Can they do this???

[Brier Rose]

We have never lived in an apartment before, so I'm not familer with any of the rules as far as what the managment can/can't do.

This morning the kids and I were sitting in the living room. I was getting them started on some school work, and was just about to jump in the shower when there was a knock on the door.

I got out of the chair to go to the door, and didn't even make it there before they opened the door and were coming in!!

It was one of the matinence guys escorting pest control. Any other time, they send us out a notice at least a day in advance letting us know they are coming. Lately though they have been very slack about this, and not really keeping to a schedule like they were at one time, so I have no way of predicting when they might just pop in!

What if I had been in the shower, and the kids had been in here alone! They would have freaked!

Are they legally allowed to enter our apartment whenever they want??

I think I better step up the house hunting efforts!

 

[Maleficent13]

You need to find your lease and read it. I would bet, though, that they are not allowed to enter without prior notification.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Normally you have to sign something that gives them permission to enter for repairs and maintenance, but it's possible that it's on a document you signed, but didn't realize that it was there. I'd look through your paperwork, I'd bet you did agree to it somewhere on the documents.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

I've heard both ways -- that they have the right to enter and that they have to ask your permission to enter. I agree with double-checking your paperwork. If it's unclear, call the management office and just ask. It may just be a miscommunication between management and the maintenance crew.

 

[ducklite]

In most states they have to give you 24-48 hours notice to enter for any non-emergency work. However if there was a burst pipe or fire or other emergency they could enter legally and without warning.

Anne

 

[dani0622]

I lived in several apartments over the last several years and anytime maintennance or my landlord needed access to my apartment, I was always told ahead of time. They never came unannounced. I would have freaked too. What if you had been in the shower already! yikes! I would complain to landlord.

 

[Brier Rose]

Hmmm...now where did I put those papers????

The only thing I remember being in the papers was that we couldn't put our own locks on the doors.

But, could be that there was some other clause about entering at will???

I hope not! I don't like that AT ALL!

I mean, they come in here all the time...to change the air conditioner filters, batteries in the smoke alarms, even the light bulbs in the ceiling fan in the LV (14ft. high), BUT, they had been giving us advance warning.

Guess I have some reading to do!

 

[Tigger_Magic]

If they've given you advance warning in the past for all those things, more than likely this was just a misunderstanding or miscommunication between the manager and the maintenance person. Call the manager and ask if this is what happened.

 

[FreshTressa]

They opened the door before you GOT there????

I have no idea about the legalities, but how freaky!

What if you'd been gettin' busy with DH on the couch???????? Or were sitting there in your undies!!!

Scary!

 

[Evil Genius]

I would call management and let them know that this happened. Even if they are entering, they usually give you a lot more time than that to answer the door.

 

[Brier Rose]

They opened the door before you GOT there????

I have no idea about the legalities, but how freaky!

What if you'd been gettin' busy with DH on the couch???????? Or were sitting there in your undies!!!

Scary!

 

[pjlla]

Reminds me of the time that my landlord decided to show the property (it was for sale, but I didn't know that) one morning on my day off (a week day). No notice, no phone call. I was sound asleep in bed wearing nothing but my birthday suit. About 10 am my bedroom door flung open and there were about 4 people standing there (assorted men and women, as I recall) with my landlord! I sat straight up right (fortunately holding up the covers for modesty)!! Needless to say, I'm not sure who was more embarrassed, me or them!! They beat a hasty retreat and as I recall I barely got an apology from my landlord (it was one of those casual, month to month deals with no contracts or lease). ................P

 

[mom2boys]

My old landlord had to give 24 hours notice unless it was an emergency.

Do you have a chain lock? I always kept that on if I was home during the day. DRoomate & I weren't good about keeping the chain on otherwise.

 

[princess pooh]

I think I should be checking my lease too. At 8:30 this morning a maintenance person walked in to my apartment and woke me up . I was lying in bed and all of the sudden I see this stranger walking in! I must have been quite a sight because she ran out when she saw me. I was not a happy camper at all!

 

[Feralpeg]

The same thing happened to me many years ago. I was in the shower and the maintenance guy came in. I lived alone and never shut the bathroom door. Thank goodness I had a robe nearby and grabbed it when I heard him come in and yell "Maintenance". It scared the you know what out of me! I was not happy. I immediately installed a chain lock on my door and always used it from that point forward.

 

[Brier Rose]

We don't have a chain lock on the door, and they said we couldn't put one on there either.

DH suggested maybe a door stop to wedge under the door. I also looked at some alarms at Home Depot where the one sensor goes on the door, and the other on the casing. I'd at least know there coming in!

I'm very upset by this. I don't mind them coming in whenever, if I'm not home, but to just walk in like that while we're here,!

I just keep thinking about the kids, and if they were alone while I'm in the shower,etc.. I mean long shot here, but suppose the maintence man was some kind of wacko! Stranger things have happened.

All I know is, we're getting on the ball with the house hunting.We had thought about staying here while we build, but at this point I just want out of here ASAP!