Do landlords in PA have to give you prior notice before entering your home or can they come in as they please?

Question

When I came home today my I found a funny little note from my landlord about how dirty my house was, I can only assume he meant the undone dishes in the sink and he pizza box on the counter from this morning's breakfast of leftover pizza. I am confused because I was told that I would be given notice if they were coming over so I could be there. Furthermore, my lease doesn't specify one way or the other, it just says they are allowed to inspect the house. I became even more confused when I couldn't find info on the internet I didn't have to pay for. Could someone enlighten me to my rights?

Answer 1

Most states require 24 hr notice before entering. Also even if they do come in after 24 hr notice - they don't have any right to care how you keep house as long as it is not completely neglected and you are not damaging the property.

Answer 2

I was a landlord as part of our family business in Ohio for over 25 years ....

MOST states require that a landlord give 24 hours notice prior to entering the premises of a tenant except for an Emergency ....

I'd talk to my landlord FIRST ..... If he gets rude and trys to blow you off .. go to the Landlord-Tenant Division of your local court ....

he "Could" actually be guilty of TRESPASSING ..... and "Could" go to jail ...

Answer 3

If it was really, truly as simple as a few unwashed dishes and a single pizza box I would send a strongly worded note along the lines of:

"My dishwashing habits are of absolutely no concern of yours. Your presence in my home, except by direct invitation by me is not welcome. State law requires formal advance notice to be given before each and every instance of a landlord entering a premises.

"I shall pursue the limit of my legal rights in this regard, up to and including home invasion and harassment. There are criminal and civil sanctions possible.

"I prefer a mature, civil relationship between us. I will not hesitate to defend my right to quiet enjoyment of my home."

Answer 4

check your lease before you consult an attorney.

Answer 5

In NY I know that a landlord has to give notice to enter the premises unless the tenant is home at the time and then the tenant can deny access for 24 hours.  as for PA I'm not sure but the law can't be much different.  contact a real estate agency, most of them own apt. buildings or contact the police an investigator should know the answer to that question because if the landlord isn't allowed in then they committed the crime of trespass.

Answer 6

If your lease doesn't say then it was legal but you can stop it in the future.  Call the landlord and tell them that from now on you want to be notified when they will be entering your apartment and that they are not allowed to do so without your permission.  After you make the phone call send them a certified letter saying the exact same thing so you have proof. if it happens after that it will be illegal.