I don't know why my apartment complex insists on doing inspections 4 times a year and spraying toxic pesticides around me and my pet, but they do.

I am so AFRAID of this inspection, Terrified. Last time I did not have my dog, but I was home alone and it was just two strange men who came into my home. I eventually learned the one man was a maintenance man.

I learned this AFTER a few weeks later he opened up my door unannounced, while I was sleeping and I was running to get my robe off the back of my chair and he caught me in my pajamas, which quite honestly was not all cover, appropriate pajamas. I have avoided everything to do with him since. He had no right coming in my apartment unannounced.

I feel like these people own me. Like my home isn't my home. They said "you don't have to be present for the inspection". But not only would I not allow strangers in my home without me, but I have a doberman and I highly doubt she's going to let them anywhere past the door.

Not to mention I'm a people pleaser and I am stressing out about the tidiness of my apartment and what people will think of me.

After he showed up unannounced last time I cried for 4 hours straight. My main diagnosis is PTSD, from men. So yes strange men coming in my home scares me beyond reason. I know that my dog is here and that she will protect me, but I still feel really uneasy about this all after that incident.

And then my dad made it worse by saying "he knew what he was doing. A young girl living alone. He's a pervert!"

So now I am really really freaking out and I can't stop my mind from racing... What do I do!?

And they gave me no specific time, so no one can be here with me.

[OrangeMoira]

(((LydiaB)))

I hate apartment inspections! I understand they can come when you're not there, but they should have to KNOCK first either way, not run in without warning. That's unprofessional and dangerous--I think you'd have every right to mace the mess out of them for it. It doesn't mean he's a pervert, though; probably just careless and wants to get it all over with.

Could you put a sign on the door when you're home that states "I am home; please knock before entering"? I know you don't want to advertise that you're home normally, but maybe for the few days they're doing inspections?

I have the same worries about my place being neat during inspections, although I feel a little silly about it. I totally get it!

If you've been diagnosed with PTSD, can you ask that the apartment make an accommodation for you? I'm not sure what's covered under the ADA, but it seems very reasonable that they not send strange men barging into your place without warning if that worsens your condition.

[Omers]

I think it is very reasonable, especially given your diagnosis that they give you a time so you can have someone there with you.

Myself... I changed the locks and * oops! * forgot to give the landlord a copy of the new key. My bad!

[onmyway]

First of all, i cannot imagine how scary and violating that must be to have seen the man in your home unnanounced.

i don't know where you live but where i live they need to post at least 24 hr notice of entry, and add something like, 'between the hours of 1-4' or whatever it will be, so it's not an exact time, but you know the general timeline.

I realize this is extreme, but is it possible for you to move to a different place where they don't come in so often, and so disrespectfully? I normally wouldn't suggest something so life-changing as a move, but considering your dx, the way they go about things, and the trauma it's causing you, it may be worth it for peace of mind, kwim? Because being in a constant state of anxiety over 'what-where-when' is no good for you at all!

If that's not possible, (and perhaps something to be done before looking into a new home) i second what someone else mentioned, that perhaps talking to someone in management and explaining your situation may help them narrow it down a bit so you can arrange to have someone with you during these inspections.

[Cyran0]

LydiaB, I'm so sorry you're feeling this way and that these inspectors are SO disrespectful. If it were me I'd talk to management. Also, do you have a chain lock on the inside of your door? Sure they can open the deadbolt but if it's chained they have to knock.

Cyran0

Legally, they can't enter your apartment without giving notice. Please remember that and don't allow them take advantage. Legally the only time this can happen is an event of an emergency. Fire, water break, etc.

Otherwise I am going to contact my team and ask what I do about this. I am in a really rough spot right now and this would not be good for me at all.

And no, no deadbolt. No chain. Nothing. They said "you are not allowed to change the locks or add anything to it, whatsoever." My therapist suggested I get a door jam to feel more secure. But my gosh a door jam? Just to feel safe in my apartment. That's ridiculous!

[sundog]

This is really awful (((((((LydiaB)))))) The maintenance man has no right coming in to your apartment unannounced. That can't be allowed to continue. Who can you speak to about this? I don't see how it can be legal.

I'm so sorry you are freaking out about this. I don't blame you one bit. I really hope you can find out exactly what your legal rights are and that these rights will then be enforced. In the meantime, can you go with the door jam suggestion your therapist made?

And I really agree with the others that the pesticide people need to give you at least an approximate window of time when they will come.

I'm so sorry you are going through this ((((((((((LydiaB))))))))))))

[Cyran0]

If your T recommends a door jam, then I'm with your T.

Cyran0

The reason I don't support the door jam is because at some point I will go overboard. If I start at all I go overboard. Pretty soon I'd be setting little alarms and booby traps on the windows. Buying weapons. And eventually it would get to the point where I felt I had to stay in my apartment to protect myself and my home and I wouldn't allow anyone inside. I already don't allow anyone inside. Not my family, not my friends. But I at least leave the apartment. If I got a door jam. It would be over, my hypervigilence would hit the roof. After I brought up this point, He agreed.