We rent an apartment unit in Lake County of Indiana.
Yesterday, while we were napping, an employee of the apartments knocked on our door and proceeded to let herself in after not getting a response from us. Apparently they sent her to come check if we currently have a cat. They didn't notify us by phone or any other means prior to their entrance to our unit. This was not the first time they entered without notice or our consent. The first time they did it it was for maintenance reasons, and the guy came in while I was sitting in the bathroom undressed!
I read that the law in Indiana states that the landlord may only enter the unit for emergencies or after notifying the tenants. However, I found a clause in our apartment contract that says: "Residents shall allow Owner and his agents free access to the apartment at all reasonable times, to exhibit, repair or inspect the same, or any other reasonable business purpose connected with the operation of the building." Since we signed this contract, does it mean they can just come in whenever they want without contacting us or getting our consent? What about our privacy? Can people create contracts that allow them to do unlawful things?
Yesterday, while we were napping, an employee of the apartments knocked on our door and proceeded to let herself in after not getting a response from us. Apparently they sent her to come check if we currently have a cat. They didn't notify us by phone or any other means prior to their entrance to our unit. This was not the first time they entered without notice or our consent. The first time they did it it was for maintenance reasons, and the guy came in while I was sitting in the bathroom undressed!
I read that the law in Indiana states that the landlord may only enter the unit for emergencies or after notifying the tenants. However, I found a clause in our apartment contract that says: "Residents shall allow Owner and his agents free access to the apartment at all reasonable times, to exhibit, repair or inspect the same, or any other reasonable business purpose connected with the operation of the building." Since we signed this contract, does it mean they can just come in whenever they want without contacting us or getting our consent? What about our privacy? Can people create contracts that allow them to do unlawful things?
