When you rent an apartment, it becomes your temporary home. Although the landlord is the owner of the property, even they cannot enter the apartment unannounced. But landlords need to visit the apartment from time to time for repair and maintenance. So, you are thinking, “Is it okay for my landlord to check on my apartment?”
Landlords have the right to visit the rented apartment, but not without notifying the tenants. They can make quarterly or seasonal visits. Landlords also come to ensure better living conditions for the tenants. Besides, they check on the apartment’s condition before tenants move out.
In this article, you will learn about how often landlords can check on your rented apartment. You will also know if landlords can make random inspections.
Can Landlords Do Random Inspections?
Landlords rent their properties to tenants by signing agreements. According to the agreement, tenants become the inhabitants of the property. Therefore, landlords cannot randomly enter the property.
In fact, in many states of the U.S., landlords’ entering leased properties without prior notice to the tenants is a violation of tenant rights. Randomly visiting the tenants can disrupt the quiet time and privacy they are allowed to have in their rented space.
How you react to random visits by your landlord depends on your relationship with them. When you think the random visits are causing you a problem, you can ask them to visit some other time.
If the landlord continues to pay random visits, it is a harassment problem and a criminal offense. They can get fined for violating civil rights.
Also, randomly entering the property in the absence of tenants is a violation of privacy. Landlords may visit for property inspection or repairs, but even for that, they must send a notice.
When your landlord sends a written notice about an unscheduled inspection, you can refuse by explaining your reasons. But refusing to let your landlord enter the apartment multiple times can make you suspicious. Thus, your landlord may become hostile to you.
So, apart from genuine reasons, no landlords should enter their rented property without informing the tenants. You can research your state’s property renting laws to know your right as a tenant to enjoy privacy and peace in a rented property.
How Often Should A Landlord Inspect A Property?
There are two reasons your landlord may want to inspect the property: ensuring the property investment is protected and ensuring the health and safety of the tenants. Focusing on these two reasons, landlords can enter the property quarterly, seasonally, or any time the property needs maintenance.
Here are the common reasons a landlord can inspect a property:
Moving In & Moving Out
It is normal for the landlords to visit the rented apartment before and after new tenants move in. They check the resources in the apartment to make sure everything is alright. If necessary, they repair things for the new tenants.
After the tenants move in, landlords may visit them to greet and ask if the tenants are comfortable with the arrangement.
When the tenants decide to move out, landlords have to inspect the apartment to check the condition. They conduct an inspection of the place to determine if there is any damage. This is important because the tenants might be responsible for the damages. Then they have to make adjustments from the deposit money.
Maintenance and Repairs
The property may need some repairing. Typically, tenants ask the landlord to check for maintenance and repairs. Upon their request, landlords will visit the property. But they should enter the apartment in reasonable hours the tenants are comfortable with.
Making Changes And Improvements In Apartment Decorations
As the property belongs to the landlords, they can make decorative changes and improvements. These changes are not the same as repairs and maintenance. For example, landlords may want to install new furniture or repaint the front porch wall.
They should conduct aesthetic changes without disturbing the residents’ privacy. So, they have to notify the tenants about the decorative changes and new constructions.
Showing The Property To Prospective Tenants
When you inform your landlord that you will move out of their property, they will start showing the property to prospective tenants. Hence, they may frequently visit the property with prospective tenants to show around.
Even then, the landlord has to notify the tenants. It helps the tenants to keep the apartment neat and clean. They can also move out of the apartment for the time being.
However, in a pandemic situation, landlords have to schedule a time that does not disturb the tenant’s privacy while they are present in the apartment.
To Confirm Lease Violence
Landlords can inspect their property when they suspect lease violence. Again, they will send you a notice. Some tenants may sublet their apartments or keep pets under a non-pet policy.
Keeping illegal substances and other things is also a violation of the lease. If the landlord finds the allegations are true, they can ask you to move out from the property.
In Case Of An Emergency
Sometimes the tenants may not be around or be in the state to ask for help during emergencies, like gas leaks, fire breakouts, or water leaks. This kind of condition can threaten the safety of the neighborhood.
Landlords can break into the property to mitigate such problems without notifying tenants. They will also visit if the tenants do not respond to their calls.
Other Reasons To Inspect Property
There are many other reasons landlords must enter the property even without notifying the tenants. They may suspect tenants of illegal activities and get court orders to search the property.
Landlords can also enter and clean out if the tenants suddenly abandon the property without any notice. They will wait for the tenants to contact them for a certain period. After that, they can dispose of the possessions of the tenants and look for new tenants.
How Early Of A Notice Does Landlord Have To Give To Inspect?
According to many state laws in the USA, landlords must send a notice of property inspection to the tenants 24 to 48 hours before visiting.
Landlords do not have the right to show up unannounced to inspect an apartment. Tenants can object and ask to change the inspection timing. They have to explain their reasons if they cannot let the inspection occur at a scheduled time.
Can A Landlord Inspect Your Bedroom?
Your landlord cannot enter your bedroom to inspect it without your permission. You may allow them access to repair electric, lighting, or heating problems. They may also ask to check if you have any illegal inhabitants or substances.
However, landlords can enter the bedroom during emergencies and accidents. Tenants can be sick or unconscious. In that case, the landlord can enter the bedroom to help them.
Can Landlords Look In Closets?
Landlords can look into closets in the apartment if they are the ones who provided them. Apartments have built-in closets, and the landlord can have keys for those. They may check the closet for mold growth or other maintenance problems.
Besides, if they suspect tenants about keeping illegal substances or things out of the lease agreement, they may get legal orders to inspect your locked closets or cabinets.
Conclusion
By now, hopefully, you have understood, “Is it okay for my landlord to check on my apartment?” It is normal for your landlord to visit and inspect the rented properties. However, they cannot randomly go in and out, violating your privacy.
They must keep the tenants well informed about the inspection schedule and reasons. Please be sure to check your local state laws to ensure they align with your landlords rules.