As a renter, you desire the same privacy in an apartment as you would if you owned it. However, with the knowledge that a landlord or property manager can enter under specific circumstances, you still want to be guaranteed that they won't come inside and snoop through your belongings. As a landlord, what are the limitations? When can you inspect your tenant's apartment?
If a landlord wrongfully probes or penetrates an apartment, it could result in a resentful tenant and a lawsuit. So whether you're a landlord or a tenant, familiarize yourself so you can be shielded and avoid problematic situations. According to experts from our apartments for rent in Cayce, SC, here are some grounds for a landlord to legally enter an apartment.
A landlord may grow suspicious if they see a tenant's mail is piling up or haven't heard from them in some time. If a resident has been out of the apartment for a couple of weeks and the landlord doesn't know why they may presume abandonment and penetrate the apartment. Even if the renter was on an extended vacation and planning on returning, if they didn't notify the landlord, it could cause them to worry and wonder if the apartment was deserted.
If tenants plan to leave for longer than a week or two, they should notify their landlord. This can do more than stop the landlord from inferring abandonment. It can also help protect the apartment from potential break-ins. If a landlord understands an apartment will be vacant for a few weeks, they can look for suspicious activity.
Not every urgent circumstance gives a landlord the privilege to enter an apartment. There are, nevertheless, a few circumstances that are deemed to be emergencies.
If there's severe damage or danger, a landlord can penetrate the apartment to take care of it. Of course, this doesn't mean they can enter without permission from the resident if there's a slightly leaky faucet or a light bulb burns out. But, if there is a considerable water leak, blaze, gas leak, or other detrimental or destructive problem, the landlord can enter the flat without the tenant's permission.
A landlord never has the privilege to rifle through a resident's belongings. If landlords suspect criminal activity, they aren't permitted to search the apartment to look for proof. However, they can contact the police.
If a landlord needs to get into your apartment but not for one of the overhead reasons, tenant permission is mandated. In most circumstances, a landlord must also provide the tenant at least 24 hours notice, occasionally more. This applies to terms when a landlord is making minor repairs or brings by a hired maintenance specialist.
Landlords are also responsible for maintaining tenants' safe living environment, including repairs and inspections. If provided proper notice, tenants do need to allow the landlord to take care of such restorations and inspections.
These are a few reasons your landlord may enter your apartment. Contact us today if you need apartments for rent in Cayce, SC. We want to be your next home.