I am renting a duplex in Madison, WI. The landlord is trying to sell the property and has potential buyers coming in once or twice a week to show the place. Also, I have been warned potential renters (not buyers) will begin seeing the place in April, probably as often. Is there any limit to how often a landlord can reasonably show an apartment? I value my privacy and find this to be pretty invasive.
I am particularly annoyed because the landlord took down the "For Sale" sign until just days after we signed the lease, although several weeks later a property manager told me he'd been trying to sell it for over 6 months. We weren't told it was for sale, and with the sign taken down I feel like they deliberately misled us.
Also, later this month I am having a group of friends visit from out of town and we'll be staying in my apartment for a day. A week ago I called the realtor to ask her not to show the apartment that day because I was having company. She told me at first that would be impossible for her to keep track of (which I find very odd), and finally told me after I insisted that she could "make a note in my file, but couldn't promise anything".
Another reason this is particularly problematic in my case is I have 2 cats - which is allowed by my lease - but one of them is NOT people-friendly. He is very aggressive towards strangers so I don't dare leave him in the apartment for the showings. Everytime they show the apartment during the day while I'm at work I have to have him boarded or take him to a friend's house if one is available. I realize this is not the realtor's fault, but it does give me more incentive to try to change the situation.
At this point, I am just about ready to find a subletter and move, but I feel silly as my lease is up in August, only a few months away.
Also - I approached the property managers about the realtors excessive showing one week after moving in (the realtor showed the house 3 times in the first 5 days after I moved in, which came as quite a shock since I didn't know the house was for sale.) I was told there really isn't anything they can do. I asked them if they could only come when I'm not at work but they said "Oh they only come during the week, during the day.", which is not the case since they have shown it Sat/Sun, evenings, etc. However, the property manager is not willing to help in this other than telling me "They think it will sell soon." (I'm so glad they have a crystal ball, since the last 10 months of failed attempts don't give me much hope.)
Any suggestions appreciated. :confused: