Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Tennessee

Landlady's brother is nuisinance

Hi,

My landlady lives next door (she owns both her house and the one I rent, and the deeds are solely in her name). Recently, her brother moved in with her and has assumed the unoffical role of ''property manager''. He stops by on a daily basis to ''check'' on things, and basically gives me the creeps. Furthermore, he ordered a locksmith to change my locks recently and told the locksmith to make three keys (''One for me,'' I heard him say).

What are this guy's rights regarding entry to my home? I suspect that he might have a criminal history, and I have a young child, so his hanging around constantly (and now having his own key) freaks me out.

Is he required to give a certain amount of notice if he wants to enter the premises? Is he able to enter if I am not at home and have not given him permission?

I would talk to my landlady about it, but I feel certain that she would be defensive of her brother.

Thank you very much.


Asked on 9/25/06, 7:57 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
LAURA TEK LAW OFFICE OF LAURA TEK

Re: Landlady's brother is nuisinance

The brother may ONLY come into your home unannounced if he suspects a problem within the unit, like a leaky air conditioner or a leaky roof causing structural damage. He cannot come into the home just to check on you. As a tenant you have the right to the "peaceful possession of the property". If he is interfering with your right, he's breaking the law. There is no need for him to constantly check on you. TN does have a law called the "Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act" but it only applies to the big counties like Shelby, Davidson, etc. so a lot depends on the county you live in. If you suspect he is trouble then you're probably right.

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Answered on 9/26/06, 12:22 pm


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