One Beverly Hills renter came home to find her building’s owner and his assistant coming out of her second-floor apartment without prior notice — and apparently without a key. The tenant was horrified to discover that the two climbed over her balcony and tore the screen door to get in. Cue scary music.
 
What To Do?

• Check your rental agreement. Property managers often reserve the right to enter a renter’s apartment without notice to address maintenance issues, possible lease violations, or emergencies.
• Talk to the manager about the issue first. Also, try drafting a simple agreement (or an amendment to your lease) stating that the property manager will notify you in advance, when possible, if it’s necessary to enter your apartment. Removing the unknown will make it less creepy.

Check back next week for the third piece in the Rental Horror Story series. Follow articles by this author to get an update when the next story is available.

Next Rental Horror Story: When the Door's Open…