Q: Can my landlord come on the property with out notice, take pictures, including the inside of my open garage?
He has come on the property 4 times this summer without notice and has taken many pictures and then emails me if he wants something. I live in a triplex and I know for sure that the other residents have not given permission. Just recently he saw that I have an above ground pool in my back yard and said I have to removed it because it wasn't covered by his insurance. This isn't listed as a stipulation in my rental agreement but I understand and am willing to remove it, but then he told me I have to pay increase in his water bill. My neighbors previously had a pool and he did not require them to pay the increase. Am I obliged to pay this increase and how would he know exactly how much to charge me.
A: Much depends upon the exact wording of your lease. As a general rule, the landlord has to give a 24 hr notice if they enter an area which the tenant has a right to exclude others from. Applying that can become complicated if there are common areas, such as a shared yard. As for the water bill, that likely is not enforceable against you and if he tries, you may be entitled to money damages plus your court costs and attorneys fees. But again, much depends upon the exact wording of your lease. If this becomes an issue, review it all in detail with a local landlord-tenant attorney. Good luck.
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