Tuesday, December 5, 2017

When does a landlord have the right to enter the tenants unit?

Why Can the Landlord Enter?

The landlord is permitted to enter the tenant’s unit for matters related to the maintenance of the property, the sale or rental of the property, for other matters that could pose safety or health concerns or when granted the legal right to by a court of law.

Examples of situations where a landlord has a legal right to enter a tenant’s dwelling include:

To Inspect the Unit- Prior to a tenant’s move-out, the landlord has the right to inspect the unit to determine the condition of the unit.

Make Repairs- This includes making ordinary repairs, necessary repairs and repairs that have been requested specifically by the tenant.

Decorations, Alterations or Improvements- A landlord has a right to enter a tenant’s unit in for the purposes of making aesthetic changes or improvements to the unit. Adding a washer and dryer to a unit which did not previously have one would be an example of an improvement.

To Deliver Large Packages- If the tenant has received a package that is too large to fit in the tenant’s normal mailbox, the landlord has the right to deliver the package to the tenant him or herself.

To Provide Services- This includes necessary services or those that have been agreed to or requested by the tenant.

To Show the Apartment- The landlord has the right to enter the tenant’s unit to show the dwelling to prospective tenants, actual tenants who will be living in the unit once the current tenant leaves, prospective buyers, actual buyers, appraisers, mortgagees, repairmen or contractors.

Under Court Orders- A landlord can enter the unit if granted access by a court of law.

If the Tenant Has Abandoned the Premises- If the tenant has abandoned the unit, the landlord has the right to enter.

If the Tenant Has Violated Health or Safety Codes- In situations where the tenant is violating health or safety codes, the landlord has the right to enter the unit to remedy the situation.

To Issue Eviction or Ejection Notice- A landlord can enter the unit when accompanied by a law enforcement officer to issue a service of process order regarding the eviction.
The landlord must never abuse the privilege to enter the tenant’s dwelling or attempt to enter the unit to harass the tenant.


Published by: Bradford Miller Law, P.C.
10 S. LaSalle, Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60603
312-238-9298

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