Why? Because they just re-keyed the place to have common master key access. Now everywhere I’ve lived where there was master keys we’ve had issues with landlords entering when we weren’t home.

I got Uokoo IP Camera – it was $32 on Amazon. All hooked up – it has a few features I really like. It can record video – that’s a good one. And I set it up with video and audio alerts so I get an email with photo stills from the event.

Now RI law says the following:

§ 34-18-26. Access.

(a) A tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter into the dwelling unit in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors.

(b) A landlord may enter the dwelling unit without consent of the tenant in case of emergency, or, during any absence of the tenant in excess of seven (7) days, if reasonably necessary for the protection of the property.

(c) A landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Except in case of emergency or unless it is impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least two (2) days’ notice of his or her intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times.

(d) A landlord has no other right of access except:

(1) Pursuant to court order;

(2) As permitted by § 34-18-39; or

(3) Unless the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.

So unless wires are sparking, or water is leaking – both of which are things that have occurred I must have at least 2 days notice, plus no harassment or if it is impracticable to do so they cannot enter this place. And if they do I’ll get notification plus a record of their entry.

It’s funny – the locksmith who did the work. He saw one of the locks on our front door and only changed the deadbolt lock, not the other one. So they’ll be unable to enter through the front door.  They must use the rear entrance and the cameras watchful eye, even in infrared will see them and record them. Put it this way if we’re both out of the house and the alert trips my next action is to call the local police.