Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey

Tenant Law: Landlord / Police

Hello. The other night I was coming home and I saw that my neighbors in the building I live in are talking amongst each other. Supposedly, there was a break in the apartment below me. Perp entered thru bathroom window on the 3rd floor. So I run up to my apt on the fourth, right above him, to check my bathroom window.. It was open.. Nothing was missing in my house.. The neighbor below me called the police to file a report.. since his goods were stolen. I go upstairs and goto bed. Moments after falling asleep, I'm awaken by two detectives saying hello in my apartment.. behind them the landlord... He let them in!

My question now is..: Can my landlord open my door for police officers/detectives for no reason?

No warrent was shown... I was half naked.. They told me my window screen was up so they wanted to check on me.

This happened 2 days ago


Asked on 1/18/09, 8:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Tina Amodeo Law Office of Tina Nielsen Amodeo, LLC

Re: Tenant Law: Landlord / Police

Disclaimer: By reading this response you understand that I do not represent you and that unless you enter a formal retainer agreement with me, I do not represent you nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship between you and me. This answer is given to you for informational purposes only and you are advised to formally retain counsel rather than rely solely upon the information provided in this communication.

ANSWER: They probably should have knocked BUT most leases include a section that permits a landlord to come into your unit in an emergency situation. They were trying to protect you. You should make a report to the police about this if it did bother you in case it becomes a repeated issue. You should also let them know that your window was opened.

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Answered on 1/20/09, 2:52 pm


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