My manager gave me notice that he wants to enter my apartment to do an "inspection". The notice he gave wasn't very descriptive and I don't know what my rights are. Are they aloud to go into the bedrooms, open closets, etc? Don't they have to tell me what they want to do, or look into. Or are they just aloud to come into my home and roam freely throughout my apartment? Here's the thing, he's a "slum lord" of sorts and I don't think his motives are pure. If anyone has had previous experience with this, or just plain knows the law and can give me some advice that would be great.
2007-09-19 16:09:53 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
As long as he has given notice, he is entitled to an inspection. He can look in all rooms, but he cannot go through your stuff. Unless there is an electrical panel, plumbing access, or something similar in the closets, there isn't anything for him to see, unless the roof is leaking and he is checking the ceilings. Landlords get put between a rock and a hard place. People claim privacy laws protect them, but landlords who don't inspect get stuck with major repairs, sometimes even demolition orders, after tenants set up meth labs or grow-ops. You protect your interests by meeting him for the inspection and walking about with him.
2007-09-19 16:22:11 · answer #1 · answered by Fred C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the question I would have is "to inspect what"? The smoke alarm? (which the fire department is normally present for depending on where you live).
Landlords do have certain rights of entry. Find out what he's intending to inspect and be home for it (I would make sure I had a friend or significant other present just in case of anything). Don't let him roam freely through you're belongings. He's definitely not aloud to do that. The most he could do is make sure your not damaging his property. He has no legal right to look at "your" property.
2007-09-19 16:31:20 · answer #2 · answered by daBreezemeister 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In all honesty you do not have many rights; however if you feel that your things were snooped through.. you may want to take it a little further.. Proof is huge.. Unfortunately, irrespective of what your lease says.. this is your landlord. Now, I am not saying that he can do whatever he wants; however just like there are ways around other things.. he may have the ability to cause trouble or make living there more horrendous than now.
It is unfortunate when you are renting that someone has that type of 'power' - yet, at the same time renting can be fun.. if something goes out. it's not your financial burden.. but, at the same time .. it is hard to let someone with little to no scruples come in when you are not around. This is a hard one and I am not sure if I am being any help.. but document what you can.. prove wrongdoing when and if you can and then try to find a more reputable landlord when your lease is almost up.
I wish you well1
2007-09-19 16:25:11 · answer #3 · answered by 343 Remember 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the landlord does have the right to come in and inspect the premises with proper notice given. which he has done. he doesn't have to give a specific reason because he can check that you are upkeeping the premises in good order. however, i don't believe he should be allowed to touch any of your personal things or 'rummage around'. if i were you, i would be there or have a trusted friend be there when the inspection occurs. if you suspect this guy of scoping you out for potential theft...then i would hide any real valuables. you may want to contact your local police district...i believe they will send out an escort if you feel uncomfortable being alone with the landlord in the premises. but realize that your landlord probably has a spare key to your place and could realistically go in or out as he pleases when you're not there (illegally of course). so if he wants to rip you off, he has that ability already.
2007-09-19 16:22:54 · answer #4 · answered by handygirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is allowed to inspect the property since he owns it, many landlords and property managers do this pretty regularly. If you think he might cross you, make sure you're present when he does the inspection. Also, he is only allowed to inspect the property, meaning the structure, not your personal belongings. He can't go in you dresser (providing you own it) but he could go in the closet to inspect the walls, floor, ceiling, etc.
2007-09-19 16:17:28 · answer #5 · answered by Josh 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since he gave you notice, he can enter your apartment. You, also have rights. He should be required to tell you what he is "inspecting" for. You also have the right to have someone accompany him on his inspection. He can only inspect for things he may be responsible for due to damage. Meaning no going through drawers and such. You may want him to set a time and be there to "assist" him.
2007-09-19 16:20:16 · answer #6 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
usually their motives aren't pure -- i wouldn't resist if you have no reason to resist though. they are usually looking for signs that you have breached your lease -- extra roommates, pets, colonies of cockroaches living in pots full of month old beefaroni -- that kind of stuff.
if you are good on all counts you have nothing to loose but a great way to make the landlord feel stupid.
2007-09-19 16:20:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋