QUESTION
Can a municipality demand to inspect the inside of a home without giving a reason and also not permit the owner to deny access?
Asked on Dec 28th, 2012 on Landlord and Tenant Law - Massachusetts
5 ANSWERS
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Winston-Salem, NC
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Love and Dillenbeck Law
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Depends on the city laws...some towns have ordinances that allow random inspections....but normally they should give a reason for the inspection. You should contact your town/city leaders and file a complaint if you are not given proper notice.
Answered on Jan 08th, 2013 at 8:16 AM
It depends. If the government thinks that there is a health or safety issue with the premises, then the answer is YES.
Answered on Jan 08th, 2013 at 7:40 AM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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I am sorry but I would require additional information before I could offer an opinion. Generally, without reason, your home is your home.
Answered on Jan 08th, 2013 at 7:24 AM
Commercial Contracts Attorney serving Boise, ID
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Peters Law, PLLC
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It would seem that the municipality would have to have a good reason for the inspection. If there is a gas leak, or something like that, they may have grounds. Now if it is the police, they have to have probable cause of emergency or a search warrant. You need to talk with an attorney about the details.
Answered on Jan 08th, 2013 at 5:53 AM
Land Use & Zoning Attorney serving Boston, MA
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Greenbaum, Nagel, Fisher & Paliotti, LLP
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Only if there is a law permitting such an inspection and then only with a civil search warrant if owner will not let them in.
Answered on Jan 08th, 2013 at 5:46 AM