Question
Can a landlord enter my bedroom or house without my notice?
I was sound asleep the other morning....my boyfriend and I were the only ones in the house. We had been up late so we were sleeping in. It was about 9:30am when I was woken up my my landlord and her boyfriend standing in my bedroom (they had even opened my bedroom door). She said she just needed to talk to me about some stuff....that's fine and all, but do I have some protection against her entering the house (even though it is hers) without any notice?? And I'm pretty sure she isn't allowed to open up my bedroom door. She said she knocked on my bedroom door, but I didn't hear it because I was asleep. I was woken up my them standing in my bedroom and shouting my name. Any input that anybody might have will be very appreciative. I live in Manassas Park, VA
4 weeks ago - 4 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
If your landlord ever pulls a stunt like that again, scream bloody murder and call 911. (You can still file charges, but at the time is best.) A landlord can NEVER enter your home unannounced except in case of an bona-fide emergency. Most jurisdictions require a minimum 24 hours advance notice. (If the LL claims an emergency, they had better have concrete evidence to back it up.)
Source(s)
Many years as a landlord.
4 weeks ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
They are not supposed to do that, except in an emergency...Like if they smelled smoke coming from your apartment or water was leaking. It's a tough thing to deal with though, because if you ever sued them they could say there was an emergency. That's always a good question to ask a landlord when you rent from them, because a lot of the old timers think they can just enter whenever they want. I'd say something like, "I was really quite upset you came in my apartment without notice. If it happens again, I am moving". Good thing you weren't in the throws of passion, eh? :-)
by Lone- 4 weeks ago
Even though they are the landlord, they do not under any circumstance, except in an emergency situation enter your residence unannounced. Landlords must give at least 24 hour notice they are coming. They broke the law, better known as invasion of privacy. What if you were naked and had just come out of the shower or worse, were having sex.
by swflsteelerfan- 4 weeks ago
this is the law for your state § 55-248.18. Access; consent; correction of nonemergency conditions; relocation of tenant. A. The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen or contractors. The landlord may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant in case of emergency. The landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Except in case of emergency or if it is impractical to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant notice of his intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times. Unless impractical to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least 24-hours' notice of routine maintenance to be performed that has not been requested by the tenant. If the tenant makes a request for maintenance, the landlord is not required to provide notice to the tenant. if they didn't come in for an emergancy and didn't provide you 24 hours notice you can first call the police and then terminate your lease
by Baily Marie- 4 weeks ago