Tenant Refuses Apartment Check Request

[Troy B.]

I have always requested to do a quick walk though of my tenants apartments once or twice a year and it has never been an issue for any tenant. Now I have a newer tenant who has been renting for two months and he won't return my calls for a walk though request. Do other landlords perform frequent apartment checks? If someone refuses what is your recourse action? The lease states I have the right to do apartment checks.

[Curtis Bidwell]

Post these two notices and then see if he changes his mind: (these are Washington State specific but could be adapted for your jurisdiction)

TWO DAY NOTICE TO ENTER
TO: _______________________________________________et al
___________________________________________________
_________________________WA___________Unit No_____
This notice is to advise you that landlord/manager wishes to enter your unit (listed above) in order to:
( ) Inspect the premises; and/or
( ) Make necessary repairs and/or maintenance to the property; and/or
( ) Other___________________________________________________.
ENTERING - DATE_____________ TIME___________
Unless we hear from you to the contrary, we will presume your full permission to enter the rental unit at the above stated date and time. Thank you for your cooperation.
LANDLORD/MGR_________________________ PHONE____________________
POSTING DATE___________________________ TIME______________________

NOTICE OF $100.00 ASSESSMENT (Failure to allow for access to premises) Date____________________ TO: _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
On (date) _________________ at (time) _______________, you were served a____ 1-day written notice to enter to show, or a ____2-day written notice to inspect or service your premises.
On (date) __________________ at (time) ___________________, you refused entry or otherwise failed to cooperate in reaching a mutually agreeable alternative with your landlord or manager.
RCW 59.18.150 (6) Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, provides as follows: “The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord (or manager) to enter the dwelling unit at a specified time where the landlord has given ... notice...” For showing the premises, a one day notice is required. For repairs or to inspect the premises, a notice of at least two days is needed.
IN ADDITION RCW 59.18.150 (8) provides: “A...tenant who continues to violate the rights of the...landlord...after being served with written notice of violation (this notice)...shall be liable for up to one hundred dollars for each violation after receipt of (this) notice”...(plus any landlord attorney fees). As such, you are hereby given final notice to enter your unit for ___ showing, ___inspection or ___service on (date)______________, (time) _____________.
Failure to reasonably cooperate will result in a $100.00 assessment for each violation hereafter and/or eviction action.
If necessary, please call ____________________ to schedule a workable/reasonable alternative. Thank you for your consideration and cooperation.
_____________________________________ _____________ __________ (Landlord or Manager) (Date) (Time)