Forums » Renters Forum » Can a real estate agent come into your house when ever they

Can a real estate agent come into your house when ever they 8 posts by 8 users

Pressure P.

Posted: 06/28/2008 at 09:20AM

Can a real estate agent come into your house when ever they want?

I live in NY, and we have been renting this house for 6 years.

The owner is now selling it and there is a century 21 sign in front of the house. An Agent from another company came by today and they had the key and an appointment to sell the house. They said they called and left a message. They said it has been listed in the " multiple listings" and today, the agent got the key from another company.

problem is, we dont have an answering machine.

It scared me to think that any body could get the key to my house, and with robbing and home invasions up around NY, worried because the agent did not look like a nice guy. And a key can be copied faster then it took me to write this here.

anyways, is this illegal?

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Jon H.

Real Estate Investor
Denver, Colorado

Moderator

3874 posts

Posted: 06/28/2008 at 10:09AM

Check your lease, but its almost certainly allowed by the lease. It may say something about giving you notice, but that may be difficult if they can't reach you. That will still come if they can't reach you, you just won't get any notice.

When a house is listed, the key will either be put into a lockbox on the house, or the listing will have a key. In either case, a buyer's real estate agent can get the key to let their buyers have a look. You're going to have a parade of people coming through.

Your lease will still be in effect if the property is sold. If you have a one year lease, or some such, you'll at least be able to stay until the end of the lease. Maybe longer if the buyer is an investor. You say you've been there six years. If you lease has converted to month-to-month, and the buyer want's to live there, you may get a notice to move out.

Puma C.

Real Estate Investor
Sacramento, Alabama

5 posts

Posted: 07/06/2008 at 05:51PM

Pressure,

If I was you, I would run from that place immediately! I just can't imagine anyone walking around my home whenever they want to.

Dane W.

67 posts

Posted: 08/25/2008 at 05:39AM

i suggest you to start finding a new home. If you are not aware of what is happening, then leave the house.

Jonathan R.

Real Estate Investor
Vero Beach, FL

57 posts

Posted: 08/25/2008 at 06:13AM

Contact landlord. Tell them that you wish to be present when they show the home. Tell the landlord that you are afraid of your safety. The landlord will instruct the listing agent to change showing instructions that you must be present when a showing to occur. That way it will be verified with you and they can show the home.

I would really read your lease.

Cedric C.

Alabama

27 posts

Posted: 08/26/2008 at 02:17AM

that's kinda freaky, i think you should talk to your landlord

Damien H.

Real Estate Investor
Washington, Washington D.C.

65 posts

Posted: 08/26/2008 at 07:59AM

Pressure:

An agent can't come into your house whenever they want. As a tenant, you should have a right to "quiet enjoyment" which should be a clause in your lease agreement. I am a landlord and because of this clause, I can't come into my tenant's unit without proper notice, usually 24 hours. Even though the property is being sold, you do have rights as a tenant. I would take this up with your landlord.

What is the length of your lease, month to month or is it longer?

Mark B.

Real Estate Agent
Anderson, South Carolina

76 posts

Posted: 08/29/2008 at 05:56PM

My state requires 24 hour notice. Call your landlord and be polite but express your apprehension.