the distressing circumstances, I was too exhausted to engage in another confrontation and chose to leave.

Nevertheless, I believe that any deductions from a tenant's deposit should be clearly explained and supported by the terms of the agreement.

### 11. The Emotional Impact of This Experience

I had recently returned to the UK after completing my postgraduate education and was hoping to establish my professional career.

I chose Maidenhead because of its accessibility to London and the employment opportunities available there.

I was simply looking for peaceful, stable accommodation where I could concentrate on my job applications, assessments and interviews.

Instead, within approximately one week, I experienced repeated complaints about basic utility usage, uncertainty regarding agreed services, concerns about privacy, restrictions on bathroom access and an extremely distressing departure.

The experience left me emotionally exhausted and deeply disappointed.

I had been respectful, cooperative and transparent about my circumstances from the beginning.

I did not expect any special treatment. I only expected reasonable living conditions, privacy and basic respect as a paying tenant.

### 12. My Advice to Prospective Tenants

Based on my personal experience, I would strongly advise anyone considering renting a room in this property to exercise caution.

Before agreeing to move in, please ensure that:

* All rental terms, including utilities, meals and bathroom access, are clearly agreed upon in writing.
* Rent payments are properly documented, with receipts provided.
* Deposit deductions, refund conditions and notice requirements are clearly explained.
* You understand whether the property is being marketed for sale and how viewings will be managed.
* Your right to privacy and reasonable use of shared facilities is respected.
* The landlady's expectations regarding working from home or spending time at the property are made clear in advance.

### Final Thoughts

**No paying tenant should have to feel uncomfortable using the bathroom, making ordinary phone calls or spending time in the accommodation they have paid to occupy.**

I understand that landlords may have personal, financial or practical difficulties. However, these difficulties should not result in unreasonable restrictions or humiliating treatment of tenants.

My experience was particularly upsetting because the initial understanding and assurances were very different from the conditions I encountered after moving in.

I am sharing this account to make prospective tenants aware of the issues I personally experienced and to encourage them to protect themselves through clear written agreements and properly documented payments.

**Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this accommodation based on my experience.**

The property itself is well-maintained, beautifully furnished and aesthetically pleasing from the inside. It offers all the essential facilities, including a bathroom, toilet, heating, washing machine, a fully equipped kitchen, a refrigerator and a spacious living room. The bedroom was also lovely, comfortable and beautifully maintained. Overall, the house appeared to be a wonderful place to live, with all the necessary amenities.

However, appearances can be deceiving. Despite the beautiful interiors and excellent facilities, my actual living experience was deeply distressing. What initially seemed like a peaceful and welcoming home turned out to feel like a trap that I unknowingly walked into.