Q: Can my landlord have a vendor take pictures of my personal belongings without my consent?
My landlord is sending a company to perform an inspection on our property and requested that the vendor takes pictures of each room (as well as wear a body camera) but we have never given them consent to do so. I understand that for a maintenance issue they make take photos but there is currently no maintenance issues with the property and the vendor assigned to take a photo of each room with our personal belongings in it, which the landlord never asked our consent for. Should I explicitly tell them I do not consent to these photos being taken of our personal property? And what if they do it anyway?
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A:
You have the right to express your concerns regarding privacy and the taking of photographs within your living space, especially if they include your personal belongings. It's generally advisable to communicate directly with your landlord about your discomfort with having pictures taken of your personal items without your consent. You can request clarification on the purpose of the inspection and the photographs, and express your preference for your items to remain private.
If your lease agreement or local laws specify the conditions under which landlords and their representatives can enter your property and take photographs, it would be beneficial to review these terms. Your consent is typically required for any actions that go beyond standard maintenance or inspection, particularly if they involve documenting your personal possessions. Inform your landlord that you do not consent to photographs of your personal belongings and highlight any related clauses in your lease agreement or local regulations.
If the landlord or the vendor proceeds with taking photographs against your wishes, document the incident and seek legal advice. You may have grounds to pursue action if your privacy rights are violated. Understanding your rights and communicating clearly with your landlord are key steps in resolving such issues.
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