AboutSue Bernstein Expertise My expertise in in residential real estate., I have been selling residential real estate since 1974 in the Los Angeles area. I can answer most questions regarding real estate in the state of California and most generic questions for the rest of the country relating to buying and selling homes, selecting a real estate agent, and more!
Question We are moving out of our townhouse that we rent. The owner has decided he will be selling and not rerenting. The owner and a realtor came by today on 2 hours notice and spoke with my wife. The things the realtor said to my wife are quite infuriating. We've spoken with the owner about having items in the home that were previously in a storage unit, so we have a little clutter. We also have a son that's homeschooled and is 15. We also have a dog and 2 cats. The owner is well aware of all of this. The realtor on the other hand dictated to my wife that when he starts showing the home in the next 2 weeks, that all of the items from storage must be gone, and that everyone must leave the townhome while he shows it, including the pets. He also states that he may call with an hour or two notice, even on a weekday when my wife and I are at work and he knows our homeschooled son can't drive and would have to take 3 pets with him. We also have two other children. So even though dinner might be served and the kids might be doing homework, he expect us to drop everything so he can swing by, basically whenever he wants. I saw that you answered a similiar question about giving 24 hours notice, as that's what the lease stated for that person. Unfortunately, our lease has no stipulation of time for any visits. So, before I have a conversation with the owner and/or the realtor I would like to know where we stand.
Answer I would have to see your lease to see what it says to advise you what your rights are. With that being said, my immediate reaction is that the owner's agent is completely out of line. He does not have the right to enter your home with no notice and he has no rights to make you leave. He also cannot force you to put anything in storage. I would talk with the owner directly. It is reasonable to allow showings with 24 hours notice and it is reasonable for you to keep the townhouse is showable condition. It is reasonable for you to keep your dog on a leash during showings and you certainly don't have to do anything with the cats. You do not have to allow access during your child's school hours. The agent should call and make appts for showing and he cannot swing by whenever he wants. If they want access anytime they want they should wait for you to move out.
I hope this helps and good luck.
