Question about Renter's rights

[Miniefan]

I am in the process of moving out of my home, we are renters and have given our landlord 30 days notice and are trying to do everything by the book, but after speaking with the landlord over the phone she says that she is putting the house in the paper this weekend and may be bringing people by to see it. I am not trying to be difficult or anything but is that legal? Should she be able to just drop by with prospective renters to show them the house? Again, don't misunderstand me anyone I am really not trying to be difficult but the idea of strangers walking around in the home we live in with our stuff still here and on display plus lots of things in disaray due to being packed, I am not down with that....can't she just wait until we are out to show it? I'm sorry this probably be seems silly to you all but my mom's apartment was robbed about 6 months ago and my husband is away for extended periods of time leaving me and the two kids alot so the idea of strangers in my home possible casing the joint worries me. What do you think?

Thanks,
Kim

 

[SeeVee]

I am in the process of moving out of my home, we are renters and have given our landlord 30 days notice and are trying to do everything by the book, but after speaking with the landlord over the phone she says that she is putting the house in the paper this weekend and may be bringing people by to see it. I am not trying to be difficult or anything but is that legal? Should she be able to just drop by with prospective renters to show them the house? Again, don't misunderstand me anyone I am really not trying to be difficult but the idea of strangers walking around in the home we live in with our stuff still here and on display plus lots of things in disaray due to being packed, I am not down with that....can't she just wait until we are out to show it? I'm sorry this probably be seems silly to you all but my mom's apartment was robbed about 6 months ago and my husband is away for extended periods of time leaving me and the two kids alot so the idea of strangers in my home possible casing the joint worries me. What do you think?

Thanks,
Kim

More than likely it is in the contract you signed that you agree to allow the LL to show the house to prospective renters. And on a more practical term, why shouldnt the landlord be able to do so? Obviously, waiting until the house is unnoccupied will cost her money.

 

[PatsMom]

I'm sure this is one that varies by state but my brother has two apartments and he shows them to prospective tenants before the first one moves out. It is part of his "landlords right to entry" or something like that. The objective is to have as little vacant time as possible - most rental units don't make a ton of money. So he wants to have as few days as possible when the unit is unoccupied. When you allow time for the stuff a good landlord will do between tenants like a thorough cleaning, including carpets, needed repairs like holes in the wall, etc he needs a couple of days of vacancy just to take care of that.

It may creep you out but I think the landlord is entitled to show to prospective tenants as soon as you give your notice. I know my landlords have in the past before I became a homeowner.

 

[Mom2Nick]

Why wouldn't she be allowed to do that? It's in HER best interests to rent that house as soon as she is able to. Not listing it or showing it until you are gone means she is guaranteed no income until after she finds a renter.

 

[trip]

If she is going to do this ask for a 24 hour notice to show. This has happened to me before and they put a lock box on the front door so realtors could get in. If I was going out and had no appointments to show, I just removed the lock box and put it inside.

 

[GoldieSaysMeep]

I wouldn't worry about it. I wouldn't leave valuables out and about but other than that, the landlord will be with the people and there should be no proble,s/

 

[Galahad]

It's legal and normal and quite common. It's no different that selling your house and having strangers looking at your stuff when the realtor shows them through. In fact, it might be a realtor that shows people through the house.

 

[Lib E]

It is allowed. Pack as much as you can now, especially valuables. It's better to work with your landlord on this. Tell her you are nervous about people coming through and you would prefer to be there. It's always good to leave on good terms and have a good reference for future rentals.

 

[Miniefan]

Thank you for your thoughts. This is the first time we have ever rented before since we lost our home last year. I am just trying to do everything the right way. I guess I didn't look at it that way, she is just trying to secure her income, so I do understand. I just hope she and any prospective tenants can look past all the boxes. I was able to look up renters rights in Florida, and she does have to give us 12 hours notice before she plans to come, so it will be ok.
Thanks
Kim