Landlords from time to time should be allowed to inspect the house see if there's a need for repairs, etc. While letting the property to the tenant should you set the rules for entry, have them in writing or reach some kind of oral agreement? Supposing you didn't talk about it does a tenant have the right to refuse entry, citing [tenant] privacy as the reason they won't let the landlord in?
They do not have the right to refuse entry, it's your apartment afterall. But I would never ever do a "surprise check"... rather I would let them know a day or two in advance that I will be dropping by to do X thing.
It's always better to get the rules written down in black and white in my opinion. Nobody really wants to be interrupted in their own home by a spot check, and even though you might own the property, for as long as the tenant is paying you, that's what it is...their home.
In the UK, landlords are required to give tenants at least 24 hours written notice before an inspection. They cannot simply let themselves into the property any time they like and if this did happen, the tenant would be well within their rights to refuse entry. If they have recieved the correct notification though, they cannot refuse.
It is indeed a landlord's property but for things to be clear from the start, it's better to have written rules of agreement citing the landlord's need for inspection every now and then to avoid refusal when inspection time comes. I think notifying your tenant ahead of time before inspecting is also important for him/her to be able to prepare him/herself and accomodate you.
I believe its best to issue out a notice that you as the landlord/lady intend to visit on such and such a day and your intentions for the said visit...this ought to be done in writing..and 24hrs before the said visit, this ought to be included in the tenant and landlord agreement before the tenant enters the said property...the tenant ought to respect that.
Yes, it should definitely be included in the rental agreement and pointed out to the tenant at the time of signing. The agreement itself should contain wording along the lines of "I confirm I have read and understood the terms and conditions of this contract" near the tenant's signature, just to cover yourself.
In the high end areas such as condominiums and nice apartments, the privacy of the tenant is fully observed because the rental company's staff are trained for proper management of the property. But for small apartments, landlords would usually drop by for a random inspection. However, most of those landlords have a good relationship with the tenant so that's not much of a bother. But for those not in good terms, that inspection is being used by the landlord to rile the tenant and maybe because the landlord wants the tenant to leave.
This is a no brainer. Of course they have a right to privacy, no matter where they live. They can't just walk on in unless it's clearly stated in the contract that they signed that they can. I hate that landlords and maintenance think they can just waltz right in just because you live in an apartment. I've had that happen on too many occasions. There really is no privacy.
Around here a landlord has to give you 24 hour notice before coming to do a check. I have lived in the same apartment for 9 years and my landlord has never done a check. He does come in when things need to be repaired and I have given him permission to enter my apartment to repair things if I am not home. We have a wonderful landlord tenant relationship. I have never had a problem with him. He always respects my privacy.
