Is a private housing landlord allowed to make major renovations in your apt, and be allowed access 24/7?

Question

my greedy landlord rised our rent by 600 dollars and she says it's because she is going to do major renovations to the apt, and she also stated she needs to have access to the apt 24/7 so the workers can go and come as they please. So i was wondering what legal rights I have, should I still be paying the same amount of rent while our apt is going to be fixed, since this is going to be a major inconvienece for us and also is she allowed to have access to apt 24/7 while this is going on. I would be very, very grateful for some advice, if you know about my rights or if there is a phone no. or website that would be helpfull? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

You need to call either housing department/court or the landlord/tenant board. Laws differ from region to region, but to me it sounds like you would probably have some sort of recourse through the courts. Best of luck.

Answer 2

When Landlord Can Enter Rental
When renting a home, a very common problem is the tenant’s privacy and entering the rental unit. There have been many problems of landlords and property managers entering rentals without permission of tenants. Landlords must give notice to tenant’s before they can enter a rental, except in the case of an emergency. A landlord must receive a tenant’s consent before they or people hired by the landlord can enter a tenant’s rental. A tenant cannot unreasonably deny access to the landlord. Below are the landlords required notice periods:


A landlord must give tenant 24 hours advance notice if the landlord would like to show the rental to a prospective tenant or buyer.
A landlord must give tenant 48 hours advance notice if the landlord wants to enter rental for an inspection or to do work or repairs.
The landlord does not have to give advance notice if they must enter the rental for an emergency.
If the landlord leaves a note on the door of rental or a message on the tenant’s answering machine and does not hear a “no” back from the tenant or receive a call to reschedule, the landlord may enter the rental.

A tenant cannot “unreasonably deny access” to the landlord. It is a good idea to communicate with the landlord in writing when rescheduling.
Laws vary state-by-state, check with your state for specific laws and regulations on landlord notice periods.

Tenant's Right Of Written Rent Increase Notice
Landlords are allowed to increase rent for a rental home, when the lease expires. Landlords are required to give current tenants a minimum of 30 days written notice before then can impose an annual allowable rent increase under rent control laws. Landlords can only raise rent if the tenant is not locked into a lease and providing they have given tenants the appropriate written notice
stating the rent increase and when.

Answer 3

1. do you have a lease? i do not think so. if you did, she could not, under the terms of most standard leases, up your rent like that--actually, not even by one penny during the term of your lease.

2. who cares (you shouldn't) what she claims she will do? let her huff and puff and try to blow you out of your apartment with her grandiose ideas of renovating your dwelling while you retain a legal tenancy. (you can call a real estate attorney or go to legal eagle websites to ask what, exactly, is a legal tenancy, or, a leasehold).

3. no, under all landlord-tenant acts across the usa, a landlord cannot take the right of "quiet enjoyment" of your premises from you.

4. neither can she impose danger upon you. if workmen were to be coming and going at their will, 24/7, as she huffingly claims they will, then they could steal your property as you slept, correct?

5. and, on top of that, if the workmen were to tear down walls, spreading dust inside of your airspace, i am sure a judge would agree that she were creating a health hazard to you.

did she give you anything in writing as to her plans? why don't you tell her that you want her to document what she intends to do, and when she intends to do it. say it like you are a real dummy. you just might get it in writing. (only you, not i, know how she acts, so you probably know what buttons you should press to get this).

if you get it in writing, GREAT! then take that over to the city's department of inspectional services. ask them what you should do. if they say they can't do anything, then:

call the city's department of landlord-tenant complaints, or go to a real estate attorney or go to a local law school to get a volunteer to help you file a complaint against her.

why are you paying her an extra $600/month? you are not enjoying the renovated apartment, you are living in a dump. i know what she wants to do: she wants to sell the apartments as condos, but that is not your concern. your concern is for your money and for your safety and for all the laws that all municipalities have put in place to protect YOU. i see that your landlord thinks that we live in soviet russia!

Answer 4

It depends on the state/county in which you live. Tenants rights will vary.

Best thing for you to do is to go down to your DA's office and go to their Consumer Affairs department. You might also be able to do a search online or at your public library for tenants rights for your state.