Is this even legal? (NY).
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One quick google search says this is very illegal in NYC. A Landlord CANNOT give strangers keys to an occupied apartment to let themselves in to look around, not even if they did a background check and got good vibes from these prospective tenants, perfect strangers. Nope. Not...
I would never do this as a leaser. I get people wanting to check their specific apartment well before their move in date and the answer is always No. Once it is unoccupied and then deep cleaned, then we can show the units.
This also just says New York not New York City New York is an entire state aside from New York City so if there not in NYC then NYC law doesn't apply
Are you sure? What if the vibes are REALLY good
Can we clarify: Is he saying he will allow the pre-screened tenants to “let themselves jn” and look around an occupied apartment WITHOUT him (or anyone) being present? If yes, yeah that is batshit insane. Our community will not even allow hired contractors in my unit withou...
Nope. you read it right. The prospective tenant would be on thier own
I might suddenly be missing a very valuable piece of jewelry and would have to have police involved. I'd love to see the landlord explaining to cops why he thought this was a good idea
Yes, that's exactly what this is saying. That is insane! I also understand why they are uncomfortable, because even though they might be there, these randos now have the access code to the keybox and can get the key at any time. I would not be okay with this is any way.
All the outrage aside, this is absolutely not legal in NY. The landlord or a designated agent must be present OR the landlord must have your permission to show the apartment. NY explicitly requires a landlord or a designated agent to gain permission to enter the home.
Practically, how do you prove that one of the prospective tenants isn't his agent?
But the landlord's not even going to be there! Just the perspective tenant. No agent no manager just some random person walking around my place. and now they have the lockbox key.
Prospective
Change the locks yourself and call the police.
Do you know the code to the lockbox?
For anyone confused about the situation, the key text is "They'll let *themselves* in" indicating that strangers will be in your home, unattended and unsupervised. Either that or they're implying it's responsibility of the tenant to show the people viewing the apartment around...
THANK YOU!!
No. Call your housing authority. They have the power to fix this problem for free and will because this is a blatant violation of your rights in New York Eta: To clarify, it's a violation to allow potential tenants to have your keys without him present.
Landlord is permitted to SHOW the apartment, not to hand out the key to a tenant's apartment.
Id be butt ass naked. Fuck em
😂😂😂😂
And set up a satanic altar right at the entrance
I'd keep my socks on
When the prospective tenants show up, show them this text exchange with their new future landlord. See if they still want to sign the lease.
I'd totally do this!
And then tell them to give you your key and piss off
Send this: "I am happy to cooperate with lawful showings, but I explicitly refuse entry to any unaccompanied prospective tenants. For the protection of my belongings, a landlord representative must be present for the duration of any showing." This violates your Covenant of Qu...
"...for my personal protection and the protection of my belongings..." Everyone is commenting that OP's stuff might be taken, but OP's personal **body** occupies that apartment! This prospective tenant could be a rapist, or a serial killer, or just generally unhinged.
THANK YOU!!
No way I am comfortable with LL giving someone a key to my place. I’d be HOT.
Illegal. Also, I'd be concerned that your landlord allowed this behavior in the past and there could very well be someone with a copy of your key.
Your landlord is a moron. The liability here is huge. I doubt your lease allows this, and I find it nearly impossible to believe any court would enforce this. I’d say no and insist he, or someone who represents him officially, accompany the showing.
You’re a better person than me cus that “I’m not asking for permission” would’ve set me off
Right????
"Im not asking your permission to report your ass to housing authority" would've been my response cause wtf do you mean???
Had a property management company do this to me in Texas and then couldn’t understand why I was so mad at them. Not even a single use code but a rotary lockbox. Then they tried withholding my security deposit. Their attitude changed real quick once I said I had been talking to...
(NAL) Letting potential tenants or anyone else have access without manager or owner does not seem legal. I've looked at homes in the past and the realtor would give me the keycode but they were vacant properties.
I recently moved to a new state and in going so toured over 12 rental properties. ([They were all corporate owned apartments and in the state of Tennessee.) Everything single one of them took my driver's license to copy and most kept it until I was finished. A few let me tour ...
I also had to leave an ID to tour any empty apartment-never toured one being lived in.
This happened to me in Texas. Landlord told people they could come to the house. We were expecting an agent to be with them, but it was just a family. We weren’t going to let them roam through our home alone, so we should them around. After that occurred, I told the landlord t...
lol my landlord of the place we just moved into just accidentally did that they sent me to a place to go view it alone, but it was supposed to be empty. I walked in into some dude’s fully furnished house and a confused guy on the couch.
If you dont want them to show it that time just say sorry that time doesn't work for us. and then deadbolt/ use a door stopper/ they can call the cops but the cops will just say sorry please take it to housing court. and then they will be better about the times. install camera...
Perhaps the landlord is confused here. Pre-screened means that prospective tenant meets the minimum requirements for the landlord's requirements of applicant-provided information, such as estimated credit scores, monthly income, number of occupants, and smoking/pet status. ...
This is just asking for a break in or stolen property or even worse a kidnapped dog. Is he dumb? Giving your house key out to random strangers? This is why people hate landlords.
As others have said, this is illegal & you should confront the landlord. Good luck to you
Make sure you take video of your apartment so things don't magically go wrong during final inspection.
File a police report when your stuff gets stolen. Then sue the landlord
Yeah it’s wild how the landlord gave away a key to my house and all of a sudden my life saving of gold and silver coins is now missing.
I bought a house recently. The day before our closing, my real estate agent would not let us in the empty house without an agent being here. This is absurd. I suspect it breaks a law. On the off chance that your LL is a real estate agent, I think this could get him into so...
I wasnt asking perrmission. Hoooly fuck man. The audacity. 
She cannot just let anyone else get your keys and “let themselves in” She DOES have to do a *little bit* of work for her money I’m afraid. Aweeee :(
a few of you expensive items go missing and then sue you LL
“I wasn’t asking permission” I’d have lost it lol. No damn way I’d have let that one slide lol
Wasn't asking permission? Exfuckingcuse me?
What. The. Fuck. Why would anyone think its ok to let randoms into someone else's home...
It’s the absolutely incredible sense of entitlement some landlords have. To them it’s their home, not yours, they’re doing you a huge favor by allowing you to live there in exchange for you paying their mortgage for them. I’ve had landlords enforce curfews before (by using noi...
I'm pretty sure this is a plot of Forensic Files.
But he did an ocular pat down
All I can think of are these prospective tenants making copies of the fucking keys…
So that means the perspective tenants probably currently have the lockbox combo and could let themselves in at any time. And do we really think a landlord who would do this is taking the time & effort to change the code between showings? These people have 24/7 access to...
Hell no its not legal! This was shitty of your landlord. Turn them in. I would say things were taken just to freak them out.
That’s not legal.
Making a copy of a key is way too easy for this situation to happen.
I'm fairly certain that in every state, it is required that either a leasing agent or the landlord must accompany a perspective tenant or buyer to a showing.
They can walk in when you’re in the shower. When you’re sleeping. They can steal. They can let your pets out. This is illegal.
I guarantee you "pre screened" is a very low bar for this shit landlord. This is 100% insane and most likely illegal. So these strangers have the code to the lock box and can return at anytime to try and get the keys from inside? I would consult with a lawyer and write a let...
I was a real estate agent in the city for a while and this was a big no no. Obviously this agent is lazy af, call your landlord or management company and say the broker is sending people to your home unsupervised. That’s crazy to say I wasn’t asking
I’m not saying you should, because you shouldn’t, no one should. I’m not saying. No one is saying. But what if after the unattended person was there you didn’t notice some new damage to the property. I’m not saying you will notice, no one is saying you will notice, but what if...
Just because they’ve been “pre-screened” doesn’t mean that they don’t do sketchy crap without having been caught. It woyld be a no from me, as well? On the issue of legality, I have no idea.
Umm…it sounds like he would have to be giving them the code to the lock box “in case you’re not there”. This means they could come back when you’re out and rob you blind.
That’s what I was thinking.
Here is what I did in Maryland. I asked my tenants if they should show the property one or two nights a week in exchange for a $200/month decrease in the rent for the final two months. I set the days and time on Zillow so people could make a reservation. This let the tenants...
This is extremely unsafe. Imagine you not knowing someone was going to be in your home and you protect yourself thinking it’s an intruder. The tenant in the family of the deceased would sue the hell out of the landlord as they should.
“Oh I’m sorry I only allow PRE-SCREENED VISITORS AND I WASNT ASKING”!
“I’m not asking permission.” To be clear, I’ll be calling the cops and reporting intruders if people I don’t know let themselves into my property. Landlords can show the apartment with notice. They cannot hand keys to people to let themselves in the unattended.
I’d call for breaking and entering every time because wtf they can steal your stuff they can take your underwear they can install cameras on your toliet. Why would this be ok
I was a real estate salesperson (what this person is) in NY for 4 years and no this is completely illegal. Contact your landlord and the salesperson will lose the listing. I would also immediately escalate this as this person has no respect for your space and shouldn’t be trus...
This is actually the homeowner. He lives in oregon. Too cheap to hire a property manager. And too stupid not to.
Report, report, report and if things go sideways with the viewer, call the cops.
Nadine: "Hello 911? This is Nadine from NY. There are some potential future tenants in my apartment and unfortunately things have gone sideways." 911: "OK Nadine I'm sorry to hear that. When you say sideways, do you mean that things have gone completely horizontal?" Nadine: ...
I mean this literally said okay no problem so what's the big deal.. Seems like they back tracked
He didn't backtrack. This was only the beginning. We went round and round for a week and things got ugly. In the end he gave me his word that he wouldn't allow randos in if I'm not present.
Well if they’re screened they must be saints. Would saints rob you? In NY? Yea probably 😂
How would you ever be ok with some random person wandering through your home? Your landlord is being ridiculous and, frankly, just stupid. The liability is huge!!! Can you hear in court…. Your honor this person was allowed to enter my apartment with no personal oversight ...
I would think this should be a massive red flag to the prospective new tenant. If he will do this to OP, he’ll do it to you as well. A terrible look all over.
As if getting a key made is impossible even if it says “do not copy” this landlord is an idiot
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Hang a maplethorpe over the mantle. A big one.
Change the locks NOW!
A renter cannot change the locks 🙄 Don't get me wrong - what the landlord is doing is super wrong - but telling them to change the locks is absurd.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Guess the owner doesn’t want to rent that place when you leave because you are going to open the door in your oldest boxers and follow them around as they tour
Man fuck New York. It sucks in Ireland but you guys get absolutely screwed by agent fees there. That is a full blown scam that doesn't exist in normal places
No this is extremely illegal. Which brokerage and the name?
No brokerage. Just an out of state home owner.
That can’t be legal! And who would be liable for anything stolen? I absolutely would have a problem with that.
Name them
The prospective tenant is obviously Killgrave. Better to leave it and stay out of the way.
It’s in your control to refuse to allow a viewing without your presence and until your lease ends if you decide - most people try to be reasonable because they need the reference but you can say you are out and you are refusing admittance - you have right of tenure
You're just asking now?
 Prospective tenant
Make it clear you are not okay with this. You have tenant rights dude. Landlord can’t just allow people to help themselves to your apartment that you’re paying for. Document everything. Get a tenants rights lawyer free consultation. They’ll tell you how you can withhold rent i...
LANDLORD HERE ! Oh hell no !!!! Never ever. I won’t even let a repairman in there without myself or tenant present (unless it’s my handy husband of course!). This is unacceptable. Just incredible this person is so lazy as to not do the showing.
Maybe take the key out of the lock box of you can? I mean if your land lord is willing to give the keys he may just give the combo. Safety is key here.
Fuck no.
No that's extremely illegal, also basically begging for theft of your apartment.
Do they also let repair techs into the building without you or the landlord there?
It’s creepy and there may be a statute or city ordinance about it. But, the landlord let you know and you resolved it by deciding to be there. Will you always be able to be there? Maybe not. Your local public library should be able to help you research the ordinances. Can you ...
The fact that you didn’t completely call him out is outrageous. You need to get him on the phone immediately. What if you actually can’t be there and he pulls this shit. Someone looking at the apartment has full range to all of your stuff. They can even take that key and go ma...
Trust me, this was just the beginning. It got pretty heated. And I did call him out and dig my heels in. No way was this going to happen.
I had to deal with this shit in Texas, it was a nightmare. They'd schedule showings at random times and days, despite what I had going on, and without discussing with me. So I'd wake up and find out that total strangers are about to walk around my living space with 2 hours not...
It’s been my experience as well. It got so bad at one place I signed another year lease just to get it to stop then moved out anyway….then turned their VERY long list of city and state building code violations into the city code enforcement office (the top floor ceiling actual...
Illegal
Nope, not legal in most states
He was literally THE chill guy your honor.
It sounds like she doesn't care if you're home and is instructing prospective tenants to use key in lockbox. I'd take the key out of that damn box, and if you can't, put a sign over it, that says, "lockbox is broken, please ring doorbell" Landlord's on a power trip.
“I wasn’t asking permission.” Congratulations, you’ve just achieved a new level in our relationship. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
You won’t sue so why bother posting
So..you’re basically showing the apartment free of charge!
This is absolutely something you should report
There’s no way that’s legal. Giving total strangers a key to your place and letting them walk around unsupervised… Is your landlord on drugs? Who would honestly think that’s ok? And the whole screening thing is bullshit. When I was way younger I was friends with a guy that cou...
If OP isn't there and the prospective tenants after there alone and damage part of the property, how would OP protect themselves from having it taken from their security deposit, since they have no way to prove who it was? That's insane, I'd ask that question and get landlord'...
I’m surprised a landlord would open themselves up to a potential lawsuit like that. Prescreened or not; no one comes in an occupied apartment without the landlord and or tenant.
This seems insanely dangerous and illegal
Only legality around this I know about is 24 hour notice prior to entry. Not sure if "landlord" presence required to be in domicile while showing prospective tenants" is required by law. The 24 hour notice before entry is carved in the stone, I would say since you stated it wa...
I'm a landlord in a landlord friendly area and this is insane.
They make fart spray for people like this
Pre-screened?? How can you pre-screen someone to not steal your shit? You can’t.
Just explain to the prospective tenants the bad side. Leave the house dirty and smelling awful. Then explain to your landlord to make better choices and show a little respect.
That is so NOT OK. Change the locks till you move
Take the key out of the box.
Big time no.
I feel a Nightline episode in these peoples future.
If the property manager/agent is not present with the prospective tenants, it will hold a major legal issue for your right of quiet enjoyment. However, if an agent/property manager accompanies the tenants, given reasonable notice and time (Tuesday, which is over 24 hours away ...
and the whole “i wasn’t asking permission” who the hell are you??? as someone else said they could make a copy of that key and break in later.
This is why I own a home. Not surprised from anything I these days from crackhead slump Lords
Tell him that you own a gun to prevent this exact scenario from happening wtf
A background check just means theyve never been caught committing any crimes.
That's when you say. I'm just going to remind the tenants that if you can't show up, how likely are you to quickly react in the event of an issue?
No, that doesn't sound legal. Don't let anyone in your house without you there. If you do, do a really good job of hiding anything of value, sentimental or monetary. People are weirdos. When we were selling our house, things were stolen and moved while our realtor was doin...
Perfectly fine, don't stress. Everyone stressing lmao
I would not consider your LL allowing to strangers to not only learn where the extra key to your apartment is, but actively use it to let themselves into your apartment without you being home or the LL being with them to take a tour if your space as being perfectly fine. Wou...
Perfectly fine to let an unsupervised stranger in your home?
LL only needs to give you 24 hours notice
Yes. But landlord needs to be there. No way it is legal to let potential renters help themselves to an occupied dwelling.
24 hours to enter the unit, not 24 hour notice they have to leave. Unless there is very specific wording in the lease requiring the tenant to leave, there is no way a tenant would be required to allow random individuals unaccompanied into their unit.
To show the unit, yes. But the landlord isn't showing the unit -- they're allowing random people to enter the unit unsupervised. Surely you can see how that's a completely different situation, yes?
I always think most of these supposed text conversations that are posted on Reddit are fake or doctored. Why is the “Delivered” time stamp *next to* the outgoing messages? It looks like iMessage otherwise, but the Delivered stamp should be underneath. (If this is what Android ...
Oh this is me and it is real. Unbelievable right?
Not cool at all and you can say no to anyone showing the apartment while you’re still residing there. We agreed to allow a showing/open house at our last apartment and then shut it down within 10 minutes because the realtor our landlord hired to do the showing didn’t accompany...
Tell him no, call the police, and if anyone enters your home you have the right to attack.
chinese landlord activities
And he absolutely needs permission for them to come at all. So yeah, he is asking permission
Well, permission is a strong word, but landlords are required to notify that they (or someone) is going to be there. But the landlord also has a duty of care to ensure that random people are not being given someone's key (i.e. if OP isn't going to be there, then the landlord H...
Is what legal? Showing the apartment? Of course it’s legal. Seems like the LL also gave you plenty of notice as well both times.
The key text is "They'll let *themselves* in" indicating that strangers will be in your home, unattended and unsupervised. Either that or it's the responsibility of the tenant to show the people viewing the apartment around. Everything else is perfectly fine and by the book.
obviously they are asking why the prospective renters aren't being accompanied by someone
they're obviously not talking about a basic "showing the apartment". someone having a key to your place and letting themselves in to look around whether you are home or not? no.
Yes it is, and they also probably have the right to tell you to leave the property during the showing.
I'm not aware of anywhere in the US where the landlord can force the tenet to leave during a showing. They can certainly *ask* the tenet to not be present, but I'm not sure there's anywhere that allows the landlord to require it. Likewise, the tenet can be present, but but th...
No, they don't. Don't throw probably into something questioning legality.
Lol if you want me to not be there while you show it, then you don't get to show it while I'm still paying rent and it's still my home. Your options are a) politely ask me and understand I may say no, or b) wait for me to move out.