Ive been having big problems with my landlord. I share a duplex with him. I live on oneside of the house and he lives on the other. But we have different entrances, driveways, ect. The house is completely cut off so we dont see each other.
Since I moved in (about a year ago) I keep on either catching him IN my side or theres evdience that hes been inside. With out asking. He just comes in whenever he likes. And who knows what he is doing.
Twice I've caught him in the act. I came home and he was inside. One excuse was "your cat was about to jumpout the window" (I didnt have any open windows) the other "your toilet was making a funny noise"
Other times he would come in and turn off lights.. heat/air condtioner/tv. I pay for my eletric bill and all of that.
Ive asked him to stop and he doesnt. My sister is convinced that hes going through my underwear or something like that.
Can I change the lock.. or what can I do??
2007-10-30 12:26:48 · 16 answers · asked by nicoℓe 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Move!!!
Do you have a rental contract?
Most of these contracts have clauses that make it legal for the land lord to enter for maintenance or emergency etc & can notify you AFTER he has entered.
If he is continuing this practise after you have asked him not to, I would suggest you MOVE as soon as possible. Let him know why you are moving as well.
I don't want to creep you out but if you decide to stay, check for cameras.
2007-10-30 12:35:53 · answer #1 · answered by Bad M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A landlord can only enter a rented apartment or property with prior notice unless there is an immediate emergency (which does not appear to be the case here). You should find a new place to live and move as soon as possible. Also, set up some hidden cameras to prove that he/she is entering your rented property and record the times and dates of entry. This could be useful if you need to sue for a security deposit which your landlord may try to keep if you break your lease early. Legally, you cannot change the lock without the landlord's permission as it is their property, not yours. The best course of action is to move as soon as possible to a new place.
2007-10-30 13:00:16 · answer #2 · answered by msi_cord 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Landlords can basically come into the condominium in circumstances of emergency if he believes his sources is in impending danger or the lives of the tenant are in impending danger. What precisely which capability is open for interpretation. Having a puppy might desire to probable be deemed a hazard to his sources yet possibly isn't. plenty relies upon on the choose/Justice of the Peace's interpretation of the regulation and each now and then basically no rely if he likes you or not. no rely if it is not an emergency the owner might desire to offer 24 hour notice by capability of utilising telephone or written. Whoever stated you are able to have pets even nonetheless your lease states you won't be in a place to is a damn fool. BTW the owner having pets has not something to do with you. in case you want pets and you will't because of the fact your lease says NO PETS pass purchase a house and you will urinate throughout it in case you want to. A fish tank with water in it and fish is seen a puppy. An empty tank isn't something. i'm a Landlord in Michigan and that i understand the regulation.
2016-09-28 02:11:24 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can change the lock, however you are obligated to give the landlord a key so it will not achieve what you intend.
You can sue for breach of contract and trespassing. You may be released from the lease if that is the relief you seek.
You could also pursue criminal trespassing charges, however it may or may not fly. A call to the cops and them showing up while the land lord is in the apartment may be enough to break the chain.
2007-10-30 12:33:26 · answer #4 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know whether this is legal or not. It actually sounds very shady. Try the website www.freeadvice.com. There is a forum for landlord/tenant law. The moderators and many members are real attorneys who are great at leading you in the right direction. It's not to be confused with legal advice from a paid attorney but I've had really good luck there. I hope that it all works out.
2007-10-30 12:35:53 · answer #5 · answered by Zannie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check your state for tenant laws. When he rents that unit out he has the right for inspections, usually with 24 hour notice and preferrably in writing. Other than that, he has no right to enter your unit unless there is an emergency (gas smell, fire, fighting, so on)
Talk to the cops and ask and do like the others said and set up a camera. you'll find out what he's doing & have proof
2007-10-30 12:37:24 · answer #6 · answered by dee_dee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every landlords has the right to visit their premises which they have rented out but they have to give prior notice to the tenants and make an appointment with them to visit. When landlords request for a visit in a formal way, approvals from tenants are always expected. In your case, it is not a visit anymore but trespassing. You have every right to change the lock and if this problem continues you can even lodge a police report against him
2007-10-30 12:35:50 · answer #7 · answered by chesney c 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most states and most localities, a landlord is only allowed to enter a rented space to make repairs or to do maintenance. If there is a fire hazard, he may also enter to correct or investigate the problem. Check local ordinances. You have a reasonable right to privacy and your landlord should be staying out. You would be violating your rental agreement if you changed the locks without his permission. If it continues, call in the police.
2007-10-30 12:34:20 · answer #8 · answered by fangtaiyang 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put in a couple of hidden cameras and catch him in the act of whatever he is doing. Then sue him.
2007-10-30 12:32:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
What state are you in? In most states, a landlord's right to enter your apartment are strictly limited. But it does vary by state.
2007-10-30 14:03:31 · answer #10 · answered by the 13th juror 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋