T doesn't allow me to enter, repairing worker only

T doesn't allow me to enter, repairing worker only by ownernj on February 27, 2021 @21:27

T. reported heat is not working to Housing department (NJ), then Housing called and asking me to repair, otherwise, there will be a big fine.

T. has not paid any rent for 17 months long now, and already got evicted by the court. Due to pandemic, the lockout got suspended. But, of cause, I will still be responsible for fixing. I know that, and this is not the issue.

The issue is that he doesn't allow me to enter, only repairing worker can get in. When we text each other for scheduling a time, he clearly stated his rule. According to NJ law and also stated in my Lease, owner has the right to enter for repairing in 24 hours notice. So, she will lose argument in this aspect. We scheduled Monday morning. The Housing agent in the loop of this conversation.

By knowing he would not allow me to enter, I am still planning to go there with the worker. I will call cops once get there, thus, make cops aware of what is going on. If he still don't allow me to enter, then I will leave. Thus, we will have a clear record that he is the one who didn't follow the rule.

Can you think of any issues by this plan?

Also, he doesn't have heat for days now. He and his family don't live there everyday( I don't have the evidence, but I just know).

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Re: T doesn't allow me to enter, repairing worker only by Garry on February 27, 2021 @22:55	[ Reply ]

You should call off the Monday date to repair the furnace until the Housing inspector can be there WITH you. ( even if the inspector can't be there till next week.) Tell the inspector you want them to do a full-blown inspection of the entire premises, and YOU NEED to accompany the inspector everywhere. The main thing is, you need to have the inspector verify the furnace won't work, before you will call a repairman. Call off the inspection if the T. won't allow YOU in, too. The inspector is your FRIEND in this situation. They are a city official, and have the power to call the police if need be. And they also have the power to force the T to vacate the place if there is no heat and it's too cold to be without it. Most city inspectors have dealt with problem tenants like this before, so let the inspector take the lead. Yes, the inspector will maybe find a bunch of things wrong with the place, but they can also tell the T that they MUST let you in to repair things. And with you, the T, and the inspector all there in the same room,(and maybe a police officer,too), you then have witnesses and maybe you can argue to the inspector that the T caused certain damages that you expect the T to repair.

Re: T doesn't allow me to enter, repairing worker only

T doesn't allow me to enter, repairing worker only - Landlord Forum thread 361142