Discussions

Hi eBrandonites. I hope you are all well.  
 
I live in an apartment complex owned by one of the larger realty companies here in Brandon. On Saturday (22nd of August) I noticed posted on several walls of my Building an announcement about "random" apartment inspections to occur on the 26th of this month. The notice does not mention what, if any, precautions will be taken by the inspectors. I have lived here approximately 3 years and other than yearly inspections there have not been any "random" inspections.  
 
Its the timing and randomness of the inspection that has me a bit puzzled and concerned. We have had a record surge of cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region and are under increased restrictions as a result.  
What rights do I have if , for instance, they show up without masks? Can I refuse entry? Should they be using hand sanitizer prior to entering each unit so as to not to potentially spread covid from one unit to another?  
 
What are the criteria they're using to pick random units to inspect.... i.e. are they pulling unit numbers out of a hat? The reason I ask is because I wonder if it is a way to single out those they view as troublesome tenants. There have been some issues in this building regarding outside doors that are supposed to be locked and are not, violence on the premises and theft. I and others have spoken out and I am concerned that this random inspection may be a part of a concerted effort silence or intimidate us.  
 
To top it off I have taken the online covid assessment because of new symptoms I am having and have been directed to contact Health Links so I may have to self isolate.  
 
P.S. I do plan on calling my building manager, the Realty company that owns the building and Health Links but I do feel that the timing of this inspection is irresponsible and is potentially placing the tenants at risk.  
 
What are your thoughts?

Contact health links and your building management for answers to your questions.  
 
It is still your home and you have every right given the circumstances to ask that they use sanitizer or they wash their hands and definitely ask they wear a mask. We just had our RM sending someone around changing water meters and we asked they washed their hands first and to wear a mask. They were completely ok with the request

Ask Tenancies Branch  
 
https://www.gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/#:~:text=The%20Residential%20Tenancies%20Branch%20can%20help%20you%20bymake%20decisions%20and%20issue%20orders%20on%20certain%20issues.

I live in an apartment. We were to have an annual inspection a couple of weeks ago. It was cancelled until further notice due to the covid cluster we have going on in Brandon.  
 
I am very surprised that any property management / landlords would think of having any inspections period now and likely for the next little while.  
 
Since you have taken the online covid assessment, you should have every right not to have anybody inspecting your place for everybodies safety. Contact your building manager and the residential tenancy branch.  
 
Stay safe and hope you get better soon!  
 
Edited by alight, 2020-08-24 15:43:04

.... for the replies.  
 
I was definitely feeling a little overwhelmed. Contacted Health Links and I am now self isolating. I have a family member who is willing to help obtain groceries etc. Coordinating getting food and necessities took the rest of the day so I'll place the call to the building management and the Tenancies Branch tomorrow.  
FYI Health Links was incredible. Very helpful.  
 
Thanks again for the info, kind words and responses.

If they show up just tell them you are self isolating but they are welcome to come in if they want.

... but I wouldn't feel right knowing that I was responsible for infecting someone let alone they in turn infected one of their family members. No. I'll try to work something out with management.

Give you proper notice. Signs on walls don't count.

Couldn't posted signage be construed as written notice?

random inspections notices on walls are not specific  
 
written notice to that apartment would have to be made