Woman Confronts Maintenance Guy For Repeatedly Entering Her House Unannounced And Without Knocking In A Viral TikTok

Recently, a video on TikTok has gone viral after the TikToker @halzmaki put it up on the platform. Captioned “a little scared” and hashtagged #rentalproperty and #collegelife, the 21-second recording captured a man saying “hi” while the camera was pointed at the ceiling.

The viewer then hears the Tiktoker confronting the stranger: “Umm, you need to knock before you come in." But it seems like the man doesn’t see this as a big deal as he responds: “Well, I have a key, so…"

The brief exchange between the TikToker and the man turned into a heated discussion on women’s safety in their own home, with many people pointing out that the situation was not only wrong but potentially dangerous.

Later, @halzmaki added a second video, sharing some background story with the viewers, which only revealed more worrying details about this incident.

For those who’re wondering if a maintenance worker can show up unannounced to enter our apartment, David M Owens, a tenant lawyer in Westwood, MA, claims that unless they provide notice that they are coming, you don't have to let them in. “If [the worker] is coming in without permission and unannounced, that may be a violation of your right to quiet enjoyment.”

According to Nolo, quiet enjoyment is “The right of a property owner or tenant to enjoy his or her property without interference. Disruption of quiet enjoyment may constitute a legal nuisance. Leases and rental agreements often contain a 'covenant of quiet enjoyment,' expressly obligating the landlord to ensure that tenants live undisturbed.”

Although there is no specific federal law regarding a renter’s right to quiet enjoyment, all rental lease agreements should include language regarding a renter’s right to quiet enjoyment, under an implied warranty or covenant. In most cases, courts will uphold a renter’s right to quiet enjoyment even if it is not mentioned in the lease agreement.

Moreover, most states require that a landlord give notice to tenants 24 or 48 hours before the entry is to take place. However, it’s worth noting that a landlord can enter a rental property at any time without notice in order to make an emergency repair.

According to Enjuris, apartment complex owners are responsible for the people they employ to care for the property. For example, if an employee causes harm to tenants or their property, the landlord/apartment complex management could be held liable. Additionally, if the apartment complex does not provide reasonable security measures for tenants who then become victims of a crime in their home, there could be cause for civil action.