Did they violate my rights as a tenat???????

Question

Me and my husband are currently renting a home. yesterday we got a call at 11 am from the property manager that he would be there in 2 hrs to "inspect the property" We are 6 monthes into our lease and have rented in the past. I have never heard of such a thing! My husband explained that EVERYONE in the house had the flu and we would appreciate if we could do this another time. Nope he had to do it then. When he got there you would have thought we were doing our walk through at the end of the lease. He went through every room, closet, garage, the yard, etc. Taking notes all the while while basically bullying us and telling me how to "keep house" We are not messy dirty people, we dont put holes in walls, stain up the carpet, we dont let our kids draw on walls, etc. We actually take impecable care of this rental property. This being said we do LIVE in the house and have 2 kids so yes there may be a few dishes in the sink or a few toys pulled out in the play room, but nothing

major or dirty or gross. Were pretty clea clean people considering we have 2 munchkins tearing through the place. I have never felt soo. I felt like me privacy was invaded. All he did was criticize everything. Most of which was from the previous tenats not us. Nowhere in our lease agreement does it say anything about an inspection halfway through. Where our rights violated by being forced to let the property manager come in to inspect when we have given tham no reason to belive we are harming the property. (he has been in in the past for repairs)

According to him we are suppose to fix these things by monday

New mulch in the garden (had none when we moved in but we put some in in the spring)

Clean garage (he doesnt like our boxes being stacked in there he thinks they should be in the attic

All kids loose toys removed from our fenced backyard except there swing set

overall house cleaner (It was immaculate considering we have 2 kids and the flu plus no notice he was coming)

Answer 1

You can't deny him entry completely, but he had to give you 24 hours notice. He can inspect the property whenever he likes, as long as you have 24 hours, OR grant him permission. If you let him in then he legally "had permission". You needed to clearly say "no, come tomorrow". He can inspect your yards without notice, the notice only applies to entering your house.

It sounds like a neighbor called and complained. Are your kids old enough to be suspected of doing anything illegal?

Answer 2

There are a lot fo good answers here but I just wanted to let you know my story (I've been in the same situation as you before and am in it again right now!!)

At my partner's and my first flat we had serious problems with the owners turning up at all hours with tradespeople (he'd decided to do renovations halfway through our lease) and also letting himself in when we weren't there. He let himself in at least twice, and also was showing up with little or no notice...of course, being as naive as I was then, I was just letting him in even though I wasn't happy. Eventually we talked to our real estate who told him to stop, but he didn't so we threatened to take them to the tribunal. So they let us out of our lease early and with no time frame at all! It was great.

You absolutely need to check your lease, or if you can't find it, ask them for a new copy (then they'll know you're serious). Also contact your local tenants advisory service (there's usually at least one near every city) who can help you out for free - it's their job!

They definately breached the lease but unfortunately you did let him in, so the most he can probably get is a warning. At least it won't happen again if he gets one, and at least you're a little more savvy now and won't let him in at short notice ever again.

It could be worse - my partner and I found out that our townhouse has been put up for sale on thursday, with the first open house to be yesterday (sat) we had 40hrs notice that the house was even for sale let alone that there was going to be an open house. We're currently exploring our options but it seems that we can't do anything about it...we've got to keep the house spotless for 6wks, have open house every sat, and also inspections during the week. GREAT!!!

So, it could be worse ;) but best of luck.

Answer 3

That is a violation of your tennant rights. An apartment manager has no right to come and take a look around. The only time a Manager has that right is if there is a problem at the property. Such as a leak or something that is causing a problem with the dwelling. You are understandably correct when you say you feel violated. Call your local Police dept. and ask them about your rights on this.

Answer 4

How absurd! If you live in a big city you can probably get a copy of the landlord/tenant ordinances, online or by calling the city, that will explain your rights. Chicago has this. Of course there are state laws as well, but it might be easier to start with the city.

Answer 5

Unless they had reports of a major safety hazard
( leaking gas line , water line etc )
Or reports of criminal activity ,
They would have to ask your permission .
( or did your lease spec this mid-tenancy inspection ?)
If you said yes , that was your goof - up .
I would have said NO .
If you let them in , there was no violation .

Unless you live outside the US , then the property rules might be different .

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Answer 6

It depends on your lease and where you live. Where I live, the landlord must give 2 days written notice -- but I don't know about where you live.

at least you can hope they caught the flu; revenge.

Answer 7

A landlord can inspect as often as he or she wants to, but you were violated. 2 hours is not proper notice, by law they must give you 24.