Can I refuse to allow my land lord to enter my home?

Question

I live in an apartment complex and they are constantly sending out 24 hour advance notices to let tennants know that they will be entering the apartment on a certain day between certain hours. Supposedly the reason to enter is to inspect the interior of the apartment and ascess the condition of the ceiling, carpets, appliances, etc., for insurance purposes. That is all fine and dandy, but why do they need to do it several times a year? Isn't once per year enough? I am starting to question the validity of these inspections. I have cooperated in the past however it plays havoc on my day. The "inspection" is during my work hours, which means I must take time off to be home for the inspection. I don't know what time they will be to my apartment as all I am told is a "target" time. Sometimes they are early and then sometimes miss the "target" time completely. I do not want to cause trouble but I don't want them entering my apartment when I am not here. Can I refuse to allow them to enter?

Answer 1

NO you cannot refuse the landlord permission to enter your apt at a reasonable time. NO you do not have to be there when they do enter. And NO its not your apartment its there's. If it was yours they wouldn't be entering it.

Answer 2

Generally, you cannot unreasonably refuse entry.

There is no reason for you to be present and take time off work - that is your choice. They can enter whether you are home or not.

Check you state's laws. Most states allow the landlord entry to inspect as long as proper written notice is given.

There are no limits on how many times per year they may enter to inspect, but if it is between 3-6 times per year, it is reasonable.

Answer 3

Having been an onsite manager, we would do various inspections, often for seaonal reasons.  For example in late summer I would go and check all the heaters, in late winter I would check all the air conditioners.  If I found some not working, I could get the repair people to fix them before they got so busy that we couldn't get them fixed before they were needed.

If you have reason to not trust building management, you might put a lock on a closet door and move possessions you are concerned about in there, before an inspection and go to work, or set up a "nanny cam" just to be sure that the things they are doing in your place are legit.  If it turns out they're not, you have proof, and your wages cause you went to work.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

You can not refuse entry.

It is not your apartment, it is their property and they have full rights to inspect and maintain it.

Your landlord is doing everything legally, including entering during normal business hours.

You should not be required to be home, but if you want to be that is your choice.

I only enter mine once a year, to change alarm batteries and air filters, but I can see that many would do the same thing twice a year.

Answer 5

Check your lease.  It probably has a provision giving the landlord the right to enter as necessary for reasonable purposes.

Answer 6

Check your lease.  It is a standard provision in leases that the landlord is allowed to enter the premises after giving proper notice to perform work or inspections related to the property.  Several times a year does seem excessive, so why don't you ask him about it?  Maybe he is trying to keep the rent down by keeping the insurance down, and doing this requires several inspections a year.  Just ask.  In any event, you don't have to be home and you don't have to worry about them invading your privacy either.  They are there for business purposes only, and they aren't interested in your personal belongings.  And no, you cannot refuse to allow them to enter.  This is just one of the inconveniences of renting, so try not to get too upset about it.

Answer 7

NOPE---READ your lease carefully

24 hour notice is required and for reasonable purposes

your lease may set up quarterly inspections or annual

and for fixing something

Talk to them about your feelings, see if there is some compromise

Answer 8

Sorry...He owns the property. He can enter monthly if he wants to as long as he gives you 24 hours notice

Answer 9

talk is good ask for a better time

he might have a good reason ask him

if you can not work it out and it is more hassle than its worth let him know why you are moving