As a tenant, it’s important to understand your right to privacy. There are landlords out there who will try to make you think that frequent and random “inspections” are necessary and legal.
Before you accidentally forfeit your legal right to privacy, understand this quick guide to tenant privacy rights provided by a reputable real estate attorney in Las Vegas.
Know the Facts
In general, there are only certain circumstances that allow a landlord to enter your rental space.
- If you give permission.
- If there’s an emergency.
- If there are repairs to be done.
- If the property needs to be shown in order to re-rent or sell.
- If the landlord thinks you have abandoned the space without notice.
Of course, there are specifics regarding these rules that vary by state. That’s why it is important to have a Las Vegas real estate lawyer on your side. An experienced legal professional will be able to guide you on the tenant privacy laws specific to Nevada in order to ensure that you have trustworthy information.
Sometimes, however, it is possible that your state laws will not contain a specific statute to protect you. If this happens, you want to ask that an access clause be added to your lease. Discuss what “reasonable” entry will be and get it in writing. This will protect you from any misunderstandings in the future.
Also, before you ever sign a lease, do a little research on your landlord. You may find that he or she tends to have legal discrepancies with tenants. If this is the case, you’d be better off finding a new place to rent.
Take Appropriate Action
Unfortunately, knowledge doesn’t always prevent privacy violations. It only prepares you to handle them when they arise. If you find yourself dealing with an overzealous landlord, there are a few steps you may take to address the issue.
1. Put everything in writing. If you complain to your landlord about their behavior, put it in writing. If the landlord agrees (or disagrees) to adjust his or her behavior, put that in writing as well. These documents will come in handy should you decide to sue.
2. Pay your rent. If your landlord violates your privacy with unauthorized entry, it’s common to want to withhold rent. However, this is unwise. Withholding your rent will only muddle your case if you head to court.
3. Go to court. Sometimes, detailed letters and level-headed requests just don’t work. It’s smart to take the most severe privacy violations to court with the help of a real estate attorney in Vegas. The right expert will be able to help you build a case for trespassing or emotional distress. If worse comes to worse, you may be advised to move out.
Now that you have a better understanding of your privacy rights, you have to protect them. For this, you can hire an attorney at Marc Simon Law. These professionals have over 30 years of experience so you can trust that your interests are in good hands. For more information about this Vegas real estate attorney, contact 702.451.7077 or info@marcsimonlaw.com.
