Can A Landlord Do A Walk-Through Without You?

Your landlord wants to do a walkthrough while you’re at work and you’re not happy with their schedule. What are your rights in this situation? Can A Landlord Do A Walk-Through Without You? In short, if your lease and/or state law allows you to walk through without a walk-through, your landlord can let you walk through without it. If he has given you proper written notice and has a legitimate reason for entering your house.

When Can A Landlord Do A Walk-Through Without You 2024?

Your landlord has the right to do a walkthrough without you. If he has given you adequate notice and your lease/state law allows you to inspect in absentia. While landlords have the right to inspect their property, they must follow the law.

The written notice includes:

• Text message
• Email
• Letter
• Notice on your door

Check Your Lease

Check your lease to find the sections that cover the transfer and inspection of the transferred lease and the landlord’s rights of entry. Your lease may state that you have the right to be present during any walkthroughs or inspections. If so, the landlord can’t move in without your permission Remind your landlord of this right if they refuse to reschedule the walkthrough.

If your lease doesn’t give you the right to attend, check your local laws. Some jurisdictions, such as California, give the tenant the right to be present during the inspection. Your lease should also include how much notice will be given. Your local laws may also specify a minimum notice period. State laws vary and many routes may only require 24 hours notice.

Legitimate Reasons For A Walk-Through

If you have been given a valid period of notice. So check to make sure that the walkthrough is for a legitimate purpose, and that as a tenant you have the right to privacy, and the right to enjoy your home without unnecessary disturbance, or disruption.

 Some of the reasons a landlord has the right to enter your property include:

• An inspection walk-through a few days after you move in to establish the condition of the property with you.
• An inspection walkthrough before you move out or renew your lease.
• Showing the property to a prospective tenant.
• Inspecting the property with an appraiser for refinancing or insurance purposes.
• CPeriodic inspection or maintenance check.
• Checking for possible damage caused by an issue in a neighboring unit (water leak, pest infestation, etc.)
• Investigating suspected violations (unauthorized pets, unauthorized occupants, etc.)

Try To Reschedule The Walk-Through

Contact the landlord or property manager and ask to reschedule the walkthrough. Tell them that you are happy for them to inspect the property but you would prefer to be there. Suggest a time slot that works for you. The landlord is allowed to enter the tenant’s home during normal business hours. These are usually 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 8 am to 5 pm.

 If your landlord is available, you can arrange a walk-through outside of these hours. Another option is to ask your landlord to talk through the beginning or end of the day, so you can go to work later or leave earlier for an inspection.

Protecting Your Interests During An Unaccompanied Walk-Through

If you’re moving in without a walkthrough, here are some tips to help you avoid potential dishonesty from your landlord.

Ask A Friend To Be Present

Ask a trusted friend to be present during the walkthrough to monitor and document the homeowner’s inspection. Make sure your friend understands what the landlord is and is not allowed to inspect. Landlords can inspect their property.

 That means they have no right to see your property. This means they can’t rifle through drawers or storage units. Ask your friend to video the inspection from the time the landlord enters your home.

Set Up Cameras

Setting up cameras is a solution for tenants who cannot be present for walkthroughs.

Indoor security cameras and mini cameras are inexpensive options that you can use as a homeowner to protect against intentional damage caused by theft and vandalism.

 Your local Walmart is a good option for finding subject cameras on short notice.

Tell your landlord about the surveillance. If they know everything is on camera, they are less likely to notice anything suspicious.

Prepare For The Walk-Through

No matter the reason for the walkthrough, it’s wise to take a few precautions to get the best results.

• Clean and tidy your home. 
• Spot-clean fitted carpets to remove stains.  
• Wipe away dirty marks on walls and doors.
• Place your important documents and valuables inside a locked drawer.
• Remove any drug paraphernalia.
• For smokers in a smoke-free rental – air out your home and place air fresheners in any rooms you smoke in.
• Go through each room and take video and close-up photographs. Make sure that your kitchen and bathroom fixtures, light fittings, switches, sockets, windows, latches,

Next Steps

Check your lease and local laws to find out if walkouts are allowed and how much notice the landlord has agreed to provide.

 Try to arrange for a friend to be there or install a camera for your peace of mind.

 Take detailed videos and photos to document the condition of the property.

 If you need further advice, contact a local tenant’s rights organization.