How much control should a landlord have over a tenant's life?

Question

I'm frustrated about how much control my landlord has over my life. I want a dog, I want to have a birdfeeder, I want to smoke, I have two adult children who I want to be able to stay the night with me. I can do none of these things. I'm a clean, quiet tenant and I pay my rent on time. It seems to me that as long as I do not disturb my neighbors, pay my rent on time, and leave the apartment in good repair that I should be able to live my life. I'm curious about what others think. How much control over ones life should a landlord have? Over the past 40 years of renting, I've noticed that landlords have been given more and more control over the lives of tenants. Is anyone else out there frustrated about this? Does anyone else feel that because our economic statis is lower and we can not afford to buy a house, that our lives are limited and our happiness is affected? Our homes are the base of our lives, where all else begins. If we do not feel happy in our homes, then where?

Answer 1

I look at it from a different perspective.  

You say that landlord's have been given "more and more control over the lives of tenants."

I see it as landlord's have taken "more control in the upkeep and maintenance of their buildings"

You want a dog.  That is potential damage to carpets, floors, subfloors if there is a urination problem with the dog.  I've seen where literally the floors needed to be ripped out of a house because of a tenant with a dog.  Also, insurance companies have started holding landlord's responsible if the dog bites someone.  

Birdfeeder.  This can attract squirrels, mice and rats to the area of the property if not maintained well.

Smoke - Smoking leaves nicotine stains on the wall and the smell permeates everywhere.  This will require the walls to be cleaned, sealed then repainted.  Lot's of $$

Adult children staying the night?  That's additional tenants.

From a landlord's perspective I can say that everyone, even the biggest slobs in the world, tell you that they are clean and quiet.  Perfect tenants.  You don't find out that they aren't until it is too late and the damage has been done.

Answer 2

Your lease should say whether or not you can have a pet or smoke.  If  not then you can get a pet and smoke.  As far as having overnight visitors as a renter you have that right.  Most leases will say if the visitor stays more than 30 days, blah, blah.  But your children are free to stay overnight with you, unless you are renting a room in someone's private home.  You really ought to read your lease so you will know your rights.

Answer 3

if the lease agreement says no overnighters, then they cannot stay overnight without the landlord's consent.

All those things that you want now, did you mention those at the signing of the agreement? Agreements don't change unless you make amendments to them.

Since we are in a world of laws, contracts, and lawsuits, it's better for you to re-review your contract and see if it says anything about not having pets.

Answer 4

It depends on what your lease says.  Wish I had a better answer.  I've seen some interesting rental/lease agreements.

Answer 5

If your lease forbids all of the things you state...then that's just the way it is.  Your only option is to find your OWN place to live where you don't have to live by anyone else's rules.

Unfortunately...pets & smoking cause major damages.  Adult children add to the general wear and tear of an apartment as well as an increase in utilities....there may also be zoning laws on how many can be in a unit.  

You really can't expect a landlord to let you have free reign over his property just because you pay rent on time.

Answer 6

wtf its cause u missed up bussines and friends ur landlord thinks u guys are buddies like he/or she has dominion over you well i say let that landlord know, im paying rent here, if its not in the lease then damnit you can do it, dont worry honey

Answer 7

I'm a renter too.  And the overnight visitor restriction you have seems incredibly harsh and unnecessary.  However, I disagree with you on the no smoking and no pets policy.  Smokers and pet owners just don't understand how horrible non-smokers and some non-pet owners find apartments that have been smoked in and/or a pet lived in.  Smoke lingers forever as does dog smells.  Plus, with a dog or a cat, the liklihood of damage occuring to the apartment is incredibly high -- urine stains, places where a dog/cat has chewed or clawed.  So I don't agree with you on that aspect.  Perhaps you can negotiate with your landlord.  Most landlords I've had, when pressed, will waiver on certain issues, especially if you have the history of being a good tenant and/or offer to pay a deposit.