creepy landlord

[phaedra]

I live in Arizona. I recently rented a duplex and the landlord is, well, a pretty weird guy. I think that he was renting the space out in hopes of finding a girlfriend rather then a tenant. He told me about how he painted the bedroom pink for a girl, he has asked me to tell him "boyfriend stories", he has tried to tell me about his past relationships and has also been rude and insulting. In short he has made me feel very uncomfortable about living next door to him. I got his permission to put more locks on the doors (non-keyed ones). Now he wants to come in and do a walk through every month to look for damages. I feel like this is a invasion of my privacy as it clearly states in the lease that I am to inform him of any damages or repairs needed. The lease is only for 6 months and I find it very unusual that he needs to come in once a month. I have confronted him about his behaviour (asking personal questions, leaving notes on the door rather than calling, etc.) will anyone advise me on what to do about the monthly walk throughs? Thanks.

 

[Who's Liable?]

If it is NOT part of the rent, than he cannot doe monthly checks. He can however enter when there is a justified emergency.

 

[ncpropmgr]

He can do monthly checks with proper notice to ensure his asset is being taken care of!

AND...go ahead and give your notice to vacate, that way you don't get stuck in the end. Make sure you get a receipt of notice or an acknowledgement of notice!

Good luck.

 

[Alaska landlord]

If it is NOT part of the rent, than he cannot doe monthly checks. He can however enter when there is a justified emergency.

Though monthly checks are excessive and in some cases the Judges have ruled that it is harassment, with proper notice as stated above the landlord can enter and assess the unit for damage.

 

[OHlandlord]

I agree with the other posters. He can do inspections as long as he gives you proper notice (2 day notice) to do them, although one per month seems a little much to me too. State law gives him the right to do inspections.

The notes on the door have nothing to do with any relationship you perceive he may or may not want. Written communication is the preferred method of LLs since phone calls cannot be proven in court. Writen notes and notices can be used in court. Keeping things documented is important. All of my communication with tenants is done through written notices attached to their front door (a legal method service here). You may refuse to answer any personal question he asks.

 

[>Charlotte<]

Even though your question has been correctly answered, I thought I'd provide the actual statute for your reference. I didn't see anything that addressed what is considered unreasonable. Google "Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act" if you want to see the whole thing.

33-1343. Access

A. The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen or contractors.

B. If the tenant notifies the landlord of a service request or a request for maintenance as prescribed in section 33-1341, paragraph 8, the notice from the tenant constitutes permission from the tenant for the landlord to enter the dwelling unit pursuant to subsection D of this section for the sole purpose of acting on the service or maintenance request.

C. The landlord may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant in case of emergency.

D. The landlord shall not abuse the right to access or use it to harass the tenant. Except in case of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least two days' notice of the landlord's intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times.

E. The landlord has no other right of access except by court order and as permitted by sections 33-1369 and 33-1370, or if the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.