Rights as a tenant?

[Mum2J&M]

Anyone know my rights as a tenant of a landlord who is starting to show our townhouse as we're moving out at the end of the month? We've had about five couples come by and they all gave a day's notice, which was great (with two young kids, it can be a bit of a challenge). I've had two recent callers asking if they can come see the house within 5 to 20 minutes. It's just not possible for us most of the time (naps, messes, etc.). So is there any kind of law governing them showing whenever the hell they want? They haven't complained about it... yet. Someone called tonight and we said tomorrow after 5pm is fine. They first asked for 5 minutes from now. :rolleyes:

[djeuch]

Check your contract. Unless you've given them the right, it's your "home" and any time you give them is "being nice".

[Mum2J&M]

Really? Is that because we paid for the month? I thought the landlords have more rights than that, but maybe I'm wrong. I'm not sure what's in the contract at this point. I figure if they haven't been able to rent it when we were gone and it was sparkling clean (after working my butt off for 3 hours to clean it), there's no way they'll rent it when it's a huge mess and the kids are around!

[djeuch]

Again, depends on the contract. They have a right to enter for maintenance, etc., but it is still your primary residence, and as such the law is mostly on your side.

[JeffreyG]

Really? Is that because we paid for the month? I thought the landlords have more rights than that, but maybe I'm wrong. I'm not sure what's in the contract at this point. I figure if they haven't been able to rent it when we were gone and it was sparkling clean (after working my butt off for 3 hours to clean it), there's no way they'll rent it when it's a huge mess and the kids are around!

It's nice of you to cooperate, but there isn't much the landlord can do if you don't. If you have paid rent and have an agreement for this month, the landlord cannot require you to:

Leave
Clean
Bake cookies
Stage your furniture

If the prospects are giving you trouble simply make a call and play nice. The best way to come to an agreement with the landlord is to point out that a) you can't get the place clean and vacant at the drop of a hat and b) given short notice you will simply be home and the place will be a mess. Point out to the LL that you are trying to be helpful and that you need more warning.

Finally....realize that rude / inconsiderate prospects are probably beyond the LLs control.

Second final....what if a prospect steals something of yours?

[Mum2J&M]

My gear always leaves the house with me since we've had the lock box on. ;)

[steved110]

I'm pretty sure you have the right to decline an unreasonable request to have a viewing. After all it is your home - at least for 1 more month.

Equally, like all things in life it pays to be nice to other people - i think you are probably handling things about right. Help if you can, decline if you can't.

[condyk]

Sounds like you'd be better reading your contract and talking to your LL than asking a bunch of 'photo forum' members about your rights! Personally, if I had a decent landlord then I would be happy for people to come around at short notice if I wasn't being put out. I also wouldn't specifically tidy up or anything. But it is up to you.

[CyberDyneSystems]

It varies from State to state, and then as mentioned it should be in your lease agreement.

Usually it is expected that 24 hours notice be given before a landlord can gain access, with the exception of "emergencies"

Showing the Apt is not considered an Emergency...

is it the landlord or a real estate agent pushing this? R.E. Agents are known for pushing this boundary, if the calls are coming from them you may want to inform them of your rights (once you find your lease) and inform the landlord of your concerns.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I'm pretty sure you have the right to decline an unreasonable request to have a viewing. After all it is your home - at least for 1 more month.

Equally, like all things in life it pays to be nice to other people - i think you are probably handling things about right. Help if you can, decline if you can't.

I agree with this as well.

[Mike]

Don't know about in the US but here in the UK a landlord is legally obliged to give 24 hours notice before entering an occupied property.

Have a search online - you should be able to find info like this: linky (http://books.google.com/books?id=cvkq3m126rUC&pg=PA2&lpg=PA2&dq=us+tenancy+rights&source=web&ots=GWhsg_mgc0&sig=oMsDj9gRPpexXPD1J2GtU9bONx4#PPA2,M1)

[mtnphtgrphr]

Don't know about in the US but here in the UK a landlord is legally obliged to give 24 hours notice before entering an occupied property.

Have a search online - you should be able to find info like this: linky (http://books.google.com/books?id=cvkq3m126rUC&pg=PA2&lpg=PA2&dq=us+tenancy+rights&source=web&ots=GWhsg_mgc0&sig=oMsDj9gRPpexXPD1J2GtU9bONx4#PPA2,M1)

That's my experience as a landlord in NC. Landlords in NC have relatively few rights....

[Mum2J&M]

Now I'm really PO'd. Someone was supposed to come see the house tonight between 5pm and 6pm. So I spent 3 hours doing laundry, cleaning the bathrooms, the floors, the kitchen, dishes, etc. and, of course, they didn't show or call. Here it is nearly 8pm. What a waste of a day. Yes, the house is clean, but I could've spent that time more focused on my son who isn't feeling well today. Unbelieveable. I will not do that again. From now on, I don't care how messy it is if that's how they're going to play it.

[JeffreyG]

Now I'm really PO'd. Someone was supposed to come see the house tonight between 5pm and 6pm. So I spent 3 hours doing laundry, cleaning the bathrooms, the floors, the kitchen, dishes, etc. and, of course, they didn't show or call. Here it is nearly 8pm. What a waste of a day. Yes, the house is clean, but I could've spent that time more focused on my son who isn't feeling well today. Unbelieveable. I will not do that again. From now on, I don't care how messy it is if that's how they're going to play it.

Mum, so far as I can see it makes no difference to you if the place sells or not, so don't put yourself out. The LL can sell the thing next month once you are gone.

I would not work too hard just to help the LL sell the sucker one month earlier.

[Mum2J&M]

Mum, so far as I can see it makes no difference to you if the place sells or not, so don't put yourself out. The LL can sell the thing next month once you are gone.

I would not work too hard just to help the LL sell the sucker one month earlier.

Yeah, I know. Just don't want to have to go through this anymore. I wish someone would just rent the damn thing already. :evil: