8 Reasons a Landlord Can Enter a Property
Although it’s important for landlords to give their tenants space and privacy, there are going to be situations where a landlord needs to have access to the property. No matter the relationship between a landlord and a tenant, care should always be taken during this process. The right notice should be served before a landlord enters into the rental unit. Here is a list of the top eight reasons a landlord may need to legally enter a rental property.
1 – Routine Maintenance
Any good landlord knows it’s best to keep things clean and functioning properly to maximize the longevity of a rental property. In order to do this, routine maintenance should be performed throughout the year to make sure things are in tip-top shape. Particularly in Las Vegas, you’ll want to keep an eye on the air conditioning units and air filters to avoid issues during the hot summer months.
2 – Health or Safety Concerns
It is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure their tenant has a safe and habitable environment. If this ever comes into question, the landlord may need to enter the rental unit to inspect the property or make necessary changes and repairs. In some cases, the health or safety hazard may have been a direct result of a tenant’s actions. When this happens, it’s also important to document the damage as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
3 – Move-Out Inspection of the Property
Before the end of a tenant’s lease agreement, landlords will usually conduct a move-out inspection of the rental unit. This is done to assess any damage the tenant may have incurred while occupying the unit and to document those damages. The tenant may be financially responsible for repairs and should be informed before officially moving out.
4 – To Make Alterations or Improvements
If a tenant is given proper notice, a landlord can enter a unit to make improvements to the property that will add value for the current occupant, as well as for future tenants. This includes aesthetic changes, such as switching to hardwood flooring, or functional improvements, such as installing a new air conditioning unit.
5 – The Tenant Has Surrendered or Abandoned the Property
If it becomes clear that a tenant has abandoned the rental property, a landlord is allowed to enter the unit after all requirements are met. If a tenant officially surrenders or abandons the property, the landlord can peacefully retake possession. However, Las Vegas landlords need to adhere to state laws regarding abandoned residential properties and the rules pertaining to those situations as defined in NRS 118A.480.
6 – To Provide Requested Services
If a tenant has requested a service, landlords can have access to the unit to perform these repairs. Depending on what the landlord is responsible for as outlined in the lease agreement, the landlord may have to repair or replace broken appliances, malfunctioning air conditioners or heating units, fix plumbing issues, and more.
7 – To Show the Rental Unit
If a current tenant is moving out, the ideal situation is to fill the vacancy as quickly as possible. In order to do this, it’s usually helpful to show the property to prospective tenants while you’re accepting applications. With permission from your current tenant, landlords can enter the unit with potential renters to view the property before committing to a lease agreement.
8 – If Granted Permission by a Court Order
In some cases, tenants can be difficult and refuse to allow the landlord to enter the rental property for any reason. This may be a sign that something illegal is being conducted inside the unit. If a landlord goes to court and is granted permission, he or she can legally enter the property at that point.
What is Needed to Enter a Rental Property?
In general, a landlord will need to give the tenant 24-hour notice that they will be entering the property for any of the above reasons. Landlords should technically allow for a full two (2) days’ notice since there is no way to know when a 24-hour notice will be viewed by the tenant. However, there are exceptions to this rule in which a landlord can have immediate access to the unit. Some of these reasons include:
- In the case of a medical emergency.
- If there is a fire or other immediate danger to the tenant.
- Flooding
- A gas leak.
- Necessary exterminations.
In any of the above situations, the landlord is not required to provide a 24-hour notice to the tenant because of the immediate danger posed to the tenant and the other occupants of the building.
Landlords should also be respectful of their tenants’ time and only enter the unit during the reasonable hours of 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. These are considered normal business hours and are typically outlined in a standard lease agreement as acceptable times to enter a rental property.
How Can a Property Manager Help?
A professional local property manager is there to support a landlord with everything from advertising a vacancy to conducting move-out inspections. Other services include scheduling routine maintenance, communicating with tenants regarding needed repairs, informing tenants of any improvements being done to their unit, and much more.
The professionals at Black & Cherry Real Estate Group & Property Management are ready to help you with all of your Henderson & Las Vegas property management needs. Our team features years of experience within the property management field, offersthe latest property management technology, and is proud to have the top-ranked team of property managers in all of Las Vegas and Henderson. Contact us today to learn more about our property management services.
