The maintenance people at my townhouse always come to work on things while we are not there. It seems to me that they wait until we are gone to do the work. Is this legal? Doesn't the rental property have to give tenants some sort of notice before they enter the property? I just don't feel comfortable having these people in my home when we're not there and ecspecially without me knowing about it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. And if it is illegal, can you point me in the right direction so I can have a reference to show them.
2007-09-21 20:08:04 · 8 answers · asked by Big Daddy 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Note: I've read my lease in great deatil, and no where does it say that they can enter unless its an emergency
2007-09-21 20:39:30 · update #1
To the best of my knowledge, unless it is an emegency such as a fire in your unit, the landlord has to give you at least a 24 hour notice that they need to enter your apartment. That is your right. If you have a signed lease, it may even be indicated as such in one of the paragraphs. That would even be better to defend your case and gripe.
You should also be given the option of whether you prefer to be home when the workers enter your unit, or if you will allow the resident manager or owner to escort the workers in and stay there while they work for security reasons.
It is a major violation, in my opinion, that any workers would enter your unit unannounced. You have no advance warning giving you the time to store your valuables (jewelry, etc) in a safe non-exposed place.
You may want to contact a Landlord-Tenant attorney who specializes in this field. Often, they will at least talk to you to see if you have a case, and if they would be interested in pursuing it if necessary. Also contact the Fair Housing and Descrimination Dept. in your city, for the exact rules and violations.
In the meantime, take video or photos of your unit to make sure you can prove what possessions you own, in the event something turns up missing.
I would also suggest you contact your landlord both in writing and over the phone telling them that you are not comfortable with this arrangement. Before you lose your temper, find out your rights. You will have a better case. Landlords have a way of evicting tenants once they decide they don't like them. You don't want to end up on the wrong side of the fence even if you are facing the right way!
Good luck!
2007-09-21 20:31:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. The landlord or property manager has to give written notice in advance before any work can be done except in an emergency ( a tenant below you has a leaking ceiling).
Unless you have a lease that says they can enter anytime,they can't enter.
If you catch them in your apartment you can have them arrested for trespassing,theft if anything is missing.
Check with your local housing authority or an attorney.
Some do it yourself legal programs like Family Lawyer have legal forms and information on a CD with live legal help available or e-mail response.
2007-09-21 20:31:29 · answer #2 · answered by Ralph T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless the problem they are working on is an emergency and poses a threat to the property or other tenants, then YES, they have to notify you. They should give you AT LEAST 3 days written notice before entering your home.
2007-09-21 20:17:50 · answer #3 · answered by -^Chris^- 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is your home, and the landlord does NOT have a right to enter without your express permission. Same goes for maintenance people. It does not matter that your landlord owns the building -- you are paying for the privilege of having a PRIVATE area to live in, and that area is PRIVATE.
It is late, and I am not able to locate the relevant law reference(s). Check with your local government for details on any such law(s) pertaining to Privacy Rights for Renters.
2007-09-21 20:45:46 · answer #4 · answered by archerdude 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most states I know of this is illegal. Research your state statutes online and find and quote the statute to them, in writing. Tell them you want appropriate notice, and for people entering to be supervised from now on. They have to comply if it's in your state laws, quoting the exact statute usually scares them pretty good.
2007-09-21 20:22:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell yr landlord its a problem cuz if that was me i would flip out My landlord dont have main. ppl come in only when im home
Tell u dont want that to havent but they landlord can come in anytime cuz my scam lord does and he cuts the grass every3 to 4 weeks
2007-09-22 07:00:53 · answer #6 · answered by bobswiming 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is not legal. that is violation of tennits rights . read yur lease and see what it says about them landlord entering at anytime
2007-09-21 20:20:17 · answer #7 · answered by Kat J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-05 04:05:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋