Our landlord (we live in a 10bedroom student house) comes in every month to check that the house is clean. The contract does not mention this, is he legally allowed to do this? (i.e. FORCE us to keep it clean)
2006-09-02 18:50:17 · 27 answers · asked by hitkaiser 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Yes he can, as long as he gives you reasonable notice first. His property is his investment, and of course he should have an interest in maintaining it. There could be a possible sanitation issue if he didn't. Why wouldn't you just want to keep it clean?
2006-09-02 18:53:47 · answer #1 · answered by Linda 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if it is in the lease and you sign it. In most states, it is legal for the property owner to be able to inspect for cleanliness, property damage, and lease infractions (such as extra people living there, unauthorized pets, etc.). Regardless that you are paying to live there, the landlord still owns the property. Since not keeping a living space clean can lead to pests (mice, bugs, etc.) or potentially unsafe conditions (mold, bacteria, etc.), that is the reason why it is legal for property owners to require that you keep the place clean. Generally these inspections are scheduled ahead of time, and occur when at least one leaseholder is present in the home.
2006-09-02 18:54:50 · answer #2 · answered by PurpleAnkh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not only is it legal it's recommended by all business groups that owners do so on a regular basis.
They however cannot drop in without notice. Typically it is 24 hours notice. Trust me they don't expect you to be perfect they are checking for damage or safety hazzards.
College students they expect pizza boxes clothes etc, if you have mounds of waste and filth they may warn you to 'clean up' or you'll get the heave ho, but most give even slob renters a chance to reform.
Don't worry about the inpsection unless you could get caught doing something illegal then since your college kids think of a plan for these monthly drop-ins for hiding your bong and stash. Come on we have all been through college I knew really this was your concern....! Have a plan kiddies and stick to it for his visits!
2006-09-02 18:59:58 · answer #3 · answered by Answerkeeper 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he would have to have it in the lease or rental agreement. i've never even heard of anyone doing that.
LANDLORD/TENANT LAW-RIGHT OF PRIVACY
The right to Privacy is a very important one. It means protection of personal information and against unwanted or excessive intrusions into the home by a Landlord or his/her agents.
Private information of tenants is normally given in the application process. Information about income, bank accounts debts, etc. is routinely provided when completing rental applications. While the right of privacy is waived for the purpose of the application, it is not waived as to the world. Thus, the law protects tenants in that a Landlord should not share that information with others.
Renting a home means that the tenant has bought, for a time, the exclusive right to possess that home. The landlord has legal title and the tenant has a form of possessor title to the property. That means the tenant has the exclusive right of possession of the home. Thus, people can not enter without special permission or statutory authority to do so.
In California, at least 24 hours notice is required for each intended entry. There is no special notice needed in emergencies. Specifically allowable reasons are needed for each entry. (See California Civil Code 1954 below). The right of entry must not be abused.
There is no general right in California to carry out routine inspections of the rental unit except that a waterbed installation may be inspected.
CIVIL CODE section 1954.
A landlord may enter the dwelling unit only in the following cases:
(a) In case of emergency.
(b) To make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen or contractors.
(c) When the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.
(d) Pursuant to court order. Except in cases of emergency or when the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises, entry may not be made during other than normal business hours unless the tenant consents at the time of entry.
The landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Except in cases of emergency, when the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises, or if it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant reasonable notice of his intent to enter and enter only during normal business hours. Twenty-four hours shall be presumed to be reasonable notice in absence of evidence to the contrary.
2006-09-02 18:57:12 · answer #4 · answered by tat2dprincess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are renting, it is his house. An unclean house attracts bugs which cause diseases. I don't know if he can legally do cleanliness checks, but he sure is doing you a service by making you keep a clean house which could also help keep you healthy. Read about the hazards of meningitis that can be caused by bacteria. Thank him!
2006-09-02 18:55:52 · answer #5 · answered by Bud B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've lived in situations similar to this...in the fact of many in a single dwelling...
You might have to check local laws, but I believe that they can do this because of the risk of roaches, mice, and the like. With that many people inhabiting a shared space, it only seems prudent to make sure that everyone is keeping things up to a certain standard of cleanliness
2006-09-02 18:55:23 · answer #6 · answered by Wizard of Oz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep the place clean and there will be no problems.
If you live in a pig sty then I dont blame the landlord wanting to see HIS house is being kept clean.
2006-09-02 19:33:39 · answer #7 · answered by Rich S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No - I don't think so as long as your cleanliness or lack of isn't causing a problem. Find out the housing authority or who controls rent and lanlord issue in your county and call them. How annoying and freaky is he!! Tell him no next time if you want and tell him if that is legal he can take you to court. But - you can expect problems from him then. Call someone to find out - contact a real estate lawyer and ask the office who you can call for landlord tenant problems. What a freak!
2006-09-02 18:52:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would say NO.
They can ONLY do an inspection ONCE A YEAR! They must give you at least 24 or more hours notice BEFORE coming.
Contact your local City for their rental ordinances.
READ your lease, contact an attorney & ask this question!
2006-09-02 18:54:49 · answer #9 · answered by jennifersuem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your landlord is the military, yes.. If you sign a contract which includes that in it, you are legally bound but, that is why they have a "landlord and tennant board".. To prevent such actions by landlords.
2006-09-02 18:53:40 · answer #10 · answered by mrcricket1932 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋