Entering the Premises

[Gregg Schiff]

We have a tenant that is complaining that we didn't give them proper notice per the lease agreement to enter the premises when all we had was our contractors go in their back yard to remove a couple of window screens.  Is the verbiage 'entering the premises' generally understood as the interior of the property or is entering the backyard generally considered entering the premises?  It's no big deal but the tenant is throwing around that we breached the leasing agreement and if it happens again they will escalate it to the proper channels - whatever that means.

[Eric D.]

Notice should have been given, I would have sent a text letting them know, even if it was less than 24 hours.

Having said that, very few tenants would ever consider anything on the outside of the building a problem.  A neighbor could have walked by too.

I agree with @Scott Weaner, be sure to raise the rent, or non-renew at the end.  These tenants have an entitlement mentality and will only be a problem in the future.  I would not bring the screens back until they invited you.  And them I would delay, unless it is an inspection item.

As a comparison, most of my tenants tell me to come over anytime when I text them.  Even without much notice.  Including showings.  Even if they are not home.

Good tenants understand that they have noting to hide, and making your life difficult is not in their best interest.