The age-old adage that curiosity killed the cat also applies to tenant privacy. It takes only a few seconds of curiosity to kill a healthy relationship with your tenant and land yourself in legal complications. In a world where renters view most landlords with negativity and occasional disgust, it’s best to display clear and consistent respect for privacy at your property.
Privacy rights can feel complex when you share a property with your tenants. After all, it’s apparent when they disregard contract rules like inviting extended guests. However, it’s vital to operate with professionalism as you navigate this relationship dynamic.
Most state laws allow landlords to enter their tenant’s homes under specific circumstances, but they must meet certain legal requirements beforehand, like providing ample notice. While you have a right to enter the property, your tenant also has the right to privacy. If a tenant denies access to their home for any reason, you may not be able to enter unless there is a serious issue.
Despite this, there are landlords who don’t honor privacy laws. Some will enter the property whenever they like, or will spy on their tenants to make sure they’re following the lease agreement. This can lead to legal issues, including claims of harassment. So, no matter how concerned you are about inspecting your property, it’s vital to be respectful of your tenants and approach any instance of entering their property in a professional and legal manner.
Addressing Long-Term Guests
Most property managers and landlords will likely have to deal with long-term guests at some point. A long-term guest would be considered anyone the tenant houses for an extended period who isn’t on the lease. The issue with long-term guests is that if they cause any damage to the property or break terms on the tenant’s lease, there’s little that can be done about it.
While it may be tempting to just keep close tabs on the situation, this approach puts you at risk of breaching your tenant’s privacy. The best approach is to confront the problem directly. You can schedule an inspection or ask for a meeting to address the issue. Give your tenant a chance to explain why they have a long-term guest and be open about your expectations while they’re staying at the property.
One way to avoid problems with long-term guests is to have a clearly outlined guest stipulation in your lease. Be clear about your expectations regarding consecutive overnight stays, the number of visits a tenant can have in a certain period of time, and your rules about subletting. This will give your tenants a better understanding of their responsibilities if such a situation arises.
Providing Notice before Entering the Property
Some landlords will show up at their tenant’s door unannounced or check up on them without a valid reason. This can feel extremely intrusive to tenants, and it’s often illegal. There are laws that prohibit frequent disruptions to tenant privacy, including things like making unnecessary repairs. One of the few exceptions is if a tenant is engaging in unlawful activities. However, in most circumstances, the law requires that landlords give notice.
The amount of notice a landlord is required to give a tenant varies from state to state, but it’s typically 24 – 48 hours’ notice. Even when you’ve provided notice and the tenant agrees, it’s still recommended that you keep a written record. Document all the repairs and reasons why you’ve needed to visit the property. This provides proof that you haven’t stopped by unannounced or made unnecessary repairs in case the tenant claims otherwise.
Give Written Notices
Unless it is an emergency, it’s illegal for landlords to enter a tenant’s space without prior notice. Find out the legal regulations for your state to establish your rights as a landlord. Several states have statutes limiting entry, so it’s best to do your research.
Regardless of notice, your rationale for entering the premises must always be reasonable and professional. Typically, the landlord must provide the renter with at least 24 hours’ notice and receive permission before entering.
Acceptable reasons for entering a tenant’s space include:
Conducting repairs.
Carrying out a formal inspection.
Showing the space to prospective tenants or buyers if the lease is ending.
Gaining access if there’s an emergency.
Abolish Arbitrary Rules
You must keep the original rules as described in the contract. If you’ve made a verbal agreement, those rules must be upheld if discussed at the start of the rental agreement. If the tenant is on a monthly contract, it is possible to update the rules at the end of the month. If you decide to update the agreement, it must be in writing, and the renter must be given a 30-day notice (note that this timeframe can vary so double-check your state laws).
Address Issues Professionally
A rental contract is a legally binding agreement between the landlord and the tenant. This contract signifies a business agreement, so keep things professional. If your tenant breaks the rules, provide them with a series of notices and then evict them if needed. Save yourself time and energy by handling problems civilly rather than getting emotionally involved.
If you suspect that the tenant could be engaging in lease-breaking activity, use a housing inspection to confirm your concerns. Always document any warnings that you provide your tenant. Remember that if the lease adherence is ever evaluated in court, your actions should be without reproach.
Smart Devices
Some landlords have begun to adopt smart devices at their properties, such as water sensors, locks, and thermostats. These devices can save on energy bills and they often make the home more convenient and comfortable for tenants. They can also increase the property value, making it easier to rent or resell it at a higher price.
Despite this, property owners should always discuss adding these devices with the tenants before they’re installed. Some tenants may feel wary about this new technology, either because they don’t understand how it works or they don’t trust it. Some smart devices can collect data, which can be delivered to third parties who could potentially misuse the information. Often, this involves selling a tenant’s information to an advertiser. The advertiser can then use the information to target the tenant or their demographic for sales and promotions.
Not only can this be annoying, but it may also create trust issues. So, the best practice, in this case, is to have an open conversation about the technology before it’s installed to make sure the tenant is comfortable with it.
Encourage Open Communication
Communication is the key to a healthy relationship. Encourage open communication from the start of the agreement, but remember that this is a business relationship, and it’s essential to respect your tenant’s privacy. This rental space is their home. How would you feel if someone entered your safe space without your permission?
Keep the conversation casual when you aren’t on official landlord time. Make sure to discuss formal matters during designated periods, like quarterly inspections. When possible, automate interactions like paying bills. Automating payments will help to simplify the relationship and keep things positive.
Respect Your Tenant's Privacy
Keep the relationship professional by respecting your tenant’s privacy and following the contract. If situations arise that cause concern, follow proper legal channels, and document each step you take.
Above all, as challenging as it may seem, remember to put yourself in the position of your tenant and honor the agreement you’ve arranged.