I have a landlord which is also the neighbor and I find when I go on vacation they have come into the home without my approval. Is that legal? I know because they put my mail on the kitchen counter.....I do not even tell them I am going out of town it is like they wait till the car is gone.
2006-07-27 10:20:54 · 41 answers · asked by monkey f 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
No they can not. they have to give you twenty four hours notice. You can call the police and file a complaint.
2006-07-27 10:22:31 · answer #1 · answered by seths_flame03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it is not legal. I was ian the same situation once. We had rented a house from our landlords. The problem was, the house we were renting was the house that the landlords were moving out of. So they still had many of their things in the house by the time we moved in.
This was in Georgia. After about two weeks in the house, we would wake up and our landlords were literally in the kitchen packing the rest of their things, or we'd come home and they'd be in the sun room. So we got together and moved all of their remaining items into a room near the garage that didn't have access to the rest of the house.
Well the landlords were pi$$ed and tried to kick us out. We ended up going to the courthouse to see what our options are. LEGALLY, IN EVERY STATE, a landlord is supposed to give 24hrs notice before coming to your place and even then, they can not come in unless invited in.
Once you sign your lease, the house/apt is yours and they are no longer entitled to come and go as they please. I would suggest you have a simple talk with your landlord before having to file a complaint. This way, you two can be civil about it. If that doesn't work, make sure you go file a complaint.
So it can be on the record just in case he tries to throw you out.
Good luck!
2006-07-27 10:28:06 · answer #2 · answered by s_sill 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on where you live and the housing contracts mandated by that city government. But usually, Landlords have the right to access your place to fix any emergency maintenance problems, or if they tell you and have your consent.
They should not however, be going into your mailbox and then entering your place just to drop off your mail on your counter in some spooky stalkerish way. That's probably invasion of privacy.
Only grey area I could see with this is if there is a communal mailbox (ie. you rent a room in a house) and your mail was taking up too much space. But it doesn't sound like this is the situation. Just tell them to stop.
2006-07-27 10:24:04 · answer #3 · answered by ymingy@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It varies depending upon the state and the conditions of your lease as to under what circumstances they may enter. Read it over first. It sounds like they are just trying to be helpful, so rather than create a fuss, give them the benefit of the doubt first and tell them politely that you would rather they not enter your home without proper notice to you or unless you ask them to. You can set up a "nanny cam" in your home if you wish or put a piece of paper in the corner of your door to see if it had been opened while you were gone. If they are not honoring your request, take the next step including changing the lock if that is allowable in your lease. You should also use this US post office link to stop your mail and have it delivered when you return so they have no excuse to enter.
http://www.usps.com/all/optionsforreceivingmail/welcome.htm
2006-07-27 10:31:31 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most leases there is a clause that says if there is an emergency the landlord or his representatives may enter. However, I worked in the field and most landlords do not enter a resident's apartment without notification except if there is an emergency such as a leak that requires immediate attention. Try talking to your landlord. The landlord may think they are being helpful by putting your mail inside your apartment.
2006-07-27 10:26:36 · answer #5 · answered by now_what 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I can only say for sure the laws in California, but probably in most states, NO IT IS VERY ILLEGAL.
In California, the landlord must give you a written notice 24 hours in advance of any entry into the home you may be renting from them.
Your home is your space, and no one can enter without your permission. I suggest contacting your local law enforcement. Maybe even putting a small camera in your home to monitor it, then pressing charges when these events happen.
Don't let others abuse your rights.
2006-07-27 10:24:50 · answer #6 · answered by Mr. Scientist 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the US as in the UK your signature is your bond make sure you read the lease or rent agreement to see if it was stated that they could enter. If not get on the net and find out what the law in your state says about unlawful entry!!!!
Speak to the land lord if you find it is illegal and state that you do not give him permission to enter your property when you are away and back this up in writing keep a dated copy.
remember what has happened so far you have no proof nor have you challenged him so it doesn't exist in the eyes of the law.
If he enters again when you are away you can then file an official complaint and you will have more weight in your argument.
2006-07-27 10:35:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be on a state by state basis but in the majority of states NO. Usually the landlord has to provide 24 hours notice prior to entering the premises. I am a landlord and I would get in big trouble for doing this.
2006-07-27 10:23:07 · answer #8 · answered by rweasel6 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMG that happened to me in my old apartment that's why i moved.He was a pervert though.I was home at the time with my man and i think he thought i wasn't home.No he is not supposed to come into your home.If i were you i'd change the locks like i did.He got mad and said that he needed to get in there if something happens.I just told him i would have someone available with the keys or make myself available to let him in if something happens.he was the landlord from hell.You better check if he put any hidden cameras because you never know.There are places you can find a device to beep when it finds one.Or you can go out and plant camera's in your home to find out if he's been in there while you are gone.He gave me the creeps and he wanted me evicted i went to court and just moved out.he was crazy,be careful and good luck
2006-07-27 10:30:55 · answer #9 · answered by redanimalmuppet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can if there is probable cause to due so like regular maintenance or safety inspections. They have to give you notice before entering under those circumstances. Review the information in your lease carefully sometimes the landlord may include entering the premise without notice. If you signed the lease then you agreed to this policy.
2006-07-27 10:28:28 · answer #10 · answered by Crazy girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the state or community you live in, yes he can, or no he can't.
I live in northern NY state... The landlord does not have the right to enter your rented premises. There are exceptions... 1) you are not current with your rent payment. 2) you have given express consent for him/her to enter. 3) emergency situations... your pipes are leaking into an adjacent residence, health concerns, etc.
You should check with your local government if to find out if there is any reason he would be allowed in without your permission.
2006-07-27 10:30:16 · answer #11 · answered by truthseeker909 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋