What are the legal hours of access to a private storage unit? Landlord rented space under me to somebody.?
April 11th, 2011 | 
Author: The owner of the rental home I’m in is old and ill, his daughter has power of attorney, out of state. Her husband “Jack” rented out the garage below my family’s home to a neighbor, “Mike.”
I was told very little about this, and Jack has left town.
I have to deal with the neighbor, who also has access to a laundry room. In California, what are the legal hours of access Mike can have to the space, or are we on the honor system here?
Thanks!
Posted in Landlord Tenant Law
government entities have posted hours, according to charters and
what not. Private entities, on the other hand, have no restrictions
and may open and close as they like. [shopping centers
and some office build landlords do require minimum operating hours
of all their leasees]
i understand “the honor system” but not as you are applying it here.
I do not know what your concerns are.
you might want to see what your lease says re the garage..or
other –perhaps “common areas?”
Does your rental lease include the garage? Then your problem is with YOUR landlord. If you agreed he could rent the garage out (under your lease) you should have received a decrease in rent for your inconvenience and loss of space.
It sounds as if this is going to continue to be a mess for you. If you pay rent for a space for storage, you are entitled to access as long as it doesn’t disturb the peace in the surrounding area ie: your house.
Should his noise become a problem, be a good neighbor and speak to Mike about it. He might not realize that the noise is so bothersome.
Why does he have access to your laundry room? If the laundry room has a door that adjoins the garage, put a deadbolt lock on your side of the door. If going through your laundry room is the only access to the garage, check with your local landlord/tenant association for help.
How do you pay rent? If you are paying it directly to a bank as the landlord’s depository, you may not be able to reduce your rent for the inconvenience without prior authorization from the rental owner. However, if the check is made out to the Landlord or his wife or daughter, you have the right to know how to correspond directly with the owner and ask to see the specific lease guidellines for the storage garage. It may take time but patience should win the battle. As always, keep copies of all documents.
You cannot stop the owners from renting out this space.It is none of your business actually.You can’t control the property just because you rent the upstairs.
There are no set hours.