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Do I have to allow the property manager access to my home to show prospective tenants when I am not home?

  • My husband and I just bought a home and gave our Notice to Vacate to the property manager. We were more than fair; we gave a 60 day notice. It seems that our generosity is now coming back to haunt us. The property manager has shown the house to several people, most of them at inconvenient times. She will come by at 7 in the morning, while we are getting ready for work and school, to show the place to prospective tenants. She has "scheduled" visits for late hours - 9:30 at night in one case. Right before she leaves, she'll tell us, "I'll probably be back tomorrow" and claims this is our 24 hour notice. For the past 3 weeks, this constant parade of questionable people at inappropriate times has all of us stressed out. We are trying to pack to move, get ready for work, get ready for bed, eat dinner, do homework, etc. and we can't even accomplish that. I'm terrified to get into my shower after one guy walked in and said "Don't mind me, I'm just looking around". I finally asked her to please give us a few days so we can just relax for once. She said "No problem, I'll just bring them by when you're at work". I have a HUGE problem with that. I've already caught people going through my drawers and one kid tried to steal some of my sons toys. I absolutely do not want strangers casing my house and pawing through my belongings when I'm at work. My questions is: Can I refuse to allow the house to be shown when I'm not there? The property manager just lets them wander around without supervision and who know what will end up missing. Before anyone says "Just move into your new house", we can't just yet. It's a fixer-uper and it's not livable yet. As soon as the inspector says it's safe for habitation, we'll move in. We just don't know when that will be. Oh, I live in Washington state, if that helps. Thank you in advance for any help or ideas.

  • Answer:

    "Do I have to allow the property manager access to my home to show prospective tenants when I am not home?" Yes, you do. The Revised Code of Washington State, section 59.18.150 states: "The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter the dwelling unit at a specified time where the landlord has given at least one day's notice of intent to enter to exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers or tenants. A landlord shall not unreasonably interfere with a tenant's enjoyment of the rented dwelling unit by excessively exhibiting the dwelling unit." There is nothing in the code that says that the landlord can only show the place if the tenant is present. Since there is nothing stated then it is reasonable to assume that you cannot refuse to allow your place to be shown when you're not there. Now, this does not mean that you cannot work something out with the landlord but the landlord is under no obligation to show the place only when you are there. You do have a right to voice your concerns if he is excessively exhibiting your home. Just what constitutes "excessive" I can't say. You also have a right to insist that he show the place at "reasonable" hours if you happen to be home. 7AM and 9:30PM are simply ridiculous times to show an apartment and you would have every right to deny access at those times. ""I'll probably be back tomorrow" and claims this is our 24 hour notice." That is not proper 24hr. Advise her of that and insist notice be no less than 24 hours and in writing.

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Yes you do. Their one and only obligation is to provide proper notice. You cannot refuse them entry. They don't require your permission or presence. Hide your valuables. Or put them in storage.

Pascal the Gambler

You can let them know that they can't come in before 8am or after 8pm, but you can't specify that they can't come during the day. You always have the option of taking off work and you have the option of hiding your valuables. I'd buy a security camera.

Insurance Pickle.com

I'm a landlady who lives in PA. I would NEVER treat tenants the way that you're being treated. I would always make sure that I, or a Real Estate Agent, was with the prospective tenants when they went through your place. First, document everything: When did the guy walk into your bathroom. Date, time of day, what happened, everything. Write it all down. Even ask them their names (that'll 'get' to them and your landlady because it let's them know that you're not going to allow this any more, and you're going to start holding people accountable). But the easiest thing to do: Call local real estate agents--more than one, in fact--and tell them your problem, and see what solutions they might have for you. They WILL talk to you because your landlady might end up a potential client of theirs when she finds out she might get herself in legal trouble by letting potential tenants wander through your home unattended.

magicbird

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