I was having an afternoon nap with my baby, we were alone in the apartment. The door was locked using the deadbolt. Suddently I heard some sound, came into the living room and saw the living room door open and one guy doing the maintenance work on our living room window. (We had requested for a maintenance few weeks back). I asked him how he got in, he said he knocked a few times and then opened with the spare keys he had.
I feel really uncomfortable after this. What do you feel? I feel going to the apartment management and speaking to them regarding this.
2006-08-15
09:15:55
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18 answers
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asked by
Newme
3
in
Society & Culture
➔ Etiquette
Thank you all very much! I really did not expect these many helping hands.. I am feeling so happy now that lot of goodness do exist in this world.. No 'best answer' as I cannot select all the answers as best.
I met the management people and talked with them regarding this as a concern, and they promised that it will not happen in future and they will call in advance.
Also, need to buy the chain lock ASAP.
Thank you again!
2006-08-15
13:54:46 ·
update #1
The maintenance guy shouldn't have done that. You're right to speak to the management.
2006-08-15 09:20:35
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answer #1
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answered by yahoohoo 6
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First of all did they advise you when they were coming? Did you ever give them permission to come into the home when you where not in (except for emergencies of course). If you did not then what he did was illegal. Check with the local laws and your lease etc but that is completely illegal key or no key.
You need to get yourself a chain or a bolt that is only used when you are in the home so that no one can come in unless you let them in.
Definately talk ot your mgt company and advise them that what they did is really illegal - this guy had no permission to enter the apt.
I am a landlady and know here in NY you cannot do that without permission from the person occupying the premises unless it is an emergency such as a gas leak, water leak, or fire etc
2006-08-15 16:26:01
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answer #2
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answered by nukmeister1 2
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I do not think that is Legal. You need to check it out with the fair housing laws. They are supposed to set up an appointment time just like any other repair company. What if you had been walking aorund in the buff? Or just did not feel like answering the door? Nope this is wrong. I am sure of it. I think for peace of mind I would go out and buy and install a floor lock or a slide lock that you have to undo from inside the apartment. This way they know someone is in there and if they still come in its a crime.
2006-08-15 16:24:47
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answer #3
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answered by curiosity 4
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Yes you should speak to the apartment management. They should not just enter your apartment with out your knowledge like that. They should call and schedule a time when they can come by or knock and if they don't get an answer, leave a note asking for a good time when they can come by.
2006-08-15 16:23:26
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answer #4
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answered by John 6
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When you're renting an apartment, or any housing for that matter, even if you have asked for maintenance to be done, the owner/management is required to give you 24 hours notice of entrance. It's law actually.
The only other way to get around that would have been to call you first and then, if you're all right with it and going to be home, they can enter without that 24 hours notice.
It's a great way to get sued for breach of a contract, and breach of privacy.
I'd definately be in contact with management
2006-08-15 16:23:25
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answer #5
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answered by Kristain 3
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I would mention it to the apartment management, but you also have to understand that he was doing his job.
If he had, indeed knocked and not recieved an answer, it would be safe to assume that you weren't home. Since you life in an apartment and he is in maintenance, it shouldn't be required of him to know what everyone's car looks like, either...and that would be the only other way he would know if you were home or not.
Just mention it to them, and ask the guy to knock a little louder next time.
2006-08-15 18:29:47
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answer #6
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answered by Autumn BrighTree 6
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You should first look into your landlord tenant agreement to make sure that they can enter your apartment without your permission or without someone being present. Also, find out if a contractor can be in your apartment unescorted or not. Most of the time, the buildings superintendent is present. Upon finding you in the apartment, he should have brought it to the superintendents attention that you were there. Also a notice or a confirmation of when work was going to be done should have been discussed with you.
2006-08-15 16:25:42
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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Technically he had all rights to enter in the place since you and your hubby asked for the maitenence. The office has to have keys to the apartment so that they can do maitenence. When he knocked and no one answered he assumed no one was home and being as such he went about his business. Just mention it to your manager if they can't get the work done immediately to give you a written notice when it may be done so you can expect someone to come in.
2006-08-15 16:23:25
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answer #8
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answered by Lasher702 3
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I believe that the apartment management should have contacted you prior to maintenance arrival, to notify you that someone would be coming to do the repairs. That way you could have been prepared, or at least been aware.
2006-08-15 16:29:16
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answer #9
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answered by brownsugar_smile 2
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I DO NOT like that... Yes, I would go to the apartment manager and talk to him about it.. not to PROTEST necessarily but to voice your concerns(and mine if I was there).. That is NOT a good thing.. they should have some way of notifying you in advance.... OH NO.. I would not put up with that.
2006-08-15 16:26:27
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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