I ask this becase I have an empty flat. I get a letter nearly every week that accuses me of having a tv. I have already told them its empty but I still get letters telling me I am breaking the law. I just figure that surely its up to them to prove I have a tv and not for me to prove to them that I do not have one. I really want them to send an inspector but I want to refuse them entry (because the bastards piss me off). Does any one know if they have any rights to enter your house?
2006-09-07 23:03:59 · 20 answers · asked by nicksname 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Television
Just want to add. I am probably one of the minorities in the UK that supports the licence fee. It means we get a television network that is totally independent and is not answerable to the government or advertisors. It means we get quality tv that is the envy of the world but I feel strongly that in a free country I should not have to prove to any-one i do not have a tv and think no-one should have a right into my house.
2006-09-07 23:20:42 · update #1
I know just how you feel. I have a TV set but I do not receive TV programmes (evil brain-washing rubbish!). A lot of people don't know that if you own a TV but do not receive programmes, you DO NOT require a license. People do not believe me when I tell them this but it is the law! Because the gorvernment needs to have a brainwashing tool in every house they don't make this known so people buy a license and watch TV.
Anyway, when I first got the TV they sent me at least ten letters and sent an inspector round twice before I complained three times and eventually they sent a letter of apology and haven't bothered me since.
You don't have to let anyone into your house but I suggest that you do let the inspector have a look. That way they are less likely to keep bothering you. Call them or write to them and ask for a visit to confirm that the address does not require a license.
2006-09-07 23:12:37 · answer #1 · answered by Fluorescent 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The letter s are usually generated because of something you bought connected to a TV (Computer, video player, DVD player etc) When you pay the company you bought it from may ask your address or they may have it from some mysterious place. If you have two addresses this may be where the confusion comes from, presumabely you have a TV lisence for one but not the other as you have no TV there.
As to your rights - if the inspector calls you have the right to open the door (on the first occasion only) and tell tham that this is an inconvienient time e.g about to go out/ baby asleep/ in the shower. However you can only do this once and if you try a second time they go away and get a warrant for entry.
I had a similar situation, I kept getting letters asking me to take out a licence when in fact I already had one. I got very fed up with the letters which are quite threatening and seem to make it your responsibitiy to respond. I responded eventually with a letter stating I already had a licence and would not be responding again and would they please leave me alone - I never heard again. Maybe it would be worth one letter to respond officially saying your property is empty?
Just one question... If your property is empty, how will you be able to answer the door to them, or are you living in an empty house??
(For those interested - UK households require a TV licence at cost of about £100 per year. If you are found to have a TV without a licence you are fined and possible imprisoned!)
2006-09-07 23:31:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes you can refuse to let them in, but if they are convinced that you own a TV and haven't paid for a licence they will come back with the police. I've been in this situation, when my last but 1 tv brooke I went without a TV for 4 months and I got a rebate for my licence, during that time they harrased me and sent inspectors around to check (2 in total), but I did manage to stop it the old fashioned way.... I wrote them a letter telling them that I didn't own a TV but when I di they would be the first to know.... I think the thing is that they now assume that all households have TVs (the idiot box in the corner of the front room is now so common) , so any without a licence must be breaking the law!
2006-09-07 23:14:22 · answer #3 · answered by break 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a standard letter, they send this to most newly occupied flats and lettings in the hope it will urge you into buying a TV licence.
If you don't have a TV then don't worry, they will keep sending you the letters, i have known many people with this problem.
The only way they will insist on looking in your flat is if the can pick a a TV signal coming from your flat (the use a van and the can trace the signal) if you haven't got a TV then there will be no signal and hence no inspection or fine.
Hope this helps.
2006-09-08 00:14:42 · answer #4 · answered by JennyPenny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're all bastards. They just assume that everybody in the country has a TV. I think you're so right - I wouldn't let them in either. You're not doing anything wrong. They're probably after spotting an aerial on the roof and think you have to have a TV. Why should you have to prove that you don't have one? Good point! Did you know that soon you'll have to have a licence for a lap-top now because you can watch films on them? What a joke!!
2006-09-07 23:10:55 · answer #5 · answered by pinklady23 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You must be in Ireland!! Its funny how some of your answerer's think you're insane!!
I think you have to let them in, but I'm not sure what law gives them that entitlement.
I always remember a couple of gay friends of mine, getting seriously dressed up in drag when the inspector called. They threw a blanket over the TV & one of them sat on it wearing a corset. stockings, drag makeup and a stocking on his head (for the wig) - the inspector made a super-speedy exit and I don't believe he ever came back!!
Not an answer to your question, sorry!!
2006-09-07 23:15:12 · answer #6 · answered by zara c 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The TV inspector is a goverment official who would have the right to enter your house.
However if the flat is empty and no TV i would have more pleasure in letting him in and showing he is wrong.
2006-09-07 23:11:51 · answer #7 · answered by kamviag 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The best way to refuse them entry is to close the curtains, lie on the floor and keep really really quiet! I would think you can refuse them entry, unless they are accompanied by police? However, if you open your door are you inviting them in?
2006-09-08 00:36:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Down with BBC, if you dont let them look they will get a warrant from the magistrates and will return with the police no one has a right to enter your property uninvited without a warrant and the police.
2006-09-07 23:19:41 · answer #9 · answered by derren_sally 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to let them into your house and they can't enter uninvited, however if they get a warrent (which is very unlikely) they will be able to come in (break in actually) and have a nose about for a tv.
2006-09-07 23:14:32 · answer #10 · answered by sarcasticquotemarks 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋