Problem with landlord?

Question

I know the legal answer to this question - I need suggestions of how to handle this problem in a friendly way without having to resort to the siting law.

My family and I moved into a rental home in July. Yesterday, I answered the door to a stranger who introduced himself as the owner of the home (it's managed by a property management company). He was very friendly and said that he and his wife were in town staying with their best friends (who turn out to be our next door neighbors) for a few days. He claims he just wanted to introduce himself, and he chatted with me for about 10 mn. about nothing in particular.

Today, he came to our door again with a gift of fruit from our neighbor's tree. He said that while picking the fruit, he looked over the fence and noticed that we still broken down boxes leaning against the air conditioner unit and offered to move them for us. I explained that we're recycling as many as we can each week, and that I'd just move them for now. He then said that he needed to take a look at a tree in the back yard, and he'd be in and out in just a minute. He headed into the yard without even asking. I've since learned that the owners stay next door to us for several weeks a year.

Legally, I know that the owner or management has to give us 24 hours notice before entering the property. I also know that telling the owner that will seem like we're trying to hide something, and will be taken as rude and unneighborly. Can anyone come up with a way to tell this guy that we value our privacy and would appreciate not being spied on?

Please, constructive answers only.

Barkley · Accepted Answer

I understand how you feel. The totally unexpected visits (short as it was and twice) from the property owner (someone you have not even met) were an intrusion to your privacy. A 24 hour notice was a reasonable expectation. 
Should he do this again, stop him immediately from entering by saying something like "I'd appreciate your coming back tomorrow for an inspection of the property but right now is Not a good time for me." 
You can be friendly and accomodating but firm. And be sure to contact the property management company about this incident.

? · Answer

He's just looking after his property, assessing the job that the rental company is doing by checking you out a little. Be patient, kind, offer him coffee and give him some of your time. You will find peace with him and the true privacy and comfort will be available to you when you know that he trusts you and likes you.

This is an opportunity for you to impress him, not contest the rules. I suggest you do whatever you can to make him your friend and not your opponent. You'll be glad you did.

Best regards.

This is an opportunity for you to impress him, not contest the rules.  I suggest you do whatever you can to make him your friend and not your opponent.  You'll be glad you did.

Best regards.

? · Answer

Lawfully when a property has been rented it's in fully privacy of the renter .In case of technical or contract attempt by owner/owners or sub owner(management) they must attempt by a legal notice (name-date-subject of the attempt) at least 24 hours before .The only reason that a owner can enter the property without informing is an emergency such as fire , flood, or inspection (Insurance company in case rental person it's not able to perform questioner)  and this will be again noticed by the phone or by a letter. Other than that any entry will count s break in or interrupt privacy of the rental .In case of friendly solving you can notice that to management ,if did not respond then you can charge the management as illegal attempt or interruption.

Landlord · Answer

It does not sound like he even entered.    Not knowing your state I can't give you entry laws, but no state requires notice to be on the outside of the dwelling.   He can be on his land at will, even on the house.     It is just inside that 22 states require some sort of notice to enter.

Su-Nami · Answer

Perhaps next time this guy (JERK) comes over, explain to him that you are in the middle of 
1.  an important long distance phone call.
2. are in the middle of going through some papers and will lose your train of thought if you stop.  
3.  are filing papers and really need to continue.
4. Tell hime, "Sorry, nature is calling and I really have to respond.  ( my daughter does this all of the time)
5. You are making something for -church, a friend, your kid's school- and if you stop you will lose whereyou are at in the recipe.  
6. Figuring out your bills and really need to concentrate.

Hope one of these excuses helps.   Good luck with dealing with this guy!!!!

LILL · Answer

24 hour notice only applies to your actual living area.  The owner is free to enter the outside of his property at will.

R P · Answer

The owner does not have to give you notice before setting foot on HIS property and he can be there as often as he wishes. He only have to give notice before entering the dwelling.

njyogibear · Answer

you are being overly sensitive about the guy going in your backyard one time and moving some boxes.

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Problem with landlord?

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