Can Landlords Gain Entry Without Permission?

Home investments are big business and can bring financial security in later years. Unfortunately they can also bring a few headaches as well. Tenants are people who come from all walks of life, have different attitudes, and view obligations differently. This can lead to the landlord or property management having to gain entry to the rental home in order to check things are not being damaged and being faced with a tenant who is less than pleased to see them. Thankfully laws are in place that not only protect a tenants right to privacy, but allow the landlord or management to enter the premises when the need arises.

Some of the reasons for access are not only reasonable but also desirable for our own safety. For instance a smoke alarm that isn't checked can cost us our lives, as can a defective electricity safety switch. This benefits both us and the landlord, as it safeguards his investment as well. There are also other areas that are of benefit to us as in leaking faucets, toilets or hot water systems. These are part of the landlord's obligations and taking care of them keeps his investment in good shape, so it is in our best interests to allow entry to have them repaired. Structural problems need to be taken care of as well by the landlord or his agent if he is using property management to handle his investment.

Unless tenants are agreeable to the request for entry at a certain time, then a time must be decided that is suitable to both parties. Landlords must give notice of at least twenty-four hours before gaining entry for repairs and inspections. Inspections of the premises can only be carried out once in every three months, which ensures the privacy of tenants isn't compromised. In the event of a landlord deciding to sell the investment, he does not have the right to hold an open house inspection unless he has the written consent of the tenant. This also applies to property management if the landlord has hired them, and to real estate agents that may accompany the landlord. Again this protects the tenant's right to privacy.

However, if the landlord has reason to believe that his property is being damaged and wishes to prevent further damage happening, he may enter the property to inspect it to be sure, without having to give notice at all. This too is fair and reasonable because of the time and money that has been put into gaining and maintaining his investment. After all, you would want to have the same opportunity if you were in his place, wouldn't you?

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