It started with registered letters containing ominous messages, sent weeks after we are left to think everything is fine. Then the endless inspectons two at a time, clipboards in tow. some without any advance warning at all, and taking photos!? There is no logic to any of this, no explanation. Seems we are held to the highest standards of military-like perfection: cleaning, neatness and interior decorating. Like we are trying out for Better Homes and Gardens magazine. I don’t know if I am the only one in the building going through this but it sure feels like it. I can’t believe I spend almost half of what I make to live here. Not saying it isn’t a good deal but a little more respect would be nice. Sending the exterminator up at such early hours and with such little notice meant I ended up sleeping in the hallway in my pyjamas and shoes, trying to figure out what to do with my poor cat (not just a love thing, it is my responsibility to take care of her). Seems I can’t even throw anything in the garbage without it turning into a huge fiasco. It is getting to the point that eviction would be a welcome relief rather than a terrible dread. What can I say? I hope it gets better. I pity anyone new who moves into this building but I would say they probably won’t go through the same thing I did. —HI
This article appears in Jul 5-11, 2012.
Is it a building owned by a company similar to the fictional company NorthEast Properties?
So, spending half your salary on rent (alone) is a good deal…?! Did you go to university and learn that logic?
I was with SW for 8 years with no qualms whatsoever…
definitely prefer them over those I have now…
new ones are major dicks.
unemotional, less than understanding, and basically just out to milk everything they can before the building collapses.
fell your pain OP.
still, I’d never welcome eviction… moving is the biggest royal pain in the ass.
The landlord is not allowed to just show up without cause. They must give 24 hours notice. Anything they do, they have to let you know ahead of time. Check with the tenancies board.
I had a landlord show up unannounced once just after I finished a smoke session. The folks viewing the apartment got a giggle out of it while the landlord just gave me a face. When she was giving me the look I shrugged and told her she could have called.
OB, your landlord is taking advantage of your good nature, and will continue to do so until you grow a set and stand up for yourself. There is no way a landlord would be showing up unannounced at my door wanting to “inspect” anything except the outside of my door. 24 hours WRITTEN NOTICE is required by law, and it’s your RIGHT to refuse.
Did you have bedbugs by any chance, OP? If that’s the case, you SHOULD be careful about what you do with your trash so you don’t end up infesting the rest of the building. They make everyones’ lives miserable.
The landlord must give you a 24 hour notice (with a reason) before entering your unit. The only time a landlord can enter a unit without notice is for an emergency, ie fire, smoke, flood, broken pipes, a broken window, a hole allowing access into the unit from the outside. Other than that, without your permission, it is called breaking and entering.