Many landlords wish to go into their tenants’ units unannounced, but entering without notice can have real legal consequences.
While entering a tenant’s unit without notice may be permissible in cases of emergency or abandonment, it’s still a good idea to provide some form of notice.
So listen up landlords. Here’s what you need to know about giving notice, and what can happen if you don’t give proper notice before entering a tenant’s unit:
How to Give Notice
A good reason why no landlord should enter an apartment without giving reasonable notice is that giving notice is incredibly easy.
Every state has different requirements or presumptions when it comes to “reasonable notice,” but a good form of notice will:
For apartment complexes, it may be sufficient to post a written notice of entry on the common entry for the building, but it also may be wise to slide a copy under the door of each unit. The law doesn’t require a landlord to ensure that every tenant reads this notice of entry, just providing the opportunity to be aware of it.
Many states have carved out exceptions to this notice requirement in cases of emergency or abandonment. If a landlord suspects a property has been abandoned, it won’t hurt to provide notice anyway.
What Can Happen If a Landlord Enters Without Notice
Entering a tenant’s unit without notice or consent can lead to major legal consequences. For example: