Are apartment staff allowed to just walk in? Unannounced? (Short Pump: lease, home)

[Alicia64]

We're in great apts. in Short Pump.

In the last week, I had an exterminator set for one day, show up on another day without notice.

I had a main. guy w/ the apt. show up this a.m. w/ no notice to check on what they're concerned could be a water leak. I never called them about it and don't know that there is one.

I don't have any problem w/ these people coming in as long as I have notice.

I have an older dog and I don't want him freaked out by a stranger just showing up. I normally take him w/ me if someone is coming in and I'll be gone.

This sort of thing seems common place here, they don't blink at just walking in unannounced.

When I told them that the apt. is alarmed and that they'll set off the alarm the main. guy calmly said, "oh, we have a key to turn them off."

So far, i've been home each time (I think) they've changed plans and just arrived unannounced.

Is this legal in VA -- because in the state I grew up in they needed to give 3 days notice.

TIA!!

Alley

[richmondpics]

What does your lease agreement say?

[upthecreekgotapaddle]

Definitely legal excepting extenuating emergency circumstances. Without obvious notice that water was coming into or from your unit, it would appear that your landlord was in the wrong.

Reference § 55-248.18 of the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for more info.

It's my understanding that regardless of whether something is referenced in a lease, landlords are still held to the premises of the Act. Don't take that as gospel, though. It's been quite awhile since my landlord/tenant law days.

[Anders15]

It depends on your contract, I'm not sure of the actual VA law. Usually in my experience they DO have the right but they often still gave me courtesy notices in advanced that they have work to do.

[upthecreekgotapaddle]

Originally Posted by upthecreekgotapaddle

Definitely legal

Uh, that was supposed to read "definitely ILLEGAL", not legal!

[Alicia64]

Thank you up the creek. I did more research and you're right.

I don't want to get on anyone's bad side at the moment -- I'm hoping to move into a better view apt. soon -- but it's good to know the law.

Thanks again,

Alley

[jesrush]

If there is a perceived problem (water, pests, etc.) -- then they definitely have the right to come in unannounced. However, most will attempt to provide some notice.

They will of course knock on the door and give you a minute to gather yourself!