Anyway you could approach the landlord and request one of those (keyless) hinged or chain locks that you set from inside and that only allow the door open a few inches? Sorry, I don't know my lock terminology... you could voice interest in your overall security without even mentioning the dumbass repair guy... I realize these things aren't nearly as strong as a deadbolt, but you're not actually looking to keep highly motivated burglars out, just someone who can't resist letting himself in. And as others have said, entering the apartment while you're home, without permission, is actually not legal - there may even be a rule about minimum advance notice... you should check over your lease, and local renters laws.

Other than that, I nice big sign on your door saying "knock first and WAIT for an answer", and perhaps a heart to heart with this doofus... some people just weren't born with a lot of common sense though, hence the physical barrier suggestion above.

Good luck - I hope Ryuk doesn't end up exercising his pearly whites on this guy! Though for the record, he sounds like an amazing dog... smart, fearless, loyal...

~Natalya

Jamie, I understand that you worry about getting kicked out because of your dog.

But, this is not the issue and I wouldn't even mention your dog.
JMO, this is truly illegal and I would stick with that as you tell them that this is your home and it is wrong for the maintenance guy to just walk in.

I'm pretty sure that in Massachusetts it is 24 hours notice with the exception of an emergency. You can call the Mass Housing Authority if you want to know for sure.

No need to even bring the pup into the explanation. Just tell them that it makes you very uncomfortable and you will not allow it. I think that is perfectly reasonable.

 Quote: Lauren Jeffery

No need to even bring the pup into the explanation. Just tell them that it makes you very uncomfortable and you will not allow it. I think that is perfectly reasonable.

Simple as that!

~Natalya

It's been a looong long time since I've lived in a 'roomie' or an appartment situation but I'd never put up with someone a-come'n waltzing in unannounced. Dog or no dog.
Anyone that does had better be my lover, because the dog is the last thing to worry about otherwise.

Even if someone is expected it's only common courtesy to knock before entering. Simple common courtesy, is that too much to ask? Hell even if I know Pat is just putting on her makeup, I knock before going into that portion of the house, and we've been together close to 30 years!

I find it amazing that laws need to be levied to even broach a subject like this.

Put a dead bolt on the door and an airhorn hanging from a string outside if that's what it takes. BUT NO ONE SHOULD BE JUST WALKING IN AT THEIR CONVENENCE!

I'm pretty sure they do initially knock...but it's impossible to hear it...and they never knock twice....I usually rely on Ryuk to tell me when there's someone a the door...

I would send a "nice" letter to the management letting them know on several occassions you have been caught by surprise by their nice employees coming into your home unannounced, and that and that in the future, you expect to be notified prior to their coming into your home. Period. Give a copy to the two men with a smile and an "I know you will understand my concern on being caught unaware in my home - this is no reflection on YOU". I would then put a chain on my door and would keep it latched when ever I am in the house. The LAST thing you want is a dog bite, even though it would be justified, IMHO.

Personally, I would not mention the dog too much because if they decide you have a vicious dog, that could lead to all other sorts of mess. WE know Ryuk isn't vicious and is only doing exactly what he should be doing, but I wouldn't make a big deal to them about you being concerned someone will get bitten.


Lots of other similar advice posted while I was typing... sorry!

Put a keyed dead bolt on the door.....and use it EVERYTIME you walk into your space.
In fact have one of the handymen install it for you.
And I'd make it clear, no more walk-ins, no more unannounced visits, and no more checking things out while your not at home without prior permission which will be supplied with a key to be returned....promptly.

OH! I like Randy and Natalya's suggestions, they are so what I would do.

I would definitely have the"dumb as a spoon" guy install it too, so he remembers that he can't just walk in....or wait, do spoons have memory capabilities?

I used to have a situation similar to yours. I couldn't hear the doorbell or a knock on the door from certain rooms. I purchased two wireless doorbells. The button part was installed (you can use double sided carpet tape) next to the regular doorbell with a little note saying to "Press this doorbell". The two ding-dong units (rigged to receive from the one doorbell) were plugged in the rooms where I needed them. (I could hear them from anywhere in the house). You might only need one. And you might need to train Ryuk to recognize the doorbell as a good thing.

If you have a housing authority of some sort, I'd check with them about your rights as a tenant.