Does a landlord have to give 24 or 48 hours notice to enter the property?
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Does a landlord have to give 24 or 48 hours notice to enter the property?
I called our landlord Friday about an issue with our refrigerator, and asked if they could fix it. They asked if they could enter the property Saturday. I explained to them that I was uncomfortable with them being there with none of us home since I hadn’t talked with everyone to make sure it was okay (there are 4 people, all on the lease) and that I would call them on Monday when I had returned. Before I arrived on Monday, they called a different tenant who verbally gave permission without consulting the other tenants. When the landlord was here, he also set a sprinkler up without asking. Also, must this be a written notice?
Asked on August 29, 2011 Washington
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
In all states in this country there are laws that allow a landlord to enter a rented unit in possession of his or her after giving reasonable notice to enter to the tenant living in the unit. In most states, twent-four (24) hours is deemed reasaonable notice.
In your situation, the landlord asked you for permission to enter the rented unit to repair the refrigerator. You live in the rented unit with three (3) other roommates, also tenants on the written lease. You wanted more time for the landlord to come and make repairs. However another tenant allowed access to the landlord earlier than you desired.
The access allowed the landlord by another tenant was proper. The landlord's installation of a sprinkler system for your, others', and the building's safety and protection was justified even though this was done without advising beforehand.
The conduct of the landlord was allowable and no written notice was needed.
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