Today my boyfriend was coing out the bathroom in just his underwear, and found some mexican standing in our living room. He said he was there to finish up some drywall work from where they put a new airconditioner in 5 weeks ago. I called the apartment manager and she said that she sent us a letter informing us of this. The letter was dated 7-9-07. Just because she gave us notice originally 5 weeks ago, does that give them the right to continue to come in week after week? Every time we think they are done, the following Monday morning we wake up to strangers in the apartment as if they live there. They don't knock, they don't bother to knock on the bedroom door to let us know they are there. They just come in and start working. It has scared me so much the first time it happened I called the police thinking someone broke in. How long is their notice to enter good for?

In general, with an on-going repair like that, I would say there's some gray area about them continuing to enter just based on the original notice.

In this specific instance they've definitely crossed the line.

I would write them a letter, sighting specific examples and state that they are violating the lease. Tell them exactly what you expect. At the very least it's not too much to expect them to knock and announce themselves before entering - I can't even imagine them not doing that WITH the proper notice.

If they continue on as they have been you could attempt to take them to court. They'll sight the orig. notice and you'll state your case. It would be the judges call. And, I'm not sure what you'd go after... damages?? I don't know how you put a dollar value on something like that. You may be able to get a judge to terminate your lease if he agrees that they've violated it.

Are you the person who had the bat??
Karla

If this is all part of an ongoing repair, then the single notice is sufficient. But that does not give them the right to just walk in to the premises. Common decency would hold that they must knock loudly and wait a decent interval before using a key to enter the premises.

What has the management said about that?

As to your recourse, get a chain for the door. They are inexpensive and would prevent someone from walking in on you unawares. The problem with suing is what would you sue for? I don't believe this is covered by law, only by courtesy.

You should install an interior security chain on your door. I would also outline this issue in writing to the management company telling them of your fears. They might not know how the tradesmen are just walking in unannounced.

Yep I'm the same person with the bat. I spoke to the manager and she did site that she sent that letter out 5 weeks ago and that it was to cover them until the work was done. I ended up going over her head and contacting the general manager over the whole company and filing a compliant with him against her. We are also now going to be paying our rent to an escrow so we have no dealings with her. No word yet about the complaint, But we have captured 3 more LIVE bats, and a pest control company has already been out here. And I still have all the holes in the walls and ceilings. I did go buy a chain for the door. Thanks everyone. If you have anymore advice, please feel free to pass it on!!