New York Tenant Terrified After Landlord Quietly Enters Apartment at 10:30PM for ‘Private Inspection,’ Leaving Renter Shocked and Half-Dressed
NEW YORK, NY – A New York tenant says they were left shaken and humiliated after their landlord allegedly unlocked their apartment door late at night, walked in unannounced, and began quietly inspecting the space without permission.
The renter shared the disturbing experience on Reddit’s r/legaladvice, explaining that the incident happened around 10:30 p.m., a time when they were relaxing at home and partially undressed.
Landlord Walked In Without Knocking, Notice, or Emergency Cause
According to the tenant, the first sign something was wrong was the sound of the front door unlocking. Moments later, soft footsteps moved down the hallway.
“At first I thought it was the building making noise,” the tenant wrote. “Then I realized someone was inside my apartment.”
To their horror, it was the landlord.
“He legit just said he was ‘checking the place’ and that he ‘likes to make sure everything is in order,’” the tenant said.
There was no emergency, no maintenance issue, and no prior notice — all of which are required under New York law and by the lease itself.
Can a landlord legally enter my apartment during quiet hours just to check how things look?
byu/Electrical-Memory185 inlegaladvice
Lease Requires 24-Hour Written Notice Before Entry
The renter says the lease clearly states that the landlord must provide 24 hours of written notice before entering the unit unless it’s an emergency.
Instead, the landlord allegedly conducted what the tenant described as “his own private inspection,” slowly scanning the living room and kitchen while the renter stood there half-dressed and shocked.
The unexpected intrusion left the tenant frightened and unsure whether to confront the landlord directly or pursue legal action.
Legal Experts: This May Be Criminal Trespassing
Commenters online were nearly unanimous: the landlord crossed the line — and possibly broke the law.
Many users pointed out that entering someone’s home without permission or notice can qualify as criminal trespassing in New York State, and depending on intent, could even rise to burglary in the second degree.
One commenter wrote:
“Yeah that’s completely inappropriate. In New York State that would actually be criminal trespassing if you wanted to push the issue.”
Another added that the behavior is not only illegal but also deeply unsafe, raising concerns about potential harassment or misuse of power.
Tenant Considering Police Report or Formal Complaint
The renter is reportedly deciding whether to file:
- A police report for unlawful entry
- A complaint with New York’s housing authority
- A formal written notice establishing boundaries going forward
Commenters strongly advised the tenant to take action and, at minimum, document the incident in writing to protect themselves from future issues.
Should tenants report landlords for entering without notice — or handle it privately? Share your thoughts and join the conversation at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.