Fire Alarm Inspection 2017

Life Saving Smoke Alarm

On Friday a “24 Hour Notice to Enter Unit” was taped to my door from UNH’s, it had the usual writings regarding time and date of inspection etc.  Then two sentences that were never written in previous notices caught my eye.  “Photos may be taken during the time of inspection” and another was “Should the tenant be out and have a security alarm system UNH’s would like the pass code”.  After reading the notice my immediate thoughts were UNH’s maintenance dept. is smoking dope during office hours and not sharing. :P  I immediately typed up a reply letter stating UNH’s staff will NOT be allowed to enter my unit to take random pictures without my permission and approval, and if needed we can take the issue to the Landlord and Tenant Tribunal Board for arbitration. 

I’m an advocate for tenant privacy and I recall a few years ago UNH’s took pictures of former tenant Shirley’s unit who’s a lonely widow.  The tenant told me she protested but the staff still went ahead with it, her tenant right to privacy was violated by UNH’s.  I recommended she seek legal counsel but she’s not the outgoing type.  In the end UNH’s got their way.  Now I ask you readers would you allow your landlord to enter your home and take photographs without a written legitimate reason?  I think not.

Early yesterday afternoon I received a knock on my door it was the fire inspector/contractor and office clerk Crystal Powless.  The young lady who I never met before introduced herself in a courteous and respectful manner.  I jokingly said “Oh I’ve heard of you and don’t worry it’s all good” She smiled and asked if she could enter my unit, I agreed thinking this is an opportunity to question her about the notice caption “Photos may be taking during the time of inspection”.  She explained it’s just a formality the photos are usually needed when extensive damage has been done to the unit.  I thought never the less the statement is misleading and shouldn’t be included in an initial maintenance inspection notice unless it’s a follow up.  Our conversation was brief, the fire inspector quickly completed testing the smoke alarm detector and was ready to leave.  In the end my unit passed with flying colors and I was impressed with Crystal’s demeanor and most important the ability to be respectful to Native tenant Elders.  UNH’s employee Lynda Jones could take a few lessons from the young lady.  Lynda’s personality is similar to an aging street hooker trying to pull a trick on Barton Street for $20 bucks and a box of Kraft dinner.  :D

Happy Valentine’s Day to all you lovey-dovey types. :)

Tk