Ah, the nosy landlord. Does s/he enter your home trying to boss you around? Or probably hounding you for next month’s pay even if you’re up-to-date with your payment. And now you can’t even dress up any more without the possibility of s/he barging through the door and seeing you in your tighty-whities.Threatening your nosy landlord with a shotgun by the door notwithstanding, here are some ideas on how you could get your landlord to respect your privacy.

Remember that you have the law to consider here. Some laws would allow your landlord to enter your place as long as s/he provides ample notice (a written one that you receive at least 24 hours prior is common) or, if unannounced, the visit should occur within normal business hours (9-5). So your landlord definitely has no business visiting your place 2 AM in the morning. This law can vary from state to state though. Same goes with privacy laws indicating your own rights.

Check your contract. Well, you might have law on your side but you might have forfeited your rights with your lease contract.

Reason. If your landlord is just a normal person, then a simple request saying that you need your privacy would be good enough. Explain that you’d appreciate a notice first before a visit. If s/he agrees, then ask if you could put the agreement in writing.

Pesky landlords. If, by any chance, your landlord is one of those pesky ones, then write a sterner letter demanding your rights according to state law. And if your landlord still barges into your living area for no apparent reason, then you may take legal action against him or her.