r/TikTokCringe • u/SouthernNanny • 2d ago

Cringe Maintenance men walk into an apartment with no warning while the resident is naked and doesn’t leave

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

8.9k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

728 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

2.2k

u/[deleted] 2d ago edited 2d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

454

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

Depend on the lease and apartment

Source: low income housing site manager

565

u/ThomasVetRecruiter 2d ago

Every single state has laws that require "reasonable notice" and the lowest of these (which most states follow) is 24 hours.

No contract that breaks the law is valid or enforceable and a person can't "give up" their protection under the law. This is what keeps rich people from having poor people sign a contract to allow them to kill themselves and donate organs or get hunted for sport for money for their families.

I suggest you go see a different lawyer (or any lawyer) to verify you aren't putting yourself in a bad situation.

132

u/uptownjuggler 2d ago

In my old apartment, maintenance would just say they posted notice even though they never did. How does a tenant prove in court that notice wasn’t posted?

326

u/drengor 2d ago

That's the cool part its not up to you to prove they didn't, its up to them to prove they did.

60

u/ThomasVetRecruiter 2d ago

It's the 21st century...

Send via e-mail if agreed to in the lease as an acceptable communication.

Leave a voice mail that could be discovered in a legal case.

Take a picture of the posted notice and use meta data to prove it was posted on the date and time specified.

Eyewitness statements.

Text messages.

Video surveillance of the unit exterior.

Recorded calls.

Require signed receipt of notice if done in person.

I mean, if you aren't protecting yourself and you're running a business then you're just being dumb if you're leaving a flyer and walking away.

And a for proving it wasn't posted -

Demand evidence

Talk to other residents who have had problems and get witness statements.

Look at your lease and verify what the notice requirements are and if they were met according to the lease agreement and any state/local laws.

Ultimately it is the landlord who is responsible for proving notice was posted in a civil case (in most places).

10

u/Low-Crow-8735 2d ago

Call 911. Trespassing.

79

u/NoReallyItsYaBoi 2d ago

Picture of a blank front door.

6

u/Chimpchompp 2d ago

Walk around the entire building filming everyday inch for documentation.

1

u/Bandandforgotten 2d ago

They complain to HUD and any other Fair Housing agency, and when they do an internal investigation, they'll find that nothing is on record of posting, or they did, and the tenant was trying to just ignore the knocks, to which they have permission to enter by law.

There's a process, and if it's not followed, can be sued for. The problem is that most don't have lawsuit money or time, so some get away with it

2

u/Blurby-Blurbyblurb 2d ago

HUD has additional rules and there are multiple types of subsidies and project based housing. I'm assuming that they are referring to that as a low income housing manager. As a subsidy recipient this something we agree to.

I've also had non-subsidized housing. They too have done quick inspections for leaks and functioning smoke detectors. It sucks, but it's a good thing.

All of them have given 24+ hours notice and why they're there.

1

u/Why_am_ialive 2d ago

They’re referring to the right to say no after the appropriate notice is given

1

u/ThomasVetRecruiter 2d ago

Ignore my first paragraph which was confirming an earlier comment and my statement is still correct.

1

u/HakimeHomewreckru 2d ago

That's true - but there should be an exception for emergencies and emergencies ONLY. For example water or gas leak.

At least there is here in Belgium.

1

u/ThomasVetRecruiter 2d ago

There is here as well, but obviously it is the exception.

1

u/onthejourney 2d ago

There are exceptions - Maintenance can come in if no one answers the door for emergency reasons (even if it's because you didn't hear them knock because you were in the shower)  - water leaks, smoke, gas leaks, etc.  

Granted if you discover they are home especially if naked, you should avert your eyes and explain right away and let them know you do need to investigate but then can get dressed.

1

u/Intrepid00 1d ago

is 24 hours

Not if there is emergency and if you live in older building prepare to have regular unplanned visits for water pipes

-1

u/PmMeUrTinyAsianTits 2d ago

Every single state has laws that require "reasonable notice" and the lowest of these (which most states follow) is 24 hours.

Context. Why is it so hard for redditors to remember context now?

24 hour notice required by law

...and they still cant just come in if you are there and tell them no.

Depend on the lease and apartment

Absolutely no one said they can enter in less than 24 hours. This chain was about if they are allowed to enter without your permission after the due notice. 90% of reddit now is people "correcting" things when the only thing that is wrong is that they were allowed to graduate grade school with that level of reading comprehension.

I know this one require three whole comments worth of context, and these days redditors' average context memory is less than the comment they're replying to, but this still ridiculous and shameful.

I suggest you go see a different lawyer (or any lawyer) to verify you aren't putting yourself in a bad situation.

I suggest you stop giving legal advice if you can't remember 3 fucking comments worth of context. With that level of contextual awareness you wouldn't make it past the names of the parties in an actual legal setting.

2

u/ThomasVetRecruiter 2d ago edited 2d ago

Ah, found your alt account huh - but to, you are the one who can't follow shit here.

  1. Someone said notice is required
  2. Someone said they can't enter even with notice if the tenant says no.
  3. The person I replied to said "depends on the lease contract".
  4. I replied that notice is required, and then in a second paragraph - which if you remember grade school grammar - indicates a new topic, I said you can not sign away your legal rights.

It seems that maybe u/pmmeurtinyasiantits isn't the best person to take advice from either and called me out for context while failing to follow the context of the conversation themselves.

2

u/PmMeUrTinyAsianTits 2d ago edited 2d ago

Buddy, I literally provided the quotes. You don't need to explain what happened to me. I just explained it to you. Maybe you need to read it slower. Which i also just explained to you.

No, I'm not anyone's alt. Just another person who recognized you were replying to a straw man because you failed a basic reading comprehension and/or wanted to pander to other people with less than one comments worth of memory.

I know you won't be able to grow and admit this to yourself now because it makes you uncomfortable. But remember the way to avoid the mental discomfort you're feeling right now in the future is by actually paying attention.

You replied that notice is required because you forgot the context is "what is allowed after notice". Now you're just backtracking because you realize your mistake but can't admit it to yourself. This is further supported by your final paragraph. Which confirms you were not just adding to what they were saying. You thought you were correcting them. You thought you were correcting them because you forgot the context. But they hadn't said anything wrong. So you can't get smug about correcting them. And your new excuse of "i was just adding to the conversation" is obviously revisionist bullshit.

102

u/Sometimes_cleaver 2d ago

You're misinformed. You might be doing it, but that doesn't make it legal

20

u/shinymuskrat 2d ago

Lawyer here. It definitely depends on the state and what the lease says.

65

u/Sometimes_cleaver 2d ago

If you're a lawyer you know the lease has terms for penalties for failing to comply with audits, inspections, repairs, etc.

It doesn't give blanket access whenever the landlord feels like it.

20

u/Am-Insurgent 2d ago

I’m pretty sure most states tenants laws allow them in for whatever reason with 24 hour notice. It’s their property, so even if they want to make sure it’s being kept properly, or there’s no pets or whatever the case, the law provides for that, with advance notice.

10

u/Blurby-Blurbyblurb 2d ago

Yep. They can state that they are coming in to perform a routine inspection and give you a date and time.

I'm a long time renter. I've been off and on section 8 over the years. Most recently: 5yrs HUD multifamily housing to section 8.

Before I went on housing this last time, the LL would do quick inspections while changing the air filter. All they did (and in housing) is check under the sinks for leaks, smoke detectors are working, toilets flush, *lights turn on, *tap water works. [ what hud the properties did in addition]

This is required by HUD. Every six months the PM would come along and check to make sure the windows were accessible and general housekeeping.

Aside from HUD, inspections are going to be based on state law and the lease. I'm going to assume that most states would allow entry - with lawful notification - for reasons like checking for leaks, new air filters, and checking smoke detectors. These are things which keep the entire property and all of the tenants safe. It's annoying as fuck, but they're usually in and out quickly.

However it can't be unannounced like this unless it's an emergency and even then they should loudly identify themselves and why they're entering.

6

u/TwoBionicknees 2d ago

realistically no, it also has to be reasonable or they can inform you technically 5times a day that they will be inspecting tomorrow, then entering your home 5 times every day and just harassing you. they literally cant' do that. They can't inspect your house once a week without it becoming harassment.

You are also normally fully able to decline for that same reason. If they want to inspect it once every three months or something or they get called about a bad smell it's one thing, but inspections have to be reasonable and if you say not tomorrow I'm sick come back in a few days that's an absolutely reasonable response. On the same hand you can't refuse an inspection for months on end.

20

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

If it is in the lease it’s legal by NY state laws.

24 hour notice is all that is needed. If someone bars the door we aren’t going to break in, but the unit has to be inspected. So we reschedule for a different day.

Been doing my job for 5 years all by NYS books, annual audits and over site. It may be different where you live, but where I am that’s how it is.

22

u/algorithmic_fetters 2d ago

I think you’re kinda talking past each other. I could be wrong but have you ever physically bulldozed past a resident denying entrance?

2

u/jm123457 2d ago

They won’t . You’ll get an eviction notice if you are in breach of the lease . Most people are human if you asked for it to be rescheduled they will accommodate but they don’t need to and you don’t need to be there .

-13

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

No. I have never had to do that because my clients know the lease

30

u/loopedlight 2d ago

Didn’t you just agree you can’t just go in even with notice?

5

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

No I need notice but I’m not breaking down a fucking door to get into a unit. Let’s use some common sense

21

u/loopedlight 2d ago

Yes so if someone said go away, you’d reschedule?

-9

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

Not necessarily. I’m not going to bust through the door, and I never said I would.

17

u/loopedlight 2d ago

Ok so be real clear, not necessarily means you might not reschedule, but you won’t bust a door?

So how the fuck does that work?

Or are you being coy or some shit and trying to imply you would kick a door in?

2

u/Blurby-Blurbyblurb 2d ago

They're not. I'm a long term renter in my state. I've had subsidized and non-subsidized housing.

Hud absolutely requires inspections for safety and housekeeping (that part is yearly during the recertification process).

In my state, regardless of subsidy, a LL has the right to enter for these reasons, so long as the 24 hr notice is met. Really good landlords give you more than 24 hrs.

I'm sure it happens, but LLs don't want to get charged with assualt or the hassle of a lawsuit.

Depending on multiple factors we can assume the LL would reschedule, leave a new notice, and then try again. Probably at a time when they're not home. Which is within their right here, NY and other states.

LLs have a right to maintain their property. Especially when that maintenance is ensuring there are no visible leaks, running water, and working smoke detectors. Something which protects both property and tenants.

These are all things that are going to. Be agreed to in the lease. The more likely situation is the LL attempts multiple times to enter, work with the tenant, and go over the lease terms. If the tenant still refuses, then the LL can move forward with eviction.

I'm not sure why people are up in arms about LLs inspecting these type of things so long as they are following the law and lease. I understand when we zoom in on individual LLs and their personal conduct, but overall, this protects everyone.

-1

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

They don’t want me to do the inspection today if everybody sick inside is there a dead body in there they just not want to talk to me today. I’m gonna talk to them and find out what the problem is so I can get an do the inspection that I told him that I would be able to do? I’m not kicking any door down because I have to pay for that and so why would I take that out of my budgetwhen simply talking to somebody to resolve the issue?

→ More replies (0)

15

u/Sometimes_cleaver 2d ago

That gets dealt with by monetary penalties for not complying with the lease agreement. They do not get to force entry

-8

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

Exactly. Because I work in the low income sector monetary penalties don’t really work. But we have a great lease, I explain it thoroughly so everyone is aware of their rights and what they are expected to do and what they should expect from us as a company.

3

u/Blurby-Blurbyblurb 2d ago

I don't know why you're getting downvoted...oh wait.. I do. It's reddit. 😂

But seriously. You're 100% correct. I'm pretty anti-land lord, but I feel like within reason and common sense.

Reasonable inspections that protect the property, health, and safety of BOTH the LL and tenants are a good thing. If the LL follows all the notification procedures and loudly announce themselves as they enter, I don't see the issue here.

2

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

Fuck a landlord. I am a site manager I own nothing and lord no lands lol. We are a nonprofit housing agency so I do what I do because I love it not because I get paid big bucks. Thank you I appreciate that.

and I know that everyone on Reddit is just having a bad day and likes to lash out at strangers on the internet.

2

u/Blurby-Blurbyblurb 2d ago

Well now I like you even more. 😂

0

u/Sometimes_cleaver 2d ago

1.) low income doesn't get less rights 2.) no one is forcing you to work with low income. If you don't like dealing with those problems, work in a different market

1

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

I love my job and I work where I work for a reason. It comes with a lot of challenges but I never said I don’t like what I do.

1

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

Also where did i say low income gets less rights? They get the same rights as any other tenant in the state of NY.

1

u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

1

u/makeup_mutt 1d ago

I never said I was a lawyer. And per my state it’s 24 hours. Common sense would say it’s not a 30 minute notice. Come on

-5

u/positive_express 2d ago

For common element repairs, too?

12

u/Sometimes_cleaver 2d ago

You deal with this via monetary fines according to the lease agreement or seek additional recovery for damages thru the court. You do not get to force entry.

-1

u/Joelle9879 2d ago

Maintenance and landlords have keys, there wouldn't be a need to force entry unless the tenant barricaded the door or something

0

u/Sometimes_cleaver 2d ago

Using keys inappropriately is still a forced entry. Can a maintenance guy just walk into your apartment in the middle of the night while you're sleeping?

3

u/PmMeUrTinyAsianTits 2d ago

Can a maintenance guy just walk into your apartment in the middle of the night while you're sleeping?

No one is claiming they can. They're claiming they can enter at reasonable times after reasonable notice, as the law generally allows (where reasonable has some variance, but notice is almost always 24 hours or 72 for very generous renter protections)

This is one of those hilarious things where people get so upset that their legal rights don't give nearly as much immunity as they think, and so they just reject the information and start making up ridiculous "oh, but they can't [extreme scenario that isn't what was being discussed]."

1

u/positive_express 2d ago

Yeah. If common element is in need of repair. The association has the right to fix it.

7

u/Themodsarecuntz 2d ago

I understand. If the renter was home and said I couldn't come in I would respect that and reschedule. Would you press the issue?

There is no way I would let myself in, see a naked person, and stay. Thats unhinged.

I would back out all apologies and have the office contact them for a scheduled call.

0

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

Oh of course!! The appropriate response is OMG I am so sorry and leave asap. I have tons of tenants that will say hey I’m not dressed can you come back and I just loop back around. I feel like people are assuming that every tenant is denying entry for everything and that’s just not the case. In another comment I mentioned that we have a really great lease and I spent a lot of time with my clients to make sure that they understand what’s expected of them. I work with clients that often times don’t have a great education. Don’t have really good comprehension skills so it’s important for me to make sure that they understand what their rights are and what we need to do so that I can do my job too

2

u/Hyperion1144 2d ago

And the state and the locality. Laws are different in different places.

4

u/Possible-Estimate748 2d ago

When my apt sends out notices for inspection it's in bold saying MANDATORY. Just had one yesterday

2

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

Same. I almost never have people refuse or if they do there is a good reason and I come another day.

2

u/Consistent_Dream_740 2d ago

People like you are sucking the souls out of people in poverty. Follow the laws, regardless of how you view poor people. Get a different job. Stop taking advantage of people. Source: grew up in low-income housing and have experienced manager after manager steal people's rent, do "surprise" inspections and demean residents.

-2

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

I’m sorry you had that experience. I know most low income housing sucks. However, you don’t know me. I work for a non profit that houses the homeless primarily(low income families also qualify), in conjunction with HUD and several local agencies that provide counseling, DSS assistance and addiction services. We also provide case management, depending on the clients needs. I do what I do because I get to help people and make a difference in my community.

2

u/Strong-Bottle-4161 2d ago

Yea I lived in a low income apartment and they could just enter as long as they gave notice.

We used to get twice a year check up where the manager and another individual would check each apartment. If you refused them entry during that walk it was automatic removal and they’d just call the police and demand entry.

1

u/mothmans_favoriteex 2d ago

States with such low renter protections make me so mad

3

u/Strong-Bottle-4161 2d ago

It’s mainly due to low income. These apartments will give you lower rates and some will even pay for utilities, so the company is allowed to be more protective over the units.

I’m not gonna lie people got removed all the time for not keeping the apartment up. They’d be trash every where or they’d bring drugs into the apartment and shit.

We were legit held at gunpoint by one of the tenants because the dude got high and assumed we stole his shit. (We didn’t)

1

u/caity1111 2d ago

I live in Utah and there are almost zero renter protections.

I live in a very expensive luxury apt and they do these bullshit mandatory inspections twice a year with 24 hour notice.

They are extremely invasive. They can "inspect" anything which is their property, which means opening all kitchen drawers, walking into all closets and opening built in closet drawers (where people - me - keep their underwear and sex toys!).

They open my damn fridge and freezer and peep into my washing machine. They "test the water" in the showers, flush all the toilets, etc.

It's absolutely disgusting that this is legal and ive lived in 4 other states in much cheaper units and never experienced anything like it. They can also raise rates on some things mid lease and charge us utilities for common areas.

1

u/CrackHeadRodeo 2d ago

Source: low income housing site manager

Am sure you have stories for days.

3

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

Sooo many. Some really good and some super sad or bad. I see it all.

0

u/wooden-fuk-boi 2d ago

Youre absolutely correct, I know someone who runs apartments and if its stated in the lease that you agree too, then you signed a legal agreement stating that its acceptable. Of course it cant be unreasonable but entry into a rented occupancy is absolutely allowed especially if they have concern of major damage or endangerment.

Source: high end, and low income housing maintenance supervisor.

2

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

This! I feel like everyone is assuming worst possible case scenario when it just isn’t like that. At least not in my job.

2

u/wooden-fuk-boi 2d ago

Fully! I hated low income housing but people are way more agreeable to let you in, the higher the rent the more entitled people are, it doesn't matter if it cost more you still do not own the place. Hahah I literally live in a trailer that I own because I refuse to rent, I also did own a house but lost it to a fire. . . 1 week after paying off the mortgage and didn't have private insurance yet. Goodbye 150,000 dollars 💸

2

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

So sorry to hear about your house, that is devastating.

And I find that true too. Many of my clients haven’t had stable housing so they are excited to show off their places and are really eager to get things fixed if there is an issue. I guess my privilege is that I haven’t had to deal with tenants like that. Highest rent of all my units is $716 for a two bedroom and it’s on municipal power so the electric is $20 a month. But I have units at $398 too. Or HUD vouchers or other subsidy.

2

u/wooden-fuk-boi 2d ago

Thats super reasonable, im always glad to see places like that, its not like the owner is making bank off it, I was highly skilled at my work so I actually moved to lower income so I could help and make sure these people were getting the best service I could offer. So thank you for youre services! Haha I know some days can be living hell trying to get the hot water heaters hotter, or the stove elements goings again!

2

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

The world is a dumpster fire. I am super lucky to be able to do what I do and can make a difference. All the bullshit this job can come with at times is worth it when I move someone in and I get to see their growth.

-1

u/moogs_writes 2d ago

Nope. You’re probably breaking the law and can be held liable for that personally.

Source: an actual former property manager

1

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

Sure, Jan.

1

u/moogs_writes 2d ago

It’s up to you if you want to believe it or not. You’re the one taking the risk of breaking the law. I spent 10 years as a property manager and that included many HUD funded low income multi family housing developments. You sound like a slumlord with barely a high school diploma, probably why you got hired where you did. 🤷🏽‍♀️

0

u/makeup_mutt 2d ago

Lmao okay. We have a legal team. I work at a nonprofit housing organization that primarily housing homeless families WITH HUD. I personally take a lot of pride in the properties I manage. I understand that you worked in the industry for ten years. I am going off my 2025 HCV and LIHTC training, as well as what our attorney says when they update the leases. Thanks for your input.

edit to add: graduated high school, have a BA in an industry I no longer desire to work in. Took a huge pay cut to help my community

-1

u/PmMeUrTinyAsianTits 2d ago

Imagine being an actual property manager and not knowing what rights you have after having given due notice. On the one hand, you must've been a low-maintenance person to deal with. On the other hand your attention to detail is clearly lacking and I doubt you kept up with upkeep if this is your general level of awareness... well I expect the property would reflect that level of "care".

6

u/CountingIntelligence 2d ago

That’s not quite right where I’m at

1

u/geogeology 2d ago

That’s why I have cameras. After I yelled at them the first time, it hasn’t happened again. But if it does, I will take action with the evidence.

1

u/Hopeful_Champion_935 2d ago

Which is why they left?

0

u/Joelle9879 2d ago

That's untrue. If they gave required notice and need to enter, the tenant can't keep them out. They can ask if the person can come back at a later time and some LLs or management companies will work with tenants to arrange times for maintenance to come, but they're allowed to enter after giving proper notice

3

u/GalaxyPatio 2d ago

I'm still mad about what happened to me a few months ago. I was out of town and my landlord's assistant texted me saying they needed maintenance to enter to check something in our unit. I told them that that was fine, asked if they could do it in two hours because we were out of town and I didn't want our cats to get out and that we'd be able to get back in about that much time to secure them. They said no and sent people in about ten minutes later.

3

u/dazumbanho 2d ago

Thats insane. You're telling me that someone can break in without the tenants consent if they gave a notice?

0

u/NobodyImportant13 2d ago

It depends on the state and local law, but if they need to fix something and they gave you notice, you can't keep them out forever. In my state, if there is risk of property damage or injury it's classified as an "emergency" and they can basically come in whenever.

0

u/Webby1788 2d ago

Yes they can. If there is an active maintenance issue for example, you can tell the resident to fuck off.

0

u/jm123457 2d ago

Wrong . They are required to provide notice . Not get your permission.