Landlord keeps entering my apartment without notice - caught him on Ring camera 3 times this month

I rent an apartment in Austin, Texas. My landlord has entered without notice three times in the past month. I know because I have a Ring camera inside.

The first time I thought maybe it was an emergency. But looking at the footage, he just walked around, looked in my closets, and left. No repairs, nothing broken. The other two times were the same - he just seems to be "checking on things."

I've asked him to stop and he said it's "his property" and he can enter whenever he wants. I checked my lease and it says he needs to give 24 hours notice except for emergencies, but he's ignoring that haha.

What are my rights here? This feels like a massive invasion of privacy. Can I change the locks? Withhold rent? I really don't want to move but this is creepy.

@deleted_user_alt_13 - I'm sorry you went through that. Even without a lease clause, you may have had some options:

• If entries were frequent and harassing, it could constitute "constructive eviction" - interfering with your right to quiet enjoyment
• You might have been able to terminate the lease early due to the landlord's conduct
• Some entries (like entering while you're sleeping or in the bathroom) could cross into invasion of privacy territory

But you're absolutely right that having the lease clause makes everything much clearer and easier to enforce. Prevention is better than cure.

@debtfree_someday_12 - This is such an important lesson. In legal disputes, especially contract disputes, documentation is everything.

Quick guide to documenting landlord entry issues:

1. Video/photos: Indoor cameras like Ring capture timestamped evidence
2. Written complaints: Always email or send certified letters - verbal complaints leave no trace
3. Keep a log: Date, time, what happened, any witnesses
4. Save responses: If landlord responds by text/email, screenshot and save
5. Backup everything: Cloud storage, external drive, email to yourself

Without documentation, it's your word against theirs. With documentation, you have leverage.

FINAL UPDATE - RESOLVED: Wanted to close this thread out properly since it's been so helpful to others.

It's now been 6+ months since I sent that initial demand letter, and the situation has completely turned around:

• No unauthorized entries - Landlord has given proper 24-48 hour notice every single time since July
• Better relationship - We actually get along now. He texts me well in advance for any visits
• Lease renewed - The 24-hour notice clause stayed in my new lease
• Ring camera still up - Documentation is forever

Key takeaways for anyone dealing with this in Texas:

1. Texas has NO statutory notice requirement - your lease is your protection
2. Document everything with cameras and written records
3. Send a formal letter citing your lease terms via certified mail
4. Most landlords back down when they see you know your rights
5. Standing up for yourself can actually improve the landlord-tenant relationship

Thank you to everyone who helped, especially the attorneys who clarified Texas law. This thread literally changed how I handle landlord issues and helped countless others based on the replies. You all made a real difference.