🚀 go-pugleaf

________Flame ON________

I started renting a 1 bedroom apt in Austin last Sep.
Was initially surpised to find that the worker from the Management
Office is allowed(and indeed actually uses this right) to freely open
my apt. door, go in, do any of the following listed below, _as long as_
he leaves a note immediately before leaving. Even when nobody is in. 
Me, the rightful tenant will not even be consulted or informed
BEFOREHAND!!!!!!  Furthermore, the management is not _responsible_ for
theft, as written in an addendum.


What kind of BARBARIC rule is this?
Where is the tenant rights to privacy?
Even the police requires a search warrant before one is allowed to step
into private property (under normal circumstances). One feels like
living in a boarding house/dormitory, instead of a rented apt.  I
really fail to understand the justification for this blatant abuse of
power(just because the management has my keys, it can enter my abode at
any 'reasonable' times, even without my prior consent).  
Is this the normal practice in Texas?  If so that is very sad indeed --
Texas' landlords are years behind the times.  During my brief stay at
Hawaii, whenever the landlord/manager wants to enter the apt(for
showings, maintainence, bug spraying), I will be informed and
CONSULTED, such that a time when I will be present may be arranged. 
Never has the landlord/manager entered the _rented_ apt without my
prior consent/knowledge.
This is really wierd/uncivilized, Texas is in Mainland USA,
_supposedly_ more American and more respectful of human rights, as
compared to the largely Asian Hawaii, but seems like Hawaii respect
individual rights much better than Texas.  

SIDE NOTE 1
-----------
I notice that everytime there is a US Mail package addressed to me here
IN Texas, it will always be a note stating that
'we were here but you weren't, so please collect your package at xxx
station'
even when I was in _at the time of delivery of the package_, I will
receive the same note.  Are the Texas Postmen lazy or what? In Hawaii,
the Postmen will always call you up via the security-phone and ask you
to retrieve the package.  Do Texas Postmen expect me to be waiting in
front of my mailbox to be construed as  being 'present'?  If so, this
is extrememly POOR US mail service, here in Texas.

SIDE NOTE 2
-----------
I notice that Federal Express, UPS, etc. frequently simply leave
important letters, packages in front of my neighbours doorsteps if they
are not in,  without any concern for the possible theft of the items by
evil neighbours or passer-bys.  What kind of junk service is this?  In
Hawaii, at least, there will be no such cases.  If you want to argue
that Texans are so darn honest, forget it, just put $100,000 cash in
front of your doorstep(if you live in an apt) tommorow morning and if
they remained there untouched when you return, I will agree with you.  

All in all, I can only conclude that there is simply a LACK of
          sense of RESPONSIBILITY
          sense of DUTY
          RESPECT OF RIGHTS
in Texas

________Flame OFF________

ITEM in Rental Contract
_______________
28. WHEN WE MAY ENTER. If you or any guest or occupant is present, then
repairers, servicers, or our representatives may peacefully enter the
apartment at reasonable times for the purposes listed in (2) below.  If
nobody is in the apartment, then repairers, servicers, or our
representatives may enter peacefully and at reasonable times by
duplicate or master key (or by breaking a window or other means if
locks have been changed in violation of this Lease Contract) If:

(1) written notice of the entry is left in a conspicuous place in the
apartment immediately after the entry; AND

(2) entry is for:responding to your request;repairs;estimating repair
or refurbishing costs; pest control; preventive maintenance; filter
changes; testing or replacing smoke-detector batteries; retrieving
unreturned tools or appliances; preventing we of utilities; exercising
contractual lien; leaving notices; delivering, installing,
reconnecting, or replacing appliances, furniture, equipment, or
security devices; removing or rekeying unauthorized security devices;
removing unauthorized window coverings; stopping excessive noise;
removing health or safety hazards (including hazardous materials) and
items prohibited under our rules; removing unauthorized pets;
retrieving property owned or leased by former residents; inspections
when immediate danger to person or property is reasonably suspected;
entry by a law-enforcement officer with search or arrest warrant or in
hot pursuit; showing apartment to prospective residents (after move-out
or vacate notice has been given); or showing apartment to government
inspectors, fire marshals, lenders, appraisers, prospective buyers, or
insurance agents.
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