One of the most common causes of tension between landlords/managers and tenants originates from the varied opinions on rental unit access and a tenant’s privacy right.
Apartment managers feel that they should have regular access in order to conduct various tasks to keep the property well maintained and safe. Tenants on the other hand are frequently fearful of violated privacy when there’s entry into the rental without their consent.
Nevertheless, both parties should understand precisely when a manager could enter a tenant-occupied property to ease tensions and encourage a harmonious relationship between the two. Here’s a list of reasons why your manager may enter in your absence.
1. In Case of an Emergency
In case of an emergency, state laws permit an apartment manager the right to enter a property without notice to handle the problem. The manager can enter without issuing written notice and can use his or her key to gain access whether you’re home or not.
Any circumstance where an event causes damage and will continue to do so if not handled immediately could qualify as an emergency. Several situations constitute an emergency-generally concerning fire, floods, and extreme weather.
For instance, if your neighbor reports smoke coming from your rental, the apartment manager may consider it an emergency and enter for investigation.
2. Routine Check for Safety and Maintenance Issues
Landlords/managers typically make a yearly, quarterly, or semiyearly inspection of the property. This enables them to protect their investment by enabling them to maintain and inspect it.
3. Improvements, Alterations, or Decorations
An apartment manager has a right to enter your unit for the purposes of making improvements or aesthetic changes. For instance, including a dryer and washer to a unit that didn’t have one would qualify as an improvement.
4. During Your Extended Absence
When you leave the rental for an extended period, numerous states permit landlords /managers to enter the property to conduct basic maintenance and check for damages. Remember, every state may define a prolonged absence differently-but it’s typically seven days or more.
Other states however don’t have any allowances for landlords/managers to enter rentals for inspections even if the renter is absent for over seven days unless it’s an emergency.
Therefore, landlords must always check with their state laws to understand and review the specifications regarding entry throughout a renter’s extended absence and the situations that would validate entry.
5. To Show the Apartment
Apartment managers have the right to enter the rental unit when they want to show it for rent or sale. Nevertheless, the manager should inform you in advance and you should give him access when the time comes.
Keep in mind that landlords can’t show the unit excessively though what is excessive to one person might not be excessive to another. Typically, if the landlord does showings 2-3 days throughout the week and perhaps every other weekend, that isn’t excessive. However, daily showings are probably extreme.
6. Violation of Safety or Health Codes
In circumstances where you’re violating safety or health codes, the landlord or manager has the right to enter your unit to handle the situation.
Final Thoughts
A renter makes monthly rental payments in a rental unit and expects the apartment manager/landlord to fulfill certain obligations. A landlord must be able to enter your rental unit to fulfill some of these obligations.
Nevertheless, managers and landlords must follow certain rules when it comes to accessing the property. If you feel your manager is overly intrusive, this guide reveals the instances where he can enter your unit in your absence.
For more information on the instances where the apartment manager may enter your home in your absence, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a comment.