Understanding Tenant Rights: Landlord Entry into Rental Property

If you are renting an apartment or house, it is important to understand your rights when it comes to your landlord entering your home. Your landlord usually cannot enter your home without your permission, except for certain reasons.

Reasons why a landlord can enter a tenant's unit

Under the Evanston Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance ("RLTO"), a tenant cannot unreasonably refuse to allow the landlord in if they want to:

• Make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, or improvements;
• Conduct inspections;
• Exhibit the unit to prospective or actual purchasers or contractors;
• Exhibit the unit to prospective tenants; and
• In case of emergency.

However, the landlord cannot abuse this right of access or use it to harass the tenant.

When a landlord should give notice

Unless it's an emergency, the landlord must give the tenant notice at least two days' notice in advance and enter only at a reasonable time.

What happens if the landlord did not give proper notice

If the landlord enters a tenant's home without proper notice or for the wrong reason, a tenant can seek legal advice or demand that the landlord stop. It is important for tenants to know their rights and to stand up for them if they feel they are being violated.