Can I enter tenant's property? - Landlord Forum thread

Can I enter tenant's property? by Howard (MA) on March 12, 2012 @22:23

The tenants gave me a 60 day notice to end their lease.

The problem is they have not turned over the keys to me after the date specified on the letter. They seem to have moved out all of their stuff but they also have a few months of unpaid rent owed to me.

Am I legally allowed to enter the apartment after this date or will I need to give them a 24 hour notice since they still have the keys? Please give me Massachusetts-specific answers if possible. Thanks!

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Re: Can I enter tenant's property? by Anonymous on March 13, 2012 @04:57	[ Reply ]

I would post a 24 hr notice on the door and then enter just to be 100% sure. If there stuff is gone and the utilities are no longer in their name I would clean it up and rent it again. Odds are you will never see the unpaid rent.

Re: Can I enter tenant's property? by Katiekate (New York) on March 13, 2012 @04:59	[ Reply ]

"a few MONTHS of unpaid rent" You must be kidding! MONTHS. If I were you I would go immediately to court and file for an eviction on the basis of hold over. The reason I would do this...1) get possession without having to deal with getting keys. 2) make sure you get this on their background rental history 3) get a judgement for all the back rent. I hope you never allow a tenant to go a few days without paying the rent again. (MONTHS wow).

Re: Can I enter tenant's property?

Re: Can I enter tenant's property? by LisaNY on March 13, 2012 @06:16	[ Reply ]

What do you mean " ... they also have a few months of unpaid rent " ? Do you mean that you let them stayed in the apartment FREE of rent ? Did you have a good reason to let them do such a thing ? Follow Katie advice, and do the right things.

Re: Can I enter tenant's property? by MO-LL (MO) on March 13, 2012 @22:52	[ Reply ]

Don't you mean: Can I enter MY property? Don't ever forget it's your property, not the tenant. Post a 24 hour notice then enter.