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Ask in a friendly way if they would make an attempt to keep the door from sticking. A run of painters tape will keep the door frim sticking to the weatherstrip. That should eliminate any problems.
Otherwise, no, you can't refuse them entry for maintenance. I can't imagine they will be hard to work with unless you create the problem.
This is why I'm most reluctant to do any improvement/maintenance on occupied property...
Something simple that should take no time now becomes a production of scheduling, review, special trips, etc.
I managed two side by side single family homes... one tenant was extremely controlling and went out of her way to be difficult... the other was in her early 60's and as nice as could be and the maintenance guys loved going there.
The difference is attitude.
About a year later I get this two page letter stating that the house next door got new double pane windows and a new door and she thought this most unfair...
I wrote back and told her I respect her privacy and would NEVER put her through the bother of discretionary construction/renovations...
I wish I could say that was the end of it but she was a person that seemed to always be unhappy and nothing I could say or do was going to change that.
The kicker came when the gardener planted annual at the house next door... the other tenant bitterly complained in a voice mail...
I wrote her back and said the lady next door gave the gardener a $100 to buy some plants and she was free to do the same...
Door painting often requires significant dry time in the open position and my favorite, quick dry oil enamel is just about non existent due to VOC regs....
OP, instead of taking a passive aggressive stance by refusing entry for what you consider 'non-essential renovations' which will only work against you and cause a strain between you and management, why don't you just simply explain to them what the actual problem is so they have a chance to remedy it? Work with them on this and find a reasonable time and resolution that is mutually beneficial for both of you to have your door kept open until the paint fully dries.
OP, instead of taking a passive aggressive stance by refusing entry for what you consider 'non-essential renovations' which will only work against you and cause a strain between you and management, why don't you just simply explain to them what the actual problem is so they have a chance to remedy it? Work with them on this and find a reasonable time and resolution that is mutually beneficial for both of you to have your door kept open until the paint fully dries.
This may also assist the management in evaluating the proficiency of the painting contractor.
Or...it may be that the management had already discovered most other renters actually preferred dealing with a door that had been painted while closed rather than arranging a meeting time with the painting contractor.
Or...it may be that the management had already discovered that arranging meeting times between who-know-how-many renters and the painting contractor was exceedingly expensive.
oregonsmokewood- Thanks for your reasonable reply. For the record, I did not plan to just say "I refuse entry" to the painters, but wanted to know what the laws are on this issue before talking with the property manager.
unit731- I am paying rent to "borrow" property under the premise that I can physically access it. If I can't physically open my front door due to renovations, then I don't have access. If you are involved in apartment management, I hope you are aware that there are laws pertaining to accessibility/equal enjoyment of property for individuals with disabilities for public AND private housing- you can't create accessibility issues and just tell people tough luck. This is also a safety issue. The time I had the most difficulty with the door I was actually trying to open it from the inside. What if there was a fire or other emergency where I needed to get out quickly?
That's all well and good, but you also have a responsibility to communicate these "stuck" door issues. From what you wrote initially, you didn't, you went right to "how to refuse entry"
Several folks have given you reasonable suggestions. I also suggest that you speak with the LL and let them know the difficulty that you had with the outside trim re: "stuck" door....and give them a chance to work with you.
Starting any conversation with a new owner that begins with you asserting your renter's rights will be seen as antagonistic, and that is how you will be responded to imo.
Speak to the LL. I'd be concerned if a contractor was "painting doors shut" as it sounds to me they are just quickly slapping paint on there without any sort of taping off or concern. Sounds like the contractor is trying to bang out the job as quick as they can.
So now, while you don't have a right to refuse the entry, you can certainly voice your concerns that the work performed left you physically unable to open the door.
Okay - that's a first. Somebody who is complaining about a landlord who is maintaining and improving the rental property.
Well, I could understand if the requests were too frequent.
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