My Funny Picture

Can landlords take pictures of your property with out asking?

My friend is renting from this guy who is her landlord. He has a property manager for the property. This man and the property manager told her that he wanted to visit the home once a year. He came to visit which wasn't a big deal. But he did not tell her he wanted to take pictures in the home. When he was doing it she asked why and he said they were just for him. She asked why didn't he take the pictures before she moved in but he did not answer her. So she is very uncomfortable. Because it just seemed strange. He also has a lock box on her front door and she asked the property manager to remove it six times and still no one came to remove it. So it seems weird to all of us that have been talking about this situation. What do you think? He had her sign a two year lease, so I don't think he is selling the property. Why wouldn't he take pictures before move in and after move out? Why would their be no reponse from the property manager to take the lock box off? I agree it is the owners property and he can do what he wants but taking picutres with out asking and saying they are for him is strange. The reason she is concerned about the photos is because it has never happened to her before and it is weird not having a sufficient answer. She does not use drugs, or have pets ect. She is a respectable young lady. I never encounter this behavior from back when I rented and neither has any of our friends. So that is why I thought of seeing your opinions. Thank you all for your responses and insight on this matter.

Public Comments

1. The time to refuse having the pictures of your property taken was when they were about to do it. ~ I would cut the lockbox off and toss it.
2. Creepy.
3. it`s the landlords property, he can do what he wants. She should start lookin around. Sounds like he is about to sell out!
4. i think hes going to sell the property lock box pitchers of the place hes not going to tell his tenents that hes selling because people freak out thats why she has nothing to worrie about
5. This strikes me as a situation that requires a lawyer to look the lease over, and hear a full account of what happened. Landlord rights vary from community to community, and a general question and answer site on the web may not be the best place to get a legally binding answer. There should be a legal aid office that can assist for nominal, if any, fees. (I also admit to being worried by the landlord speaking of taking pictures "just for him". This doesn't sound like anything that a landlord would say for legal issues. Pictures taken for legal, security, or condition of repair reasons aren't something you speak of in vague terms, and are taken prior to a new tenant, or in the event something happened that needed to be documented.) Good luck.
6. 1. If your friend would check the lease he signed, it should spell out the conditions of the lease including property manager visits and such. 2. What's weird is that you are concerned about the photos. Pictures are often used as proof against lease violations such as drug use, pets, or damage to property for the eviction process. Many times before and after photos are also useful in gaining judgments against tenants who mistreated a property. 3. I would strongly advise you against cutting the lock box off the door. These can be very expensive and you or your friend could find themselves paying for one.The lock box could indicate that the property is currently for sale or may have been in the past. It may also be owned by a real estate firm that hasn't responded to the owner. 4. Even if the property is for sale, your friend shouldn't be too worried. If purchased by another "investor", they will find it to their advantage to have a current occupant. 5. If this is a real concern, your friend should consult a Lawyer regarding his rights within the lease. If not, just relax and enjoy the place.
7. oh yes
8. lock-box? does that stop her from coming and going thru that door? if so, thats illegal. she can have that removed. pictures? theres a prop. mgr. thats means more tenants. ask around, see whats up. is that a common practice with these 2 clowns? or are they just perverts?
9. Here's what you do, I'm a retired Realtor and know this for a fact. If he has a lock box on the home without a listing in MLS then he is in violation, so here's what you do write down the serial number of the lock box and contact the Association of Realtors in your area "you can call any real estate office and they will have the number" explain to them that you have the lock box and the landlord is coming in and taking pictures and you did NOT sign nor gave him permission to do so and you want to file a complaint. I guarantee the box will be off in no time and if he wants to put the place on the market to sell he will need a signed permission to have a lock box and unless its in the lease you don't have to allow any buyers to get a look inside, don't worry as the lease is good even if it does sell, the new owner will have to Honor it until it expires. Have fun with this Bill