When you need to enter a tenant’s rental, you have to give proper notice based on your state’s laws. But what happens when the tenant does not respond? Veteran landlord and property manager Hank Rossi weighs in on that question this week.
By Hank Rossi
Dear Landlord Hank:
What is the best way to notify a tenant you need to enter a tenant’s rental unit? Our owner has placed the building up for sale, and we have to show rentals from time to time to prospective buyers.
Our state says 24-hour notice to tenants of entry to their rental. We call, cannot reach tenants, and leave voice mail. We also put note on the door. But tenants are often gone or out of town and do not respond. We were showing one unit when tenant showed up surprised we were there – but we had left voicemail the day before. How do you handle this?
– Property Manager/Landlord Melanie
Hello Landlady Melanie,
I do exactly the same thing you are doing.
I call, text and email so I’ve covered every base, and give tenants 24 hour notice of a definite appointment.
I ask tenants to respond, so I know they’ve received the message, but you are right, sometimes people are unaware of our intention.
I don’t know of any other way to try to connect and make tenants aware of the showing, or maintenance, etc. You have definitely put out a good faith effort to inform.
I also leave a business card so tenants are aware that I was in the unit.
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
About the author Landlord Hank:
“I started in real estate as a child watching my father take care of our family rentals- maintenance, tenant relations, etc, in small town Ohio. As I grew, I was occasionally Dad’s assistant. In the mid-90s I decided to get into the rental business on my own, as a sideline. In 2001, I retired from my profession and only managed my own investments, for the next 10 years. Six years ago, my sister, working as a rental agent/property manager in Sarasota, Florida convinced me to try the Florida lifestyle. I gave it a try and never looked back. A few years ago we started our own real estate brokerage. We focus on property management and leasing. I continue to manage my real estate portfolio here in Florida and Atlanta. “ Visit Hank’s website here.
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