I have a nosey Landlord! He has walked in my house without knocking 3 times!!!?

Question

I just rented a house on the 17th of this month and since then my landlord has walked in my house without "knocking" three seperate times!!! The first two times I saw he pulled up so I got dressed and before I know it he was already in the house. NOOOOO knock ... the second time I watched him as he came to the door and he lightly tapped the door once and started with the key immediately and bam...right there he was in my house. I was trying to be nice because he is elderly and my car was broke down and not at the house... He said he thought I was not home but yet he knew I would not have my car... Anyways... Last straw was today... I am laying in my bed 10am... and I hear my front door slam.. I freaked... I was yelling who is that and ran into the living room. There he is ... once again... He said he knocked several times... but I deffinately would have heard it and given his track record... I know he is lying... Then he said I thought you were not home... (My car is on the carport

and he knows that I work from home!!!) Not only this... but he mentioned to me this morning that I had my light on all night.(He was speaking about my patio light). I said yes, I keep it on all the time for security... he then says yeah I was driving down the street and I saw it on. He then says, "I always drive by I dont know why." I was at the point that I did not want to be rude... but I need my privacy and should not have to worry about him coming in my house without me letting him in. What are my rights in the state of Florida?? If anyone knows I would greatly appreciate the information. Thanks

I can't change the locks per the lease... Believe me I would like to : ). He may be doing this on purpose.... He may be a sick person but as of right now I dont think it is that. I think he just does not get it... and that he wants to make sure his property is being taken care of... I dont know. I will deffinately check up on the 24 hour notice... I just dont want him to start being nasty to me if I say something about him coming unannounced. I have been robbed three times in my lifetime and when he came in my house like that I felt the same way I did when I was robbed. I know I should not have to deal with that. Thanks for your help.

Thanks for all the advice!!!!

I would just like to add... that a few minutes ago I noticed my landlord come in my driveway... I saw he got out of his car and so I went to get fully dressed... I cam back and he was gone. Anyways... I noticed my garbage cans were at the curve. So he stopped and took my garbage to the road. I mean it is nice of him to do that...but leave it to me... and that just means once again that he is checking up on the residence....

He will be installing laminate floors in the kitchen soon... I dont think I will be getting rid of him anytime soon :(

I am deffinately going to go ahead and install locks for the inside... for when I am home. Hopefully that will at least keep him from barging in.


Thanks Again!!!

Answer 1

This is called unlawful entry as the landlord must provide a 24 hour notice to enter the premisis unless it is an emergency which these incidents were not. I would install a slide lock (not a chain) on all exterior doors and make certain they are engaged when you are home. In the city where my rentals are located, a slide lock for personal safety is not considered to be "unlawfully changing the locks" when they "can only be engaged while the occupant is physically present in the rental". Further, if he continues to attemt to enter without notice, you will have to take action. If you have a tenant/landlord resolution board in your city, consult with them for the proper proceedure to make a formal complaint. If not, find an attorney with a free 1/2 hour consultation by contacting your local Bar Association for advice as to how to proceed in your state. Good Luck!

Answer 2

It really comes down to what remedy you are looking for. Unless it is an emergency a landlord may not just enter a rental unit without reasonable notice, it violates your right to quit enjoyment of the rental.

Now the real question how to handle the situation. I would assume since you are in Florida, it's an elderly owner who is used to snooping on his property. This is evident by his behavior so far.

You could and try and talk to him, wouldn't go the illegal route just yet would save that in future if you can not work it out the illegal entry would be just cause to terminate lease without penalty

Talking would be the best bet, if it does not work out then plan on breaking the lease and find a new unit. The next recourse after the talk does not produce result is to take a hard line. Next time he does it call the police right away, w/o reasonable notice it could be considered trespassing, plus you the tenant a female, landlord is male, under those circumstances I bet a male cop would be inclined to your position

Answer 3

I know is that if you were in the UK the landlord would be breaking his contract and comitting an offence. In this country a landlord must give 24hours notice and never enter a property without having consent.

Of course you should try to have a good relationship with the landlord so I would come out and tell him you require 24 hours notice in future.

Does your Lease agreement say anything about the ladlord accessing the property? If so I would show him a copy!

He should only be allowed to enter in the case of an emergency.

Answer 4

In any state- this is invasion of privacy, and you could sue based on your constitutional rights. The laws vary from state to state- but generally the landlord must give you 24 hours notice before entering the house, even if there is a "i can come in whenever i want to clause" in the lease. Speak to a lawyer- i am sure that you can pursue something in regards to this.

Answer 5

It depends on the contract you signed when renting the place. If the contract stated, as it usually does, that he could walk in anytime he pleases then he can do it because you signed it saying that you agree to it. If you did not sign a contract, or it did not state this then you have two options, 1) Put a dead bolt on the door, and a chain 2) When he comes in again wait around the corner with a baseball bat, and when he turns the corner smash his head in, and when you get asked why you smashed his head in, say that you thought he was an intruder/rapist. The second one sounds the funnest! Your choice.

Answer 6

No landlord has the right to enter your home without prior notice. given the fact the your lease says you cannot change the lock-I'd do it anyways. Even if he is elderly what the hell is he doing in YOUR home? Politely ask him to phone before he decides to DROP IN. In fact demand he Phone.

Answer 7

That is ridiculously creepy. Lock your deadbolt if you have one. Even if he doesn't have some creepy or illegal motive (going through your stuff or whatever) then it's still highly intrusive. If he keeps it up, tell him you're going to do everything it takes to get out of the lease, including going to the cops.

Double-check the language of your lease, especially everything that refers to when and why the owner has the right to visit the property.

Answer 8

The man is obviously in need of help for something. He may just have a crush on you, or it is more serious. I would call the police to ask their advice, Whatever his motive, it is totally wrong

Answer 9

I say change your locks ASAP! Make sure your windows are locked too and have some curtains.