I am a Royal Palm Beach Florida renter paying $1850.00 per month in a nice neighborhood. But the landlord especially his wife continues to stop by unannouced and uninvited along with other family members to pick fruits etc. There have been numerous times I have been awaken by the noise of kids on the swing set they gave us upon moving out. We have been on a water restriction for the past three months or better. I arrived home one afternoon and noticed a warning notice on my door from Code Enforcement reminding me of the watering days for this address. Unsure of why I received this notice I blew it off. The next morning around 9:30 am ( I so happen to be home because I over slept.) I hear the sprinkler system coming on. I walked outside and turned the system off. We immediately called the husband (landlord) questioning if he turned the sprinkler system on. He said his wife properly turned it on. Of course this angered me and I called her at home inquiring if she turned on the system, of which she eagerly admitted with an attitude telling me this is her property and she has the right to turn on whatever she please. Naturally I called the Police Department reported this as well. When the officer came out and informed me she doesn't have the right to come and go when they please etc. I was advised to report it to the City Code Enforcement of which I did. I was told by Code Enforcement the next fine will be issued to the owner of the property. The $ 1850.00 is only for renting the property, We pay all our utilities, Lawn service. etc. After this event they are still visiting the property whenever they choose too picking fruits and vegetables etc. Please tell me what I should do or can do until my lease is up July 2008. :confused:

Is there a way to turn the outside water off from inside the house?

Bring the sprinkler and hose in when you aren't using them, even though it is an inconvenience.
Tell the landlord you do not want the water in your name and you do not feel you should have to pay for the water if they continue to use it since they are taking advantage and running the bill up. You may have to go to the district court/magistrate to see what all can be done--restraining orders---whatever!

If they want the fruit maybe you can offer a specific day and time for them to come over and pick it like Sunday afternoons OR offer to pick it for them.

Hello L:

If your lease doesn't have a provision for notice before they visit, your state law does. However, I'll bet your lease does.

Write them a letter. Point out the provision in your lease that requires them to give you notice. Tell them you rented the ENTIRE home and that includes the trees and their fruit. If they wish to PURCHASE your fruit, you'll be glad to set a price for them. Tell them that if they wish to take over your lawn maintenance, you'll expect them there every Tuesday with their mower and their leaf blowers and DON'T be late.

Tell them you expect compliance. Send the letter certified, return receipt requested. Send another copy by regular mail.

excon