truthsmiles
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I just bought my third rental and needed a quick answer from a real estate attorney about filing deeds, so I went to Avvo (great site) and got one. While I was there I started browsing 'related' questions and found HEAPS of tenants asking about landlords entering with no notice and what remedies they had. Wait, what?
Maybe I'm not cut out to be a landlord, but I can't understand why any landlord would enter without notice. First, it's f---ing illegal. Most states have notification requirements like 24 hours - it doesn't matter what the lease agreement says - it can't supercede the LAW.
Second, forget the law... How about some damn respect? My tenants work their asses off to pay ME for the privilege to enjoy their home in privacy. Yes, I'm technically the owner, but the whole f---ing reason they pay me probably 1/4 of the money they bring in (maybe more) is so they have a home they can feel secure in. That is literally what they're paying for! If I don't respect THAT, how can I expect them to respect my property?
Ugh. To all you poor bastards out there with terrible landlords, I'm sorry. If you ever rent from me I may not unclog that pipe until tomorrow, but the least I can promise is that I'll respect your rights.
(PS - I know someone's going to say landlords can enter in emergencies. Yes, of course, if the house is on fire and I happen to be standing next to it I will definitely enter - but mostly to make sure nobody is inside dying. Other than fire, there are very few TRUE emergencies that don't warrant at least a knock and a polite request to enter.)
babyblues10
Yeah, can you come slap some sense into my crackhead landlords? The shit that happens in this building...
QuickGoogleSearch
I've personally had a landlord do this. She even went into our bedroom while we weren't home. It's so violating.
Magnum314
I always give notice and ask tenant's approval unless in an emergency. It's the legal way and the most respectful.
truthsmiles
Good on you! I'm glad to hear I'm not alone. Once I was looking to buy a 6-plex and the owner was showing it to me. Didn't even knock.
ThatNoPicklePeeThatNoPumpARum
This is why I change the locks. They called me once while I was out about how they couldnt open the door....
truthsmiles
You might be in violation of your lease doing that, but now I definitely understand why people do.
SeriouslyAwkward
We treat out tenants like family. If your good to us we're good to you. Our last tenant gave us fish and we gave him fish whenever we go
SeriouslyAwkward
Fishing. Absolutely loves the guy. Best tenant ever, sad he moved to Taiwan to teach English.
stopitlucas
Thank you, op! Another reason is pets. I don't want my landlord entering without my putting my dog in her box.
ilovevanhalen
My bfs old landlord came in on me & my bf, he was going down on me, pretty intensely I might add & she had the nerve to get angry at us
ilovevanhalen
Then to say fuck you to her, we walked around naked within the apartment,she walked in on my bf naked for a "bug" check while he was pooping
ilovevanhalen
When we moved after the 1st year,we apparently carried bed bugs from that apartment to the new one. but 1k $ bug treat later, were fine :/
Reaperkul
In college me and 10 other people rented a house. Front door locked and all rooms were lockable. Land lord showing house for next 1/2
Reaperkul
Semester land lord unlocked every door. To let strangers go in our rooms. room mate was sleeping and she woke up to people in her room. 2/2
truthsmiles
Oh god... I mean, technically it's legal if they gave notice, but pretty creepy not to just say "sorry!" and close the door.
MrStickyCheeks
Buy my house so I can rent it from you.
truthsmiles
Haha not the worst idea in the world. I have dishwashers, air conditioners, all sorts of plumbing and elec equip stored just for repairs.
azgrak
Come in my residence without me specifically inviting you in is you asking to get shot. That said I use doorstop type braces to bar my 1/2
azgrak
Doors at night. Never rely on a cheap landlord to change the locks with a new tenant. A girlfriend paid a heavy price for that assumption.
Kharadriisa
landlord here didn't even change the mailbox keys. They only had one since last tenant kept one. I had to pay to get it changed.
truthsmiles
I will always change locks. I'd assume the old tenant has copies of the key.
Tastesicle
I learned a ton when being a property manager for my father-in-law. Not only did I give notice, but it was usually a week in advance, when
Tastesicle
No one was home if they preferred, but the notice was in duplicate in the mail in case hubby forgot to tell wife. Each entry listed each
Tastesicle
Person or company, the time period down to a four-hour block, date and reason.
truthsmiles
Good idea - I think I'll steal this! Usually I just call and won't go in unless there's an adult actually there. If not, I come back later.
DiceHateMe
I once woke up to a strange man in my apartment outside my bedroom. I was given no notice pest control was coming and apparently had a key.
truthsmiles
Not cool.
Dyslexicbirch
My landlord lives on the other side of the country so im good
MisterRogersinabloodstainedsweater
When my daughter was a baby, we used to live in a total shitshow apartment. It was bsmt, had the furnace room in it. OLD af. I worked a lot
MisterRogersinabloodstainedsweater
And was getting my 1.5 hours sleep at 6am, he would just walk in to "check on the furnace". I almost tko' d him one morning, 1/3
MisterRogersinabloodstainedsweater
Found out later (after filing complaints and moving) he had done this for years.
truthsmiles
jeez :-/
MisterRogersinabloodstainedsweater
There is so much more to it, but you get the general idea.
truthsmiles
So much creepiness. I mean, I guess it's a perfect job for being creepy if you want to be. I shouldn't be surprised.
slappindatitties
Lived in a place 4+ yrs and everything was fine with landlord. Market and neighborhood became better = more money in rent. Makes sense. 1/
slappindatitties
Landlord served us with eviction papers without notice and probable cause. Also without offering us a new lease. His workers started 2/
slappindatitties
Coming in and working on petty things while we were at work. Things came up missing. Had to leave him a vmail and tell him I'd see him 3/
slappindatitties
In eviction court and to NOT enter my home again. Was the only case out of 100 that day to win. Sued him for time out of work, 2x deposit 4/
slappindatitties
And the items he stole. I'm pretty sure he is still licking his wounds as the house is now for sale. Fin.
truthsmiles
Weird - I mean, I try to understand WHY people do things, even if it's a bad reason, but I can't figure this one out...
ColdBeerHotNight
I used to live in Lincoln, NE and my coworkers ALWAYS complained about intrusive landlords poking around INSIDE their apartments. Ew, right?
truthsmiles
I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess your coworkers were female and the landlord was male(?)
ColdBeerHotNight
Interestingly no, 3 out of the 5 landlords were female. One came home to find his landlord standing in the kitchen "fixing a leaky pipe".
ColdBeerHotNight
There was no leaky pipe.
toasteheh
People like these are just want a peek into the lives of others because they cant mind their own fucking business
Zael913
Could I message you asking some questions? My friend recently left his lease and his landlords were despicable and he may be going to 1/2
Zael913
Small claims court about some things. Curious if he would have a case concerning some of the things I've heard/seen.
truthsmiles
Sure, you're welcome to message me, but I'm not a lawyer. I'll help however I can though :)
donniemountaindewcamacho
My landlord had 2 strangers enter on a total non-emergency without notice and promised a new lease. Almost a month ago and it's up Sept 30
donniemountaindewcamacho
Also called 4 lawyers for recourse but no one is replying. What the fuck?
truthsmiles
Honestly, it's hard to claim 'damage' by lack of notice unless you have a heart attack or something. Mostly it's just really disrespectful.
browneyedbiblio
My landlord walked into my house right as I was getting out of the shower. He felt bad so he gave me an Amazon gift card lol
truthsmiles
Did you have notice? At least he attempted to remedy it I guess...
Chrispybobispy
I had 2... 2 fucking landlords do this to my girlfriend... both I chewed out and got out of the lease asap!
TylerTheAnarchist
Dude same. My girl called me at work telling me how she got out of the shower and someone other than me was in our apartment.
SweetGeekling
Landlord told me that a giant, 2 story high bush was my responsibility to trim, w/o giving me tools to do so. I went out and bought $125 1/
SweetGeekling
worth of lawn equipment and extension cords to do it. Came home one day and the had just ripped the entire bush (hedge?) out of the ground.
SweetGeekling
Not only could I not return the used equipment, it totally screwed over my front lawn. It's on a downslope, and all of the dirt from 3/
SweetGeekling
under the bush (full of weeds) ran down the entire lawn and it became a jungle of overgrowth. Now they want me to do or pay for the huge 4/
SweetGeekling
and expensive job of resodding and relandscaping the lawn they screwed up. :/
truthsmiles
Haha what? Sorry, but that's outrageous! I mean, yeah, you need to keep the yard up, but I don't want you cutting large bushes or trees.
LMTMFA
And this is where you tell them No.
IAmCrazyButItsAlrightWithMe
I had a landlord come in without notice showing the apartment to 3 guys, they came into my bedroom, I sleep naked in the hotter months.
truthsmiles
Hopefully you're a fat, ugly dude with a hairy butt.
IAmCrazyButItsAlrightWithMe
Opposite. Probably made those guys days though.
truthsmiles
Ugh. Did they not even knock??
Agwan
I'm just happy that She thinks of herself as a Skinny, Beautiful Lady with a hairless butt. I wish I felt that good about myself.
Grudgebearingmidget
This is just me (paranoid veteran) but if someones walking in my front door and i'm not expecting company, they're getting shot.
marsgoose
Nope , that's just common sense.
gman41750
Paranoid Vet #2. SAME HERE!
truthsmiles
I'm also a vet, and I would EXPECT to get shot if I walked into ANYONE'S house unannounced.
Codiferous
What ever happened to that guy in the apt building and his electric drumset?
EverybodyLovesTheWordMoist
@ChefShwasty click on this and read :)
ChefShwasty
He had a decently happy ending.
EverybodyLovesTheWordMoist
yay! a @ChefShwasty reply on my reply! I feel honored!!!!
ChefShwasty
I think I'm supposed to grant 3 wishes.
EverybodyLovesTheWordMoist
more recipes. like lots more. :)
Revyloution
Have an up vote OP. I'm the same. I treat my rental properties like they are a service. Not a passive investment.
AlkeneThiol
Please spread your brainwaves to other landlords. I had a terrible time in College and grad school with slumlords
truthsmiles
Good on you! You're better than I am. I'm more 'passive' in that all I do is change air filters every few months. Mostly leave them alone.
Tastesicle
Careful! My "good" renters left SO much unreported and fucked up SO many little things over 5 years. Roof, lawn, windows, mice, hot water
truthsmiles
Well I definitely take a quick scan around while I'm changing filters and always ask "Any leaks, issues, or things not working?"
KevinHowery
My landlord came in my backdoor with the neighbor a month ago while my and my gf were fucking on the couch
SlickerThanNick
ilovevanhalen
And they get angry at you for doing private things in what you thought was the privacy of your place, right?
PedanticGonkDroid
Don't apologize. "Fuck off, I'm in the middle of someone.
Grudgebearingmidget
Maintain eyecontact, finish, pull out, demand they make you a sandwich if they're going to watch.
Bizarkly
"Welp, I'm dominating everyone else today -- *why not* you?"
truthsmiles
That sucks, but I have to say your comment could be hilariously misinterpreted without context.
KevinHowery
Lolol
EverybodyLovesTheWordMoist
I hilariously misinterpreted it.
dandelionbomb
I change the locks when I move in. I know Im not supposed to but I've had nosy landlords.
PolishPancakeWithCanadianMapleSyrup
I always put up a chain when I moved into apartments. Those ones you can lock from the outside as well as in. Never had a landlord complain.
truthsmiles
Wow that's interesting... I probably wouldn't be happy if you did that, but I also do my own locksmithing so unless you used an unpickable
truthsmiles
lock I'd still be able to get in. In any case, the only time I've EVER used my key was when a tenant locked herself out.
truthsmiles
Like I said in the post, unless there is some crazy emergency, I'm never going to enter without the tenant there.
dandelionbomb
I deeply wish that all people carried the same level of respect that you have for your tenents. I use the same brand lock. Always cheap.
truthsmiles
Well if you're ever in need of a lock that will force me to break a window, get an Abloy Protec ME153 (about $300, but unpickable).
fallenangelfyre
I also change out locks when I rent. Question: if you give proper notice so that I am there when you are, and I change the locks back to 1/2
truthsmiles
Haha just responded to your other comment :-)
fallenangelfyre
2/2 the originals when I move out, why would this upset you as a landlord? It gives tenants peace of mind.
Phaselancer
I almost shot my landord. He worked night shift and showed up at 3 am to make sure a housemate who just moved put had turned off the lights.
Phaselancer
By far one of the most terrifying moments is hearing your front door open and footsteps when you know that there should be none.
Monka42
My fucking roommate likes to slam doors randomly in the night. My home growing up was invaded twice. Needless to say she learned not to
truthsmiles
Jesus. That could have easily ended in tragedy.
Phaselancer
The only reason he is alive today is because I heard a key slide into a door lock. That door was across the hallway from my own.
truthsmiles
+1 to you for being aware.
bobziIIa
Also, as soon as the tenant gives notice to terminate the lease, you can show it without notice, in most places.
truthsmiles
*knocks on wood* I haven't had a tenant terminate yet, but when it happens I'll still try to be predictable and give as much notice as poss.
[deleted]
[deleted]
truthsmiles
Just a few years. :-) They keep renewing!
[deleted]
[deleted]
truthsmiles
I admit I'm a lucky SOB. In one unit the dog has destroyed the blinds and presumably the carpet, but they pay ON TIME, EVERY MONTH. Worth it
Tastesicle
I have had to terminate on 5 tenants (usually non pay), but I always just ate the month after they are gone. Neg income helps taxes here
Tastesicle
In that you have less year income, plus advertising, supplies cost, repairs cost, lost income if loan liened, all deductible.
bobziIIa
Yeah, gives them time to tidy up, but I don't turn away those who just show up.
truthsmiles
Well, I allow pets, so I'm anticipating there will be a month of vacancy for repairs anyway... I might not even want to show it.
bobziIIa
Well good luck.
truthsmiles
Thanks :-)
ExquisiteConundrum
My landlord let himself in unannounced to fix something I didn't even know was broken. My roommate and I worked overnight and he knew 1/2
ExquisiteConundrum
This. But he still came in and did whatever he did while we were sleeping. He would also come in when we weren't home. Never got a notice 2/
ExquisiteConundrum
Or a phone call. He was an okay guy... just a little weird that he would do that while two women were out cold from a long shift...
shocksea1
Ok, so you work nights? But you dont want him coming during the day because your asleep? But you dont him coming when your not home?
ExquisiteConundrum
I wanted some notice. Never once did I get notice that he was coming. I would have stayed awake or made sure I was home.
IndefinetelyTired
Same, dude. I told them next time, they will be met with a barrel. I don't live in the best area with a 1 y/o and a pregnant fiance.
SusieSoups
File a complaint with Housing and Urban Development
ExquisiteConundrum
He's not the land Lord for that place any more and I moved out 5 years ago... it's all good
truthsmiles
I was just about to ask if you're female. Funny how that works.. Now excuse me while I go enjoy yet another one of my male privileges...
ExquisiteConundrum
And he only did it when my bf was at work. Funny indeed...
Taxicat
Yeah, that's the sort of shit I'd personally throw a fit about. I dealt with enough terrifying and humiliating invasions of privacy 1/
truthsmiles
As a white male who has only recently learned how lucky and how much of a dick he's been, I'm sorry. I'm also educating my son.
CleverGirl28
I once lived in an apartment that would leave you a notice about entering in 24hrs. By putting the note on our counter. In our apartment...
Gayforbae
truthsmiles
Whaaaat? Are you sure it wasn't a roommate who just brought it in?
CleverGirl28
Nope. We moved out as soon as possible. The apartment changed ownership within a year of us leaving
truthsmiles
The only possible excuse I can think of is some tenants claim the notice was been ripped off the door, but that kinda defeats the purpose.
squirrelfartsy
I mean... my old apt building would leave notices slipped under the door, which seems like a good idea. Going in to leave a note? Creepy.
truthsmiles
Yeah I would slip it under the door for sure, or stick it in the mailbox??
ripmonk
I'm not sure about laws in the USA but I know in canada I'd that happens on a frequent basis you as the renter is aloud to change the (1)
ripmonk
Locks and prevent the landlord from entering on the basis of breach of rental agreement despite what the lease says
omh1
In Ontario you could only do that if it was superscribed by the Landlord and Tenant Board, who are more likely to take action against the
omh1
landlord for breach of the Residential Tenancies Act, than to have the tenant replace the locks, noting that tenancy laws vary by province
omh1
prescribed* not superscribed...
realrealluckless
Landlords who enter without even knocking are playing a very dangerous game with what they see... That is why I like to give lots of notice.
OopsieDaiseys
250 lbs. 5'4". Butt ass naked. Fucker started calling after that lol
Mavgurian
On a different note, legally in Germany the landlord might not even have the right to have a spare key, let alone enter without consent.
rizion
Yup I was jacking off before moving out of my last place, landlady was giving a tour of place that day glad I had a lock on bedroom door
programagor
I mean, I'm sitting in here, I'm 14... I got a computer in here, you know? You're really playing with fire when you burst in here like that.
readyforsleeps
Dammit Morty.
Kharadriisa
Had a landlady do that as I was trying to toss a shirt on. She saw boobs. Serves her right.
whywasmyusernametakengrrrr
My landlord once walked in to me naked watching super troopers with a giant bowl of marshmallows next to me
nevergoingtogiveyouupnevergoingtoletyoudown
You enter my home you better be ready to play my game.
biffboy6000
If i show up and they dont mind letting me in and there is something i find concerning, I'd give them a heads up that id be back soon.
beegobuzz
I don't shoot. I play Live Action Saints Row via dildo bat.
yerglion
had an old landlord that was outside the home everyday doing "yard work" and the went inside when no one was home - with no notice ever
DARTHMAUL93
I almost shot mine.
Backspackler
Yeah.. that mofo be shot he walked in my house no notice... I mean of course if I wasn't expecting anyone and all family was home.
realrealluckless
I was referring to just how common home nudists are... But that's another thing.
popejubal
I'm not a nudist, but seriously, why would I bother wearing clothing at home if I'm not cooking bacon or have guests over?
BoxerRZ
I'm no nudist, but it isn't uncommon for me to shower with the bathroom door open and then walk naked to my bedroom before getting dressed.
ssaberhagen
I live alone and I am naked so much. I had to keep reminding myself to close my blinds. Shower then play overwatch while I dry out.
BoxerRZ
It's my appartment and I live alone. Why the fuck should I take clothes into the bathroom or shut the door so it can get all humid in there?
whatupmyknitters
handyman walked right into my bedroom once. i was mostly nude and completely asleep. what the fuck.
Kabe59
Bow chicka wowow
Kharadriisa
I've woken up with the maintenance guy just walking in. I still have nightmares.
whatupmyknitters
and then HE was surprised! like "oh shit, someone's sleeping in this bedroom?!"
51CorgisInABar
They didn't even tell you about the porno shoot beforehand??
Ryebread91
My friends got a similar story from their apartment though I'm hesitant to ask her if this is her username.
whatupmyknitters
haha probably not. i had no friends in college :(
Ryebread91
truthsmiles
Not to mention in some states (like mine) you could be shot.
[deleted]
[deleted]
truthsmiles
Yeah, if you MUST enter, this is the way to do it.
Ooglieguy
The wife and I are always packing, kids all play baseball and know how to use a bat . Deffinately not a good idea to just walk in...
Mavgurian
You could even be shot in Germany. One time a guy (criminal asshole, but still justified by court ruling) even shot a police officer 1/2
Mavgurian
through the door because he could proof that they did not announce themselves while trying to force open his door at five in the morning 2/2
MastahPetah
You could get shot in any state or country. Doesn't matter the law, you're still dead or maimed.
Nightcaste
My old landlord almost was
H3llbab3
Always knock. I woke up to a guy standing in my bedroom, no notice. Lucky my Glock wasn't within reach. Turns out he was here for repairs.
H3llbab3
Nothing like being half-naked and waking up to a stranger standing next to your bed. Scared me shitless. Landlord took no responsibility.
7Daddies
Can confirm, if my front door opens and it's not my wife, there's gonna be holes in someone. Used to live in bad neighborhoods, I don't play
shocksea1
So you would shoot your landlord for walking **gasp** unannounced in to the property that he owns? Might want to rethink that stance Rambo
7Daddies
I'm going to defend myself and family. If I don't know or expect anyone to come, they will be greeted with a gun. Continue and get shot.
DisguisedLizardThing
If he wants to walk in unannounced he shouldn't rent it. Is it really such a foreign concept that tenants have rights?
shocksea1
Foreign is the thought that a landlord should be shot/killed for doing so.
omh1
In 24 states you would be found to have acted within your rights, the rest technically not clearly legal, but could be argued successfully
7Daddies
I'm in Texas. No argument necessary.
RogueMachinae
Texas?
truthsmiles
Oklahoma
Maclarion
Anything except Kalifornia.
ItsUncleSam
Nope, legal in Commiefornia, illegal in Vermont.
realrealluckless
Technically you could potentially be shot in any state... Really it just comes down to whether or not they did it legally.
truthsmiles
Lol that's true.
TedTheMan
Idaho. Strong castle doctrine rules don't do it here.
HitlersArtCritic
People will protect their castles if they find some random guy coming in unannounced.
ItsUncleSam
Not in Vermont or D.C. there’s no castle doctrine. It’s duty to retreat even in your own home.
HitlersArtCritic
What do they have if not castle or stand ground?
MoreCowBellBaby
To hell with that man. Y'all should be able to drop them at the threshold
Jsoft9
Even without a law protecting me I'll be damned if I'm giving up my home to an intruder