Someone that works for the apartment complex came by and found my mother in laws pet inside and now they want to charge us an outrageous amount of money, is this legal? They had to come into our apartment to see the pet because he doesnt go outside, he's trained on pee pads. Can they legally come into our apartment when we arent home, with no prior notice, and when we havent asked them to come by?
2006-12-20 14:42:04 · 11 answers · asked by b.a.m.n. 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Sure they can, and they can do so legally. They need a good reason, like they smelled smoke, or they are testing smoke alarms or otherwise doing some type of safety inspection. But it is their building, you just rent there.
If you don't like it, buy a house.
2006-12-20 14:45:00 · answer #1 · answered by non_apologetic_american 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can only do so in an emergency - suppose for example you had a water leak, and water was going into another apartment; or someone smelled gas, or something like that. Otherwise, they must give notice.
However, I'm sure they'll be ready with an excuse along those lines. If your lease does not permit pets, then you should get rid of the animal, or be prepared to pay what they ask, or be evicted. If you break the terms of the lease, they can get an eviction notice.
2006-12-20 22:46:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure what state your in but in California, No they must give you a 48 hr notice to enter your apartment with the reason stated on it. UNLESS they feel that there is imminate danger,water leak that could cause property damage or there is a fire alarm going off, someone inside yelling for help.
They can enter in some cases, but it has to be life or death sort of thing. They could have seen the pet in the window or someone complained about the noise.
I would go to the managers office and let them know that you were watching the pet for your mother in law for a short period of time, and what were they doing inside of your appartment?? What were there reasons for entering, and why were you not contacted first? If this continues get proof (ie, video,witness, ask neibors to watch for you)
Take what you have to the police and the properity management company.
good luck...
2006-12-20 22:51:42 · answer #3 · answered by ohdarnitsmeagain 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the State of Washington it is illegal for a landlord or their agents to come to the home without notice. The law here requires a two day written notice. I would bet that this is a country wide policy. The fact that they want to charge a fee is legal though. It is their right to require that damage done by a pet be covered by the pet's owner and a deposit given by you covers the potential damage. It should be refundable though.
2006-12-20 23:05:54 · answer #4 · answered by Ta Dah! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What does your lease say? You're lucky they didn't tell your mother in law to get rid of the pet because they would be within their rights to do so as their obviously was no pet depoist paid up front at lease signing. Yes they DO charge a pet deposit and I suggest you discuss having the dog learn how to use the outdoors for when it needs to go because those pads do nothing for the STENCH from pet urine. I wouldn't doubt that if she has an "adjoining" neighbor they probably complained of the smell.
2006-12-20 23:16:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My place asks if they have permission to enter when work is requested, as I think do most places. I don't know if it's illegal for them to come in otherwise, but I do know that most places do have a pet fee (if they allow pets, that is). If you don't pay it and are caught with a pet inside the place, they can indeed charge for that.
2006-12-20 22:57:03 · answer #6 · answered by Amy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are required to give you 24 hour notice before entering your apartment. Call a legal aid place in your city and talk with someone about what your rights are at this point.
2006-12-20 22:45:48 · answer #7 · answered by Raine 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Generally they need your permission to come in. If you want to challenge them on the money issue, see if there is a tenants rights service in your area. These are free and you should be able to get some good ideas on how to deal with your landlord.
2006-12-20 22:52:47 · answer #8 · answered by Arianne 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they shouldnt but no its not illegal becuz the manager still ownes the place and as it is his he has full and undenied acess to eveyroom in the place my dad is a manger and hes had the same problem he talked to a cop about it and thats what the cop said!
2006-12-20 22:46:36 · answer #9 · answered by dont shoot!!!! its just me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can only enter if it is an emergency or if they give you the required notice required by your state's law.
2006-12-20 22:44:17 · answer #10 · answered by legal citizen 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋