Landlord question... WWYD

NewNunley

We received a notice from our property management company yesterday that they intended to perform "annual inspections". The notice said they planned to enter our apartment unit on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Knowing that neither DH or I are available to be home that day, I called last night and left a message on the machine (it was after hours when I got the notice) that I did not want them to come in when no one was home and to call me back to arrange a time convenient for the both of us.

I haven't heard back yet today, so I called again. This time a little more sternly letting them know they did not have my permission to enter. I am a little worried that they will do it anyway since I have not received confirmation that they got my message.

Also, I asked for a copy of our lease since I don't think there was anything in it about a yearly inspection. The only inspections we went over at signing were the initial inspection and inspection upon move out.

I have written a letter stating all of this again, which I intend to put in the drop box tonight, but I was wondering if there was anything else I could do. I certainly can't take the day off tomorrow to just wait around of them. 

alibee09

If I recall correctly (and I have spacy Mommy brain now, so... ) they don't need your "okay" or even your presence to do an inspection, nor do they need it written in the lease that they do one yearly; they're only required to give you 24 hours notice.

ladipale

alibee09:

If I recall correctly (and I have spacy Mommy brain now, so... ) they don't need your "okay" or even your presence to do an inspection, nor do they need it written in the lease that they do one yearly; they're only required to give you 24 hours notice.

yeah, they own the property and are only required to give 24 hours notice 

bunch

Most leases state that landlords have the right to enter an apartment after giving appropriate notice (usually 24 hours).  Although it may make you uncomfortable, I'm not sure that you can ban them from entering without you being present.  I'd pick things up (so that you can tell if anyone went through stuff) and hide anything you are uncomfortable with/check valuables as soon as you get home, but assume they are coming in...

jsugrin

PP is 100% correct, they notified you they are coming in it was not a request.  You don't have the right to be present or ask them to reschedule at a time that works for you.  If you were dealing with a solo landlord then they usually are more likely to ask if you want to be there but with a property management company they have way to many units to review to be trying to work it around everyone schedule.

NewNunley

Thanks ladies! I stopped by to drop off the letter and ran into the property manager. She said that she would do the inspection before noon tomorrow while DH is home!

I also got a copy of our lease while I was there and it was there just like you said it would be. However uncomfortable it makes me, I can't argue with black and white. I'm just glad she was so helpful and agreed to do it while he was here.

Gannon

Well, it looks like it has all worked out. I am glad to hear that.

I'm a Realtor and property manager and from what I remember, you do have the right to stop them from entering (unless it was an emergency). Also, your lease may say different. But, tenants have the right of quiet enjoyment and do not have to allow the landlord on the property. Ultimately, the landlord can evict a tenant if they continue to prohibit them access (extreme cases). But I think it is a very reasonable request to say that you want to be present when someone comes through your home.

All that being said, its been a long time since I've reviewed this topic and it has not been an issue for me so I could be wrong in my recollections on this topic.

And for what it is worth, it is a good thing that your landlord wants to inspect - it shows they want to take good care of the property and granting them access builds a good relationship between you both.

Besides, you've found a good resolution already So I should stop stirring the pot!