Durham, NC 路 Member since 2018 路 58 posts 路 14 votes
I texted my tenant tonight to let her know I would be coming by with an appraiser. She responded that she would need to be home because of the alarm. Alarm?? They installed an alarm system without asking permission or even notifying me. What rights do I have as a landlord? I certainly understand wanting a security system, but not being asked is a problem, and of course, I want the code. Can I demand it? Thanks.
I am a landlord and work for an alarm company heh. You are absolutely entitled to the alarm code plus if they are not wireless sensors and etc they did damage by drilling and running wiring for the system i would tell them to give you the code or you will it removed and they charged for the damages.
tell them that per state law, you do not need the tenant to be there for inspections and they can give you the code or leave it off that day. other option is enter, and let the alarm go until cops show, but be prepared with proof that you gave legal notice to enter and proof that you own the property.
I texted my tenant tonight to let her know I would be coming by with an appraiser. She responded that she would need to be home because of the alarm. Alarm?? They installed an alarm system without asking permission or even notifying me. What rights do I have as a landlord? I certainly understand wanting a security system, but not being asked is a problem, and of course, I want the code. Can I demand it? Thanks.
I've had three tenants install alarms before telling me. Neither required drilling holes or damaging the properties.
Two told me immediately after and offered the code. The other tenants didn't want to provide the code. Didn't bother me. If I needed to visit the house and couldn't deactivate the alarm, I didn't have any problem with the alarm going off. It's my house and I don't mind if the police visit. The alarm won't prevent you from entering. You still have a key. If the tenants changed the locks without notice, I'd be much more concerned about that. My leases have a clause forbidding the changing of locks.
If they are paying on time and are otherwise great tenants, I wouldn't worry. If it overly concerns you, modify your leases going forward to account for this eventuality.
I would talk to the tenant (not text) about how he/she cannot make any changes to your property without your permission. In the meantime I would get the code from her and if she/he refuses to provide it then I would let her know that it will be removed by you at her expense. Also if she refuses to provide it I would not renew her/his lease at lease renewal time.
I always TRY to accommodate the tenant when going into the house. I鈥檒l tell them that I need to go in on Thu between 9-11am to take care of the xxx (giving 24-48 hours unless emergency).
If they need to reschedule for whatever reason, I will - within reason. I want them to feel like it鈥檚 their house and that I won鈥檛 just walk in anytime. BUT I wouldn鈥檛 let them dictate the schedule or if I can or can鈥檛 enter.
If they want to be there, great. If they want to provide the code since it鈥檚 inconvenient for them, that鈥檚 fine too. But I need to get things done too!
You might also check on your local code. Here in Atlanta, monitored alarm systems have to be registered for a $ 250 fee and false alarms are also $ 250.00 ......Police may put lien against the property.
I would ask the tenant for the code before going crazy with legal jargon. They may just say "OK, here's the code". As another poster said, most monitored alarms need to be registered with the city and some municipalities require a permit to install. I would make sure the correct steps were taken to install the system, and kindly ask for the code.
Thanks everyone! The tenant gave me the code and put me as an emergency contact with the security system company. Will check to see if the city requires any further registration. It is one of those non-drilled wireless type of systems , so no issues with installation. Appreciate all the great feedback!
You might also check on your local code. Here in Atlanta, monitored alarm systems have to be registered for a $ 250 fee and false alarms are also $ 250.00 ......Police may put lien against the property.
Thank you!! I appreciate this so much, would not have thought to check and it turns out the city does require this! Thankfully here, it鈥檚 free.
Glad everything worked out. I appreciate this post! Something else I've never thought about, lol. Ugh, my lease is already 13 pages long, but I'll add something about alarm systems into the section with locks.
So, Ned is correct, the answer is probably in your lease. Although your lease probably doesn't specifically address your tenant having an alarm it probably does state that your tenant is not allowed to make any alterations to the property without prior written authorization from you the landlord or owner. If that is the case then your tenant has lease violation on their hands and you could probably force the issue to get the alarm. However, as with most cases when dealing with a tenant, finesse is your best friend.
So, Ned is correct, the answer is probably in your lease. Although your lease probably doesn't specifically address your tenant having an alarm it probably does state that your tenant is not allowed to make any alterations to the property without prior written authorization from you the landlord or owner. If that is the case then your tenant has lease violation on their hands and you could probably force the issue to get the alarm. However, as with most cases when dealing with a tenant, finesse is your best friend.
Its probably best to have security system in place before leasing out the unit. Tenant can choose to activate it or not, but won't be drilling holes. Also a reminder to myself to do it in my properties
What they said plus ask for verification of the alarm and turn in to your insurance company to get a discount on your insurance. also have them add you as an emergency contact so you can be notified if there's a break in. I think there are more positives than negatives especially if they are paying for it. of course they should have asked but salvage the relationship and glean the benefits. you may be left with an alarm when they leave. nice. if it would cause damage to remove it, they will likely leave it.
As some have mentioned, the lease covers this, indirectly, as a "you can't change anything without my written consent" type of clause. The alarm that was installed is a wireless, no drill type, so no biggie as it turns out, and yes, they did add me as an emergency contact, etc etc. Great idea to tell my insurance company. Thanks everyone for your feedback!
I am a landlord and work for an alarm company heh. You are absolutely entitled to the alarm code plus if they are not wireless sensors and etc they did damage by drilling and running wiring for the system i would tell them to give you the code or you will it removed and they charged for the damages.
Follow up question. I own a home and have joint tenancy with a friend. My friend set up a Vivint alarm system, but I am not on the account nor do I have the access code. I know this is a civil issue, but I wonder if Vivint would cancel this or is my friend able to do this.