I moved into an apartment and the landlord continually comes into my apartment unannouned when i’m not home. His apartment isn’t well insulated so i use the heat often. He came into my apartment one day and put a lock box on my thermostat so as to stop that. (since he pays all utils. and cable) He set it on 72 which is not good in a uninsulated place. Then he ask me what i want him to set it at when he comes up and sees that i use the stove to heat the place. I say 75 and he sets it to 73 as if to say i don’t know what i’m talking about. For starters can he put a lock box on the thermostat in my apartment and if so where in the landlord book is it found?
It depends on your lease, read over your lease and check if he has rights to your utility operations if not he if bound by the lease to allow you to use your utilities at your own leisure even if he does pay it, check the lease if he gets personal get an attorney.
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I’ve never heard of a landlord doing that. But it sure doesn’t sound shady! Did you sign any kind of agreement? If not, then you maybe S.O.L. If so, look it over for anykind of regulations and talk to an attorny (one who doesn’t charge for a consultation) But whatever you do, it sounds like bad buisness on his part. He shouldn’t take on the responsibilities of including utilities, etc. in the rent if he can’t afford it. Good Luck.
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If it is not in your lease then yes he can. You rent from him, and are living in a building he ownes. He is paying all your utility bills and those can change monthly your rent never changes. He should have talked to you and told you your thermostat needs to stay at 72 and if you kept raising it too high then he has the right to do that. He should be calling you before he comes into your place but if you never answer then he has all the right to come into HIS place and fix the things he needs too.
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He can put on a lock box. However, a landlord is supposed to give 24 hours notice before entering your apartment.
Incidentally, if you get one of those ice packs (the kind that you freeze and then put in coolers to keep things cool) and tie it underneath the lockbox, it will cool off the inside of the lockbox enough to make the heat come on.
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This is a good one.
Dank,
First of all, check your state laws on landlord/tenant policies. There should be an association that represents tenants rights. I had a similiar thing happen to me in California, and I took the property owner to court and won big time. They entered my apartment without my knowledge, as well as many other things disallowed in the state. AS owners, they assumed they had the right to do so just because they were owners. The person that said, if the utilities are included in the rent, they are included in the rent. It’s very important to scour your lease, and if there are clauses that are not clear to you, get some assistance. One thing is for certain. He cannot enter your apartment without your knowledge or permission. It is illegal entry. I actually put a lock on the inside, so he could’t get in. That was my right. This was one thing put before the judge and he did say the same thing. He chastised them on the spot, and it wasn’t gentle. If you have to go to court, there are some things you have to know. Move for one thing. They will make your life even more miserable regardless of whether you sue or not. Have with you everything pertinent to your case. Things can get pretty emotional, so stay very calm. Don’t speak out of turn, no matter what. Let them upset the judge. This will only be in your favor. Another thing I did was record him. Have it ready, and when he knocks, let him speak. He’ll most definitely shoot himself. It is legal to produce a recording in small claims court. Just so you know too, if he comes to your door, and you do not want him to enter, he cannot. The so-called landlord that answered this question better brush up on the law. E-mail me, and I’ll give my phone number, and we’ll talk further. I’ll never forget my experience, and I know exactly where to lead you. First thing you need to do though, is go over the lease, and find out what your rights are. They will have this in written form. Kym duckling702@yahoo.com Did you say there was no insallation? He has to provide a habitable rental.
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its crap. if your cold you have the right to warm up. it was the landlords choice to pay utilities, besides ultimatly you pay for it with your rent, its part of your rent. i’d bust that lock off and get a chain lock for the door. he cant come in unannounced. if you have a chain lock then he cant come in when you’re there… could be sleeping, or in the shower. i’d tell him i was callin the cops for unlawfull entery. im already fedup with him! GRRRRR
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