Does anyone know if they are allowed to do this?

My landlord has been trying to sell the building for about a year now. I just got a call (that I missed) from the realtor and he left me a voicemail stating they were coming in to take pictures of the inside of my apt.

Obviously, I'm not comfortable with this idea because I don't like the idea of pictures of my personal space floating around where ever, especially if they plan to put them on the internet.

I don't have a problem with them showing the place to prospective buyers but I feel my privacy is being violated with the pictures (especially since I don't how/why they intend to use them).

Should I call the realtor back and tell him no, I'm not okay with this? or is this something they are allowed to do (as in not illegal)? :confused

 

They're allowed to, but you're also allowed to tell them no as far as I know. Most real estate for sale has a virtual online tour, so they want to be able to show the entire building (which should be the only way they'd use the pictures, but you never know). I'd check with your local tenants union (or whatever your tenant rights department is called) to see exactly what your rights are with it, but for now I'd just tell the realtor you're not comfortable with it.

 

Again, I'm no expert in your local Tenancy Laws, but as far as I know, and I've rented a few properties in Aust., they are allowed to ASK, but you have a right to say "No". Basically, they have a right to photograph the Building only, but not you, or your personal effects.

 

Thanks all. I think I will do that.

I guess I'm a little nervous because I have heard stories of criminals looking at people's apartments online to see what they can break in to steal. Not that I think I really have any of value really to steal, it's just living in a high crime area kind of puts me on the edge and I wouldn't put it past the people in this area to do something like this. I'm probably just being super paranoid :-o but I've always rather been safe than sorry.

 

What about all your shoes?:eek




j/k - couldn't help myself. Hope all goes well

 

Why don't you just voice your concerns, not only to Realtor but talk to local police to see what they suggest.

 

Oh do I so wish this were a deterrent. http://badmlsphotos.com/2010/12/08/staging-matters/

 

dyamond, you should have clear language in your rental agreement that you've signed regarding being able to enter the residence. This is a legal contract between you and the owner of the building. Usually it follows along the same lines as state law. In my state they only need to give 48 hours written notice for anything that's not an emergency, and zero notice for an emergency (water pouring out of your apt, smoke pouring out of your apt, etc...). If it's not in your rental agreement then you'll want to look it up on your state's website, I'm sure a bit of googling can find the page at least to read.

Now, speaking as a real estate photographer there are some things to keep in mind. If you stage your apartment in a way that the stuff you don't want on the net is behind the camera it won't go on the net. I've done plenty of owner occupied houses where one side of the room looked GREAT while the other side (behind me as I'm shooting) is stacked floor to ceiling with crap. Closets will not be photographed unless they are special (no, a million shoe collection doesn't really sell properties , a 50 square foot walk in closet however will), garages usually are not photographed, bathtubs usually have the curtains closed and won't be photographed, etc....

If the photographer doesn't get what he/she needs to market the property from at least one unit you'll likely see them or another photographer again in the future to get the shots that they really do need. It's just the way it is.

 

I would all so agree with David read your contract Carefully and see any loop holes in it.In most states it is illegal for them landlords to enter your home with out you knowing about it.And can be sued for it big time for invasion of privacy.I would ask questions be for any thing.I would stay right next to them threw out the whole process.

 

Agree with this, but don't know the law.

I would make sure I was home. Open carry the 1911 and maybe an AR, and be cleaning a shotgun on the kitchen cabinet. I am guessing that photo shoot would be short.

If it was legal, I would not let them in, again, not sure of the laws.

 

If you don't mind spending a few bucks, find a cop shop that sells crime tape, numbered cones and chalk. Have a friend come over and lay on the floor; do their outline in chalk.

Put out the evidence markers (cones), put up the crime tape and invite the photographer in.

Bonus: If you have tile floors, a some ketchup by the chalk outline wouldn't hurt either.

 

Excellent! Unless you are the seller... :-D:-D

 

Or better yet, seal the front of the house up with black plastic and cover the plastic with bio hazard tape.

 

roflmao These ideas are awesome!

However, they never came. I was actually going out of town when I missed the call and decided not to call back because my friend had picked me up just a few minutes after I had initially posted here.

Although my place wasn't a bomb, it was a bit messy as I had a few dishes in the sink and the floor needed a vacuuming. My room looked like a clothes tornado due to my packing as well. LOL By the time I got back, I didn't have the time to clean so I said forget it. Let them take pictures of my dishes in the sink :-D but they never came during the time they said they were going to. Works for me!

 

Did you go see FredG and his "friends?"

 

No, she did not. Very expensive to get food for my 'friends' these days. I had to shoot Mexican made ammo in my new 1911... :cry