rental-property landlord rhode-island
Does a landlord have to tell you the reason for entering your apartment?
<p>Today a "representative of the investors" in my apartment complex entered my apartment for an inspection. As the inspector was leaving he said to me that I passed the inspection, but just barely. I asked him what that meant and if there were specific inspection criteria he was looking for, but he declined to answer.</p>

<p>Afterwards, I contacted the apartment management office, and was told that they weren't told what was being inspected, just that someone would be entering apartments.</p>

<p>I was just wondering if there is any reason a landlord has to tell you why they are entering the property you're renting, or if with sufficient notice they can simply enter for any reason. I assume this could potentially differ on a state by state basis, so general knowledge is fine. I live in RI.</p>

<p>In RI it appears that two days notice and a reasonable purpose is enough. There are states that list the <em>reasons</em> a landlord can access a unit; RI is not one of those states. </p>

<p><a href="http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/title34/34-18/34-18-26.HTM" rel="nofollow">http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/title34/34-18/34-18-26.HTM</a></p>

<p>You do not give a jurisdiction; as tenancy law is one of the most regulated areas of law this is <em>highly</em> jurisdiction dependent and may vary depending on if it is a residential or commercial tenancy.</p>

<p>For example, in New South Wales, Australia, a landlord may enter a residential premises (<a href="http://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-08-access-and-privacy" rel="nofollow">http://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-08-access-and-privacy</a>):</p>

<ul>
<li>With consent of the tenant</li>
<li>Without consent or notice:

<ul>
<li>in an emergency, or</li>
<li>to do urgent repairs, or</li>
<li>if the landlord thinks that the premises have been abandoned, or</li>
<li>in accordance with an order of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), or</li>
<li>if they have serious concern about the health/safety of a person on the premises (after they have first tried to get consent).</li>
</ul></li>
<li>Without consent but with notice (periods vary) and within limitations:

<ul>
<li>To inspect the premises</li>
<li>To carry out or assess the need for:

<ul>
<li>necessary repairs/maintenance (non-urgent)</li>
<li>work to meet legal health/safety obligations</li>
</ul></li>
<li>To value the premises</li>
<li>To show the premises to prospective tenants</li>
<li>To show the premises to prospective buyers</li>
</ul></li>
</ul>
