Privacy Violation?

[Living By Faith]

Jurisdiction

Tennessee

Our landlords came to repair a leaking water heater. The day after the repair was done, we received a message from one of them stating that we needed to clean up a bunch of "clutter" and "mess" that she had seen because her husband (the other landlord) sent her photos of our living room, bedroom, and home office. We do not have a lease. Is it legal for them to take photos of our personal belongings and private office equipment without our permission? We greatly feel that this is an invasion of privacy, but we are wondering if there is any legal action that can be taken. Again, we have not signed a lease, as they did not require it. The only thing we have is a "tenant agreement" that states that rent must be paid on time, etc, and this agreement was only enstated 3 months ago when we have been living here for 5 years. Thanks in advance.

 

[adjusterjack]

Is it legal for them to take photos of our personal belongings and private office equipment without our permission?

There is no law against it.

We greatly feel that this is an invasion of privacy, but we are wondering if there is any legal action that can be taken.

Nope, no legal action. The LL was within rights to comment on clutter if, in the LL's opinion, that clutter might be a hazard that might come back to bite the LL. You, of course, can deny that.

You can, however, give your notice and move, if you don't agree with the LL.

Again, we have not signed a lease, as they did not require it. The only thing we have is a "tenant agreement" that states that rent must be paid on time, etc, and this agreement was only enstated 3 months ago when we have been living here for 5 years.

As long as there is no duration stated (from - to dates) then you are month-to-month tenants. Your move out notice has to be at least 30 days prior to the periodic rental due date. For example, if you pay on the 1st you give move out notice now, or tomorrow at the latest, for March 31.

See Tenn Statute 66-28-512b.

Tennessee Code § 66-28-512 (2020) - Termination of Periodic Tenancy — Holdover Remedies :: 2020 Tennessee Code :: US Codes and Statutes :: US Law :: Justia

You are welcome to upload the photos if you would like opinions as to whether your place is too cluttered or not.

 

[zddoodah]

We do not have a lease. . . . The only thing we have is a "tenant agreement" that states that rent must be paid on time, etc

Regardless of the name, it's still a lease.

Is it legal for them to take photos of our personal belongings and private office equipment without our permission?

Yes.

The better question is whether the lease gives the landlord the right to evict based on "clutter" and "mess." I'd be surprised if it did. However, if you're month-to-month tenants, the landlord can do a no-cause eviction.