STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

jess · Kenneth Cole

Potential landlady issue

HeatherLynn · Gucci

Legally, I believe they can come into your home if you are leasing because they own it. I would just ask her if in the future she can make sure to lock your door back when she leaves and leave a note of why she was in the apartment. Leaving the door unlocked would make me VERY upset!!

cahabo · Kate Spade

I believe laws in each state vary, but in my state it is illegal for a landlord to enter your home without proper notice. You have a right to privacy! Seems suspicious that she would be entering for no specific reason. She could be snooping through your personal belongings for all you know. If I were you, I'd check your local laws and see what you can do about this situation. In any case, definitely let her know that you know she has been stopping by.

jess · Kenneth Cole

HeatherLynn, she didn't leave the doors unlocked- she locked both locks & I normally just lock the top dead bolt. Thats how I knew.

I mean, I just feel like she should have a reason to come into the place. I've lived there for almost one month & she came twice with reason (not notice) b/c they were putting in a new stove & then twice more without notice or reason! Thats like once a week on average. Like my math? ha. What should my email say? I'm really not that confrontational & I would rather send her an email.

jess · Kenneth Cole

I just found this:

Generally, a landlord may enter a tenant's unit only with the tenant's consent, except in an emergency. After a tenant has given notice of termination, a landlord has the right to enter the unit to show it to prospective renters. A landlord also may enter for a "reasonable business purpose," such as maintenance, only after giving the tenant reasonable notice. If a landlord fails to get permission or give notice, the landlord is trespassing and may be sued in
court. The tenant whose privacy rights have been violated may recover damages.

I think I may say something like:
"Quick question, are you still showing the condo? If so, can you give me notice so that I can put up any valuables beforehand. Thanks,"

What do you think? Even though from the sound of it they should only be showing it after I've given notice to leave.

BargainQueen · Marc Jacobs

Yup, she can enter, but she needs to let you know in advance, then you can tell her if its ok or not. I would be creeped out if my landlord was coming in w/o reason. When we were leasing from a property mananaged community, even when we requested for something to be fixed, they always asked ahead of time if they could come in if we were not home.

Kelly · Hermes

I'm also a very non-confrontational person, and if it were me I'd send her an email saying that you noticed someone had been in your apartment a couple times and want to change the locks in case the previous tenant still has copies of the keys and is breaking in, etc. - it lets her know that you do know when she's been in there, but doesn't accuse her - even if you know/think it's her, I bet she'll become pretty defensive if you accuse her and, heaven forbid, then becomes spiteful...