Apartment inspection

slakjaw · 03-19-2008, 06:11 AM

Shouldn't I get notice before my apartment is inspected?

They said they would be in to change out my furnace filter and when I let the guy in a woman followed carrying a clip board. While he was changing out my furnace, she just casually started going through my closets and bathroom cupboards and what not.

The thing that makes me angry is that I had my pistol sitting in my closet, unloaded. I am sure she saw it there. There was nothing embarrassing laying around, but what if there had been? I am kind of pissed that they didn't tell me they would look through everything during my annual "filter replacement."

More of a rant than anything... I might just move out now.

KFC911 · 03-19-2008, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slakjaw

Shouldn't I get notice before my apartment is inspected?

They said they would be in to change out my furnace filter and when I let the guy in a woman followed carrying a clip board. While he was changing out my furnace, she just casually started going through my closets and bathroom cupboards and what not.....

It's been years since I've lived in an apt, but I've never heard of such a thing, and I can assure you that no one would have gone through my closets, cupboards, etc. if I had been there. I'd want an explanation at a minimum, and assurances that it would never happen again, and even then I'd probably move. I'm a landlord too btw so I know both sides.

Mo_Gearhead · 03-19-2008, 06:37 AM

Unless your lease states (in writing) that they have that option (inspection without prior notice) I'm fairly certain you could have refused and been within your rights.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

Completely inappropriate. Yes, AFAIK they're supposed to give notice. I'd have likely ejected her bodily from the place and then served her with a 30-day notice of intent to vacate that afternoon.

masraum · 03-19-2008, 06:44 AM

yeah, that's a load of crap. No one looks through my stuff without an invitation from me or a warrant.

You're not in the military.

Mule · 07:10 AM

The first apartment I ever had, many many hears ago, I was getting off work at 7 am & had this girlfriend that would show up about 9. We are in bed kicking it. A knock comes at the door. As you might imagine, the door goes unanswered. Second knock, same response. A key goes in & I hear the door open! I jump up, grab a Colt Python 6" blue & run to the hallway to the door, throw down & yell freeze. There stands a terrified teenager holding a a/c filter with his eyes bugging out. I am stark naked & ready for action (not just with the pistol). After a second or two, I step back behind the doorway & ask what he's doing in my apartment. He says, "I came to change the a/c filter, but I'll come back later!" I say, "didn't they tell you I only work 10 days a month & am home most of the time during the day so not to come in?" He says "no sir, but I never will again" (with great sincerity). I said, "go ahead & put the filter in & lock the door on your way out."

Later I went to the office to clarify our agreement. Now it has changed & they tell me they cant guarantee this. I said "ask that young man changing the filters if he will again!"

Dantilla · 03-19-2008, 07:29 AM

Washington State's Landlord/Tenant law requires a 48 hour notice for non-emergencies.

KFC911 · 03-19-2008, 07:46 AM

I think a 24 hr notice would be typical for a non-emergency inspection, but under no circumstances should they be going through closets and cupboards...I can't imagine such behavior.

slakjaw · 03-19-2008, 12:38 PM

I am so pissed. What if I had a dead hooker in my closet? Then what?

Just sayin'

tcar · 03-19-2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masraum

yeah, that's a load of crap. No one looks through my stuff without an invitation from me or a warrant.

You're not in the military.

Read the lease that YOU signed without reading it. I didn't read mine either. Ha.

Doubt they would do it if it wasn't in the lease.

My lease says they can with 24hr notice.

You should keep the hooker in a freezer in the garage.

Laneco · 03-19-2008, 05:43 PM

Or how about this:

These two people are not actually the rental agency. They've been casing the complex and know that certain people leave during the day (are at work). They go to "replace filters" but are actually casing the joint for theft. After you go to work, they come back and steal anything of interest they saw.

We have 3 rentals, never has an inspection of an occupied residence involved opening cupboards and closets. The inspections are looking for obvious damage, pets etc.

Cupboards? Closets? - SCAM!
angela

Hugh R · 03-19-2008, 06:08 PM

I used to be a small landlord, I think most states require 24/48 hour notice. Like Angela said, maybe they go through your underwear drawer?

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laneco

Or how about this:

These two people are not actually the rental agency. They've been casing the complex and know that certain people leave during the day (are at work). They go to "replace filters" but are actually casing the joint for theft. After you go to work, they come back and steal anything of interest they saw.

We have 3 rentals, never has an inspection of an occupied residence involved opening cupboards and closets. The inspections are looking for obvious damage, pets etc.

Cupboards? Closets? - SCAM!
angela

Funny. Maybe I'm paranoid, but that was my thought, too.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

You really need to check your state and city laws. It is often illegal w/o notice.

If you are in a city, check around for a group or govt. agency that helps tenants. You will want to file a complaint.

BUT, you did not object, so they may claim implied consent. Tell the hearings officer or judge that you were so shocked you were speechless. Maybe even mention you were quiet b/c you fighting the urge to grab that pisotl and... - no, don't say that...

If it is a large company, write the head and ask what the F^&* was going on.

If small, you should perhaps skip that as they may retaliate.

Good Luck and do NOT let this pass w/o raising hell.

You could even call the cops and say what Laneco said and that you are worried you were being sized up for a home invasion robbery. Might chill them a tad, if the cops call them up.

KFC911 · 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slakjaw

I am so pissed. What if I had a dead hooker in my closet? Then what?

Just sayin'

What are you ...a governor or something?

legion · 03-20-2008, 06:04 AM

If someone showed up asking to change an air filter when I lived in an apartment, I would have known they were full of $h!t. I had radiant heat/window AC.

Then again, I would often come home from work to find a maintenance report on my door--claiming they had changed to toilet or installed new light bulbs (with no prior notice). I was pretty sure they never actually did any of the maintenance they claimed to...