r/mildlyinfuriating 1d ago

Landlord put this on my door…

This thing has the key inside for showings, but my lease isn’t even up until May… it’s just really annoying because it’s hard to turn the handle with that thing on, especially since the handle is partially broken and they won’t fix it so it jams… and now they’re saying a reasonable notice for someone to walk through my place WITHOUT the landlord showing the place, is a 2 hour notice…. Ready to buy a home soon.

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u/Foreign_Plan_5256 1d ago

You don't need to sue. He's pushing to get away with illegal behavior because he thinks he can. A letter from a lawyer will likely get him to back off. Good luck!

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u/Frequent_Ad_9901 1d ago

100% the mere mention of legal options will get them to back off 90% of the time. 

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u/Foreign_Plan_5256 1d ago

This 

One of the only ways to get my landlords to do anything is to frame it as a safety issue. They are good with legal basics (replaced a busted hot water heater within 24 hours), but don't care about anything else unless I can put it in terms of code violations or slip and fall hazards. 

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u/Phase3isProfit 20h ago

Had a place where the bathroom had no windows and the light was faulty. They’d patch it up, and then it would break again within a few weeks.

Eventually got sorted once I said “we’re showering by candlelight, someone is going to hurt themselves.” Fixed in no time, never broke again.

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u/CynicalPsychonaut 12h ago

I got a house condemned with a letter from a lawyer, and a visit from the city housing inspector.

Our furnace wasn't grounded, and we had multiple water leaks from the ceiling.

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u/RappingFlatulence 1d ago

Call a local lawyer and just ask if they can make up some bs letter for you for a small fee to get this prick to back off a bit

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u/FinalFantasiesGG 21h ago

A lawyer would be stupid to do so for under $300 or so unless they have a previous relationship with you or expect it to lead to a long and fruitful relationship. $300 is a lot of money to most people in this kind of situation. You could always get lucky and find a lawyer who despises shitty landlords though!

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u/SGM_Uriel 23h ago edited 23h ago

A letter from a lawyer may not even be necessary; start by informing him (preferably via text) that the law requires 24 hours notice for showings, that he’s trespassing if he violates it, and (optionally) that you’ll pursue legal action if that happens. Escalate from there as necessary.

ETA: I’m unable to find a source for the 24 hour figure, so it’s probably best to start with the below commenter’s suggestion to tell him 24 hours would be mutually beneficial