Anon
Miami,#2Consumer Comment
Fri, February 21, 2003
If you wanted to break your lease, you would have grounds due to the entering of your apartment without advance notice. A landlord (or his agent like a repair man) can enter in the case of an emergency, such as suspected roof leak, fire, electrical problem, tenant in peril, etc. They cannot just wander over and enter your unit when they feel like it, and if they are entering for a routine matter or to show the unit, they are required to give "adequate notice". That is a vague phrase, but under the law it generally means a minimum of 24 hours. If they call you and ask if they can enter sooner than that and you agree, that is okay, too. It may not even be the landlord entering, it may be someone who has access to the keys. Ask to know what kind of security there is on the key box for your apartment building. Ask how often locks are changed. When you have you locks changed, give the landlord a copy of the key in a sealed envelope with your signature over the seal, and then tape it. If you then suspect an unauthorized entry, you can ask to see the envelope. The heating issue and the washer/dryer hookup are either covered in your lease or should be outlined in some written agreement--could go either way in court if it isn't. He sounds like a crummy landlord who is taking too many liberties. Research your rights on the tenant/landlord sections of www.nolo.com. Good luck!