It has come to my attention that my landlord or her maintenance manager son, welcomes herself/himself into my home when I am not there. The only reason I know this is because my father and I left the house and went to the store. After an hour, we got back to the house only to realize that my deadbolt was locked. I NEVER lock my deadbolt because it gets stuck. When I couldn't get my door open, my dad says to try the deadbolt. To my surprise, it was locked. Nothing was missing from my house, but I have a dog that has free roam of the house when I'm gone and this raises concerns that she may bite someone. Also, it raises concerns that some sicko pervert may be snooping through my underwear drawer or setting up perv cams in my bedroom or bathroom.

I do not have a written lease, only a verbal agreement. I'm responsible for my own fire detectors and filter changes (unlike in an apartment complex). When I need actual maintenance for the house, I call them and they send someone out. I haven't called them for anything in almost 2 years. Knowing now that they have let themselves into my house while I'm not home frightens me. It just seemed pretty convenient that they were in my house within that 1 hour I was gone.

What are my rights? Do I have any without a lease? I know someone will tell me to get a lease, but honestly if they make me sign one, I'll have to move because then that'll just give them more reason to think they can just waltz right in whenever they want to.

What "rights" do you want - do you want the landlord (or his agent/employees) not to enter? Do you want to move?

You have a right to privacy and peaceful, quiet enjoyment. If you can PROVE they have entered, call the Police.

If you don't want them in the house you can give them notice according to State Law and move.

Hello al:

You have just as many rights WITHOUT a lease as you would with one. Write your landlord a letter. Tell him that if he wants to inspect your unit, the law in your state requires a minimum of 24 hours notice. If that isn't provided, and your home is entered again WITHOUT permission, you will call the police and file trespassing charges... Send your letter certified, return receipt requested.

He'll leave you alone.

excon