Entrance to tenant's apartment

[Joel Polanco]

Hello BP Community,

I have a tenant who constantly fails to let contractors in when I have scheduled repairs. I want to renovate the bathroom in the apartment to install a ceiling exhaust fan and new sheetrock/paint. Per the lease, landlord may enter the premises as long as he gives reasonable notice to the tenant. How should I proceed with getting the renovations completed? Thanks.

Joel

[Nathan Gesner]

The law allows you to enter the rental without notice for emergencies, and with reasonable notice to perform inspections, maintenance, or show the rental to perspective renters or buyers. The tenant does not have the right to refuse entrance.

Your City may have a specific requirement, like 24 or 48 hours notice. I would give 72 hours notice just to be safe, and I would include a statement that if the tenant fails to provide access then you will charge them a hefty fine for the wasted trip and start termination of their lease.

I recommend getting rid of this tenant as soon as possible. In the future, I recommend your lease is very clear about your right to enter and the penalty for failing to allow access.