My Landlord just called me out of the blue to tell me he wanted to have a walk-through of the Apartment before the end of the month. He wanted to do it tomorrow, but I pushed for Wednesday (I know legally he must give 48 hours notice). When I asked him why he stated it was for insurance purposes.
We have not been late on any of our rent payments (he in fact has 6 months of post dated cheques) and we have not had any complaints against us from other tenants - anyone have any idea what "insurance purpose" he would be referring to?
I'm not that worried about my side of the house, but my room mate's room is another story - yet that's not even what bothers me, it's just kind of...a bad feeling to have someone root through your stuff.
2007-10-29 12:04:00 · 9 answers · asked by Montana A 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Title should say "Requesting" - sorry.
2007-10-29 12:07:27 · update #1
I don't know where you live, but the regulations are similar in most parts of North America.
Under the Residential Tenancy Act {in British Columbia}, written notice stating time, date and purpose of entry MUST be given in writing, except in the case of an emergency [such as a plumbing leak ]. You are entitled to be present, and under NO circumstances can a building manager or owner "root through your stuff."
"Insurance purposes" means that the landlord or his representative is bringing an insurance agent to the premises to assess the liabilities {better tell your room mate to tidy up--it's just good karma, you know?} and figure out what the value of the building would be. If everything is in good shape, the cost of insurance stays reasonable. The agent may advise the landlord to make certain improvements, which may mean the rent goes up. Check to be sure if there are any limits to the amount of rent increases in your city.
As you mention the lack of complaints and fact that you're up-to-date on your rent, I'm assuming you are worried about getting evicted. Again, laws are pretty similar everywhere when it comes down to it. If you are doing everything you should, the landlord has no cause to issue an eviction notice. This too must always be given in writing and cannot be done for a trivial reason.
2007-10-29 12:31:21 · answer #1 · answered by Gryphon Noir 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It could very well be for insurance purposes. He might be changing insurance companies.
At any rate, your lease probably give him the right to periodic inspections. He did give you advance notice. Don't worry about it. Just tell your roommate to clean up his space.
Oh and they shouldn't be going thru any of your stuff. They should just be looking at the structural part.
2007-10-29 19:13:12 · answer #2 · answered by bdancer222 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He should not be rooting through your stuff but rather looking at the structure. He may be getting ready to put the home on the market and needs a run through to see how things are being cared for.
2007-10-29 19:11:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes your landlord can request a inspection at any time with properly notice ,but they can not touch any of your personal
stuff all they can do is look and comment on what they see.
it could also be that they are getting ready to sell the place or they have change insurance co. either way i wouldn't worrie
about it
2007-10-29 19:26:22 · answer #4 · answered by floydwashin 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He has no business "rooting" through your stuff, just walking through and seeing what is in plain sight. He should only be looking at the structure and for fire hazards. He should not be touching anything except possibly the structure of the apartment.
2007-10-29 19:25:24 · answer #5 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dont know how legal it is, but be there when he does come through. if you keep your own insurance (rental) then there shouldnt be an insurance issue. he may be getting ready to sell, or just be a nosy landlord. clean up quick and make sure nothing you dont want seen is visible. read through your lease quick and see if there are any no no's lying around. if you have nothing to hide its all just an inconvience for you. sucks but....
its not fun having someone go through your stuff at all.. just be there when he goes through. GL
2007-10-29 19:13:52 · answer #6 · answered by peanutran 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Typically, new insurers want to take a look at their risk before issuing a new policy. I wouldn't worry about it unless you or your roommate have done some kind of damage to the apartment.
2007-10-29 19:11:57 · answer #7 · answered by Scott K 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I doubt the landlord is interested in "rooting through your stuff." He/she is interested in seeing if there are any health and safety code violations - alterations to electrical wiring, blocked exits, storage of hazardous materials, etc.
Its a legitimate concern for landlords. As long as they are giving reasonable notice, it should be no big deal.
2007-10-29 19:14:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They won't be going through your stuff. And they only have to give you 24 hours notice. Just have the place picked up.
2007-10-30 00:09:47 · answer #9 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋