Entering Townhouse Without Notice (apartment, lease, tenant rights, rental)

[donsabi]

I had an incident today where the complex maintenance person along with a plumber and assistant entered my townhouse without my knowledge or permission. I only found out because I talked to the manager about another matter and she told me that my townhouse was entered. I know they are not suppose to enter without notice unless there is an emergency. I do not see anything missing but I had prescriptions, money, and other items of value lying about. I also have an old dog who was quite disturbed by their presence. What can I do about it? How can I trust living here anymore?
Don

[DannyBanany]

Tell your landlord that you are upset and tell him/her that you will not tolerate people being let into your place without your consent. If you are really upset file a complaint with the BBB and the property management company that you pay rent to.

[Ultrarunner]

Very poorly handled by the management company...

I would communicate in writing with the management company that they have breached your trust and violated the rental agreement by entering your apartment without proper notice or a bonafide emergency.

I would ask for a written apology to keep for future reference and then I would have the locks re-keyed... I know this may escalate matters, but, really... what other choice do you have other than moving?

I never enter an apartment without prior consent of permission... I just don't need the liability... and with consent, I always leave a "Post It" Sticky note with the date and time and my signature...

[Radek]

Originally Posted by Ultrarunner

Very poorly handled by the management company...

I would communicate in writing with the management company that they have breached your trust and violated the rental agreement by entering your apartment without proper notice or a bonafide emergency.

I would ask for a written apology to keep for future reference and then I would have the locks re-keyed... I know this may escalate matters, but, really... what other choice do you have other than moving?

I never enter an apartment without prior consent of permission... I just don't need the liability... and with consent, I always leave a "Post It" Sticky note with the date and time and my signature...

Was just checking out houses with an agent today, and she left her card with time. (And she organized in advance)

Its a breach of contract on their end, and they need to apologize for it, or you'll need to get out.

Re-key the locks, maybe just a dead bolt or something, but keep them out at least until you're sure it wont repeat.

[Paula Lynn]

If I receive a maintenance complaint, I ask for a "key OK" or someone over 18 has to be home, if a resident would prefer that option.

Very rarely I needed to go in on a plumbing emergecy, but when that would happen, I would call the cell numbers, land lines, work numbers and an eMail and leave a note on their kitchen counter.

I'm respected

[donsabi]

I am the OP. I was told today by the manager that they can enter any townhouse because it is written in the lease. I thought it was illegal to enter a rental unannounced and without reason. Monday I will call he state attorney general and see what they have to say.
This landlord has convinced me to never rent again. The pleasure and security of buying is more than worth the cost.
Don

[Ultrarunner]

Don't know about your state... report back on what you learn.

I'm sure you've gone over your lease. What did you agree to regarding entry?

As previously stated, it has to be a bonafide emergency, or you must be given advanced notice unless you grant permission.

Renting is definitely less expensive monetarily... but Home ownership has it's privileges and I guess that is why people are consistently willing to pay extra to be home owners.

[donsabi]

After reviewing the lease from I found a paragraph stating, the landlord shall have free access for making repairs and alterations. There is more but that is what pertains to my situation.
The PA tenant rights states, ...harassing you in person or by telephone or by entering or allowing others to enter your apartment without reasonable notice for legitimate purpose such as repairs, etc...
The, without reasonable notice, is what is important.
Also, note I have a fourteen year old dog, properly registered and fees paid to the landlord, which think was teased or abused along with their illegal entry. Secondly, I have medication and money lying about along with other valuables that I would put away if I knew repair people were going to be in my home.
Don

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by donsabi

After reviewing the lease from I found a paragraph stating, the landlord shall have free access for making repairs and alterations. There is more but that is what pertains to my situation.
The PA tenant rights states, ...harassing you in person or by telephone or by entering or allowing others to enter your apartment without reasonable notice for legitimate purpose such as repairs, etc...
The, without reasonable notice, is what is important.
Also, note I have a fourteen year old dog, properly registered and fees paid to the landlord, which think was teased or abused along with their illegal entry. Secondly, I have medication and money lying about along with other valuables that I would put away if I knew repair people were going to be in my home.
Don

You would clearly have claim if you can prove the entry caused you to suffer a loss or property damage.

My question is... Is the verbiage in your lease sufficient to over-ride PA tenant's rights or is it even possible to waive your rights in your state via the Rental Agrement?

Some stats do not allow residential tenants to waive certain rights because it is contrary to public policy.

Looks like you really need the assistance of someone who is very knowledgeable in PA Landlord Tenant Law.

Wish I could help, but all I can do is offer a West Coast Opinion

[donsabi]

Ultrarunner,
Thanks for your post and thanks to all posters.
Monday I will call the state attorney general.
As to damages, I would have a difficult job to see if I were missing something like meds, money, or items lying. i.e., they could just take pills out of a bottle and I would never know. My main concern is my 14 year old dog who can't hear and is losing his sight. I found him in a state of terror when I arrived home.
Don