landlord's workers entering w/o notice

[DaisyL]

I'm a college student living in an off-camus apartment. These apartments are brand new and have had a lot of problems. Since moving in, I have had workers in and out of my apartment to make repairs, not a problem. Any problems we've had were fixed months ago. Yesterday, two workers came into my apartment while only one roommate was home (in the shower). He walked out and they mumbled something about fixing my Internet service and said they would come back later. Today, I was talking to the guy who actually fixes the computers, and he told me that he had been IN my room on my computer the other day and that it would take him a few hours to fix it next time! These people have keys to the apartment and seem to come and go as they please, without notifying us that they are coming or have been there! Any advice as to what, if anything, I could do legally??? =)

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DaisyL:
I'm a college student living in an off-camus apartment. These apartments are brand new and have had a lot of problems. Since moving in, I have had workers in and out of my apartment to make repairs, not a problem. Any problems we've had were fixed months ago. Yesterday, two workers came into my apartment while only one roommate was home (in the shower). He walked out and they mumbled something about fixing my Internet service and said they would come back later. Today, I was talking to the guy who actually fixes the computers, and he told me that he had been IN my room on my computer the other day and that it would take him a few hours to fix it next time! These people have keys to the apartment and seem to come and go as they please, without notifying us that they are coming or have been there! Any advice as to what, if anything, I could do legally??? =)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My response:

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do because you apparently live in the land of "NO STATE" and in No State, there are no laws, like there are in California, Washington, Nevada, etc. and, in those States, the laws are all different.

IAAL



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[DaisyL]

Sorry, I guess I forgot to mention that I'm from SC!

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DaisyL:
Sorry, I guess I forgot to mention that I'm from SC!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My response:

South Carolina Landlord/Tenant law on your subject is as follows:

SECTION 27-40-530. Access.
(a) A 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) A landlord or his agent may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant:
(1) At any time in case of emergency - prospective changes in weather conditions which pose a likelihood of danger to the property may be considered an emergency;
(2) Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of providing regularly scheduled periodic services such as changing furnace and air-conditioning filters, providing termite, insect, or pest treatment, and the like, provided that the right to enter to provide regularly scheduled periodic services is conspicuously set forth in writing in the rental agreement and that prior to entering, the landlord announces his intent to enter to perform services; or
(3) Between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. for the purpose of providing services requested by the tenant and that prior to entering, the landlord announces his intent to enter to perform services.
(c) A landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Except in cases under item (b) above, the landlord shall give the tenant at least twenty-four hours notice of his intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times.
(d) A landlord has no other right of access except:
(1) pursuant to court order;
(2) as permitted by SECTIONS 27-40-720 and 27-40-730;
(3) when accompanied by a law enforcement officer at reasonable times for the purpose of service of process in ejectment proceedings; or
(4) unless the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.
(e) A tenant shall not change locks on the dwelling unit without the permission of the landlord.


If I were you, I'd post a note on your door quoting the applicable law from the above, with a warning that says you will take all appropriate steps to prosecute any person who unlawfully trespasses onto these premises.

Good luck to you.

IAAL


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By reading the “Response” to your question or comment, you agree that: The opinions expressed herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE" are designed to provide educational information only and are not intended to, nor do they, offer legal advice. Opinions expressed to you in this site are not intended to, nor does it, create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information. No electronic communication with "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE," on its own, will generate an attorney-client relationship, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. You further agree that you will obtain your own attorney's advice and counsel for your questions responded to herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE."