Being watched?

Question

I am renting an apartment, and have been for over a year. Recently, I have been having alot of problems with them. They come into my apartment without leaving a note (they are supposed too) I have noticed that they have gone in my bedroom and gone through my closet and left my lights on.

I was recently told by my neighbor that they questioned her about me, and that they would be "watching me" but they didnt give her a reason why, and I cant think of ANY reason why they would single me out, out of all the tenants.

Is it legal for them to "watch me" or is this an envasion of privacy? I wasnt sure, since I rent from them..And I wanted to have any and all information that I could get before I called the front office about this issue.

Thanks for all your help!

I have complained to the rental office and they didnt believe me when I said that a member of maintenance entered my apartment. She said that "someone else might have" but NO one has a key but me.

Answer 1

Get a camera like the others have stated and document your invasion of privacy. also I was looking for an answer to your issue of them coming in unannounced....I say check your lease and contact an attorney. Here is something I found on"FreeAvdice.com"


"During the term of the lease, and for all intents and purposes, the home and the land it sits on "belongs" to your tenant, and you have no "right" to invade your tenant's "quiet enjoyment" of the property. The tenant may allow, or disallow, anyone he or she wants onto the land or in the home. You can tape a "request" to the door and ask the tenant, very nicely, to call you about the situation, but don't be surprised if he / she says "No." This also depends on what the lease says and the terms of any state statutes."

Answer 2

You might want to check with a real estate lawyer before going to the front office. I would also suggest checking over your lease.

No landlord ought to be able to "search" the home they have rented to you without warning. They should not be going into your apartment or your room and snooping around. You should be able to feel safe about your privacy. They should not be "Watching" you, nor questioning your neighbors. Yes, this is an invasion of privacy. You pay good money for the right to live there, and have your privacy.

You don't mention whether there is some reason they might have doubts about you. Are you a known convict/felon? are you dealing drugs from the premesis? Or making Crack? anything that might smell like a crack house? Running a brothel? Still, there are legal procedures, and you should definitely be talking to a lawyer.

Answer 3

How do you know they entered your apartment?

I can't say if your privacy has been invaded by "watching" or not. If they are just making sure you are living by the rules you agreed to live by, then no. If they are going through your personal belongings, or "watching" involves a camera then Yes, and you need the police to help you.

It is very odd that they would question a neighbor if you have done nothing wrong. Maybe someone made a complaint, and it could have been against the wrong tenant as this is the last you will hear of it.

Answer 4

If possible i would move. If not look for a local group that can give you some free legal advise or go to a lawyer for a consultation. You can also read some law books at the local college or library. Write or copy information that helps your case and site your sources so they know you aren't making things up. I would also ask why they feel they need to watch you. that may be grounds for some kind of legal action depending on the reason. Also get some of those nanny cameras so if you do need to go to the authorities you have proof. Also keep an up to date log of the days you think they have been in your house and why you think they were in your house ie kitchen light was on or closet door was open and clothes were out of place. the more you keep track of the more evidence you have against them. good luck

Answer 5

In the apartment that I live in they have to leave notes prior to entering my house for exterminations or changing the filters for the AC and heater and if they have to come in for any other reason they are required to get my verbal approval first. The only people that can enter your home and look through your things are the police and that's only if they have a search warrant. So yes, that is an invasion of privacy and you should contact the front office or the corporate headquarters of the property management company. If they don't do anything about it I would contact the police.

Answer 6

In most places the landlord has to give you notice before they may enter the apartment. They should not be entering your apartment with no notice and going through your things. You need to contact the management or a lawyer.

EDIT: Since you have mentioned it before, it would really be in your best interest to buy a camera and set it up in your apartment- they sell ones now that are very small and aren't too expensive. Or if you have a friend that has one, ask to borrow it. That way you'll have video evidence of who is entering your apartment and going through your personal belongings then you'll be able to take further action.

Answer 7

Yes, what they are doing is in all probabliity illegal, but check your local laws governing rental properties. Generally the management is not allowed to enter a premisies without notification to the person living in it. You also have the right to be present while they are there. Put a hidden camera in your place to catch them in the act. The next time they pull this, and you notice that lights are on, things out of place, call the police. This will probably be treated as a breaking and entering.

Answer 8

Don't call the office. Go there in person and make sure the maintenance manager is there too.

Legally, they can enter your apartment any time they wish but normally either announced or invited. Ask them face to face for their reasons and take notes on what they say.

Answer 9

They cannot go into your apartment anytime they want! It's illegal for them to go through your things!!! I'd tell the managment that if you find they have gone in there again without letting you know, you'll report them to the authorities!