Willie said: "If you are worried that you will risk offending these guys, then explain to them that you are concerned for your safety and can't have people walking in.......say "it could be anyone and I don't know that till I see who is there."

ANY people. Absolutely! There is no need to make yourself worried about "offending" or angering the individual. It's a blanket policy, as it should be.


And again, and I know I'm repeating myself: This topic, when you speak to the property owner (or whoever), is not about the dog.

Don't tell them about the dog growling just that walking in on you without notice (these are not emergency situations), makes you feel uncomfortable and unsafe.

"From the 'Lectric Law Library's Stacks
Massachusetts Tenant's Handbook


THE TENANT'S COMMANDMENTS
M.G.L. = Massachusetts General Laws;
c., sec. = Chapter and Section;
CMR = Code of Massachusetts Regulations.





TENANT'S RIGHTS

Right Against Unlawful Entry: (M.G.L., c. 186, sec. 15B) The landlord may enter the tenant's apartment under a right of entry clause by written agreement only for the following reasons:

* to inspect the premises
* to make repairs
* to show the apartment to a prospective tenant, purchaser, mortgagee or its agents
* in accordance with a court order
* if the premises appear to have been abandoned
* to inspect the premises within the last 30 days of the tenancy or to determine the amount of damage to be deducted from the security deposit after notice to terminate has been given.

The landlord should be "reasonable." S/He should attempt to arrange a mutually convenient time to visit the apartment. If the landlord persists in entering your apartment in an unreasonable fashion, you should file for a temporary restraining order at your local district court."

I've been in contact with the "smart" guy. Who should be doing most of my repair issues now. He has also been given my cell phone number again to call before he comes as well as a note that's been put on on the door on a strip of velcro for when I make a service call to call BEFORE entering.

We're trying to figure out a bolt on the door however I have two housemates...all on different schedules...I can't lock them out and what if I'm in the shower when they get home? Or (more likely) asleep. The "smart" guy suggested an alarm. Apparently you can get a window alarm at the dollar store? I know they have little magnet ones that when the magnet is separated the alarm sounds. The "stupid" one is his boss...so we're having some issues talking to him.

This is just a very unsafe situation, I am glad you have had the dog there to alert you! As others have said, there is no reason to mention the dog. I hope you end this situation very soon...Good luck!

I wouldn't trust that the dumb as a brick maintenance man is actually dumb. I'd be more likely to think that he is a pervert playing dumb so that he can peep, or worse.

And I WOULD tell management what he is doing so they can put a stop to it. You may save some other woman without a Ryuk a great deal of trouble.

I agree with getting a deadbolt and a wireless doorbell.

I wouldn't trust dumb brick/pervert with the key even for just a day, he could make a copy.

Ryuk is a great dog!

I've seen this guy get chased by his own ride-on lawn mower....he's preeeetty stupid.


He's been working at this complex for 20 years....no recorded problems other than he's loud and tracks dirt everywhere....he's also not on any sex offender lists (or at least any public ones)

 Quote: Jamie Craig

I've seen this guy get chased by his own ride-on lawn mower....

OK, that made my day.

OK, so generally speaking, these guys would only enter your apartment upon your request to fix something, right?

At the very least you could get a sliding latch type dead bolt and keep it latched when you are expecting them to show up. If you are in the shower, leave a note that says you'll be back in 15 minutes, so that you can keep the dead bolt latched.

The problem with the window alarm is that you are still allowing them to enter without you answering the door. Plus, it would be a pain in the butt to have that thing going off every time you or your roommates opened the door. Better to just get a door bell. Little speaker mounted above the door, little hole for wire drilled to outside wall. I bet those guys could get a door bell wired for you in no time!

Jamie, not to beat a dead horse, but the issue isn't the dog, and it isn't that these guys might hurt you, it's that you should have an expectation of privacy in your own home, and you are allowing these guys to violate it.