Apartment annual inspection upcoming--I guess I'm coming out to the Apt management!

[Leelou]

I have my annual inspection walk through coming Friday and I am NOT going to be putting my clothes back in totes! The young ladies that work in the management office will soon know and I'm perfectly OK with that. There are too many women's clothes and shoes in the closets to go un-noticed and I live here alone, so I'm sure they'll figure it out.

I know that this is no big deal, and I hesitated to even start a thread about it. But it's a small milestone for me coming out and being me. This is my place. These are my clothes. This is me.

[Micki_Finn]

Be careful that they don’t think you have someone living there off-lease.

[Leelou]

It's funny you mention that, Micki. I thought about that. At that point I'd have to tell them they're mine! The apartment shows no sign of anyone else living here and there are too many clothes for just a visiting girlfriend. I'm pretty sure they're going to figure it out. And I'm OK with that.

[Lana Mae]

Leelou, best wishes with your inspection and coming out! Hugs Lana Mae

[Cheryl James]

That is a pretty big step. It appears that you have given serious consideration and are ready to do it. I wish you the best.

Cheryl

[ellbee]

Please look at it from *their* perspective...


Odds are, they are not going to "figure out" anything.

They are probably way more likely to assume that you have someone else (a GG) living there. And I wouldn't be surprised if they ask you, point-blank, if you do.


At that point, how you want to approach the pink elephant in the room, is up to you...

"No, it's just me."

"No, it's just me. Why do you ask?"

"No, it's just me. What- all these clothes & shoes? Those are mine! :battingeyelashes: "

Etc., etc.


Heck... why not girl it up a bit for your appointment? Maybe throw on some casual stuff that's a wee bit too femmy to be men's things -- but be in guy-mode? :strugglin

That way they have no choice but to believe you. :devil:

[Leelou]

Wow, Laura. Your post and others have me wondering if they would actually be so insensitive as to force a crossdresser to admit that the clothes are theirs. I'm absolutely ready to answer that they're mine. But I could see that others would have a harder time with the direct question.

And I do understand their perspective about protecting themselves against people living in their properties off-lease. This might get more interesting than I thought. I'll definitely report back if they say anything.

[katiej1989]

I had my apartment management find out in a different way when they came in for an inspection my wife hadn't told me about while I was in girl mode - apartment managers see the worst of the worst, and seeing us girls it usually low on the list of issues they run into.

[Jaylyn]

I'm sure it will be fine but you'll have to tell them the truth if they ask or I could see you getting hit with a fine or even kicked out by breaking the lease agreement. Confession is the best thing then if they say anything you can say what you have against TG? That's a big step and I bet everything will work out ok. Might be some gossip later if they say anything to the other tenants but get most will be accepting. Good luck.

[Alice Torn]

I hid all my lady things for my inspection, by a former cop man.

[Robertacd]

Granted it has been a very long time since I have lived in an apartment. But is closets and clothes counting really part of the inspection?

I would think they are looking for meth labs, grow ops, damage, neglect, unsafe, unsanitary conditions, and the like.

[Tracii G]

They are your clothes just own it and if they ask say they are yours. You won't be lying to them.
My heating and air guy saw all my sale booklets from womens clothing stores on my kitchen table and asked if I had a girlfriend move in.
I said no and just went on talking about the issue I was having with my A/C unit.

[Leelou]

Roberta, yes the notice to enter specifically addresses closets. They can't be locked with a personal lock for inspection and can't be cluttered with piles of clothes or paper.

[Pat]

Just a thought: the apartment management may be too busy looking to see if the dishwasher is leaking, the toilet is running, the doors close completely, etc. to really care what's in your closets. Depends on the inspectors, of course, but it's a workday for them nothing special. On the other hand, it's kind of nice to ease in to the idea of coming out by doing something passive, so it's a step along the path for you. Congratulations. :)

[grace7777]

The purpose of an apartment inspections is to make sure the apartment is in good condition. If the apartment is in good condition you should not have any problem. There is a possibility they see the women's clothing and ask if somebody else is living there. If so, just say you live alone, and if they mention the female clothes, just say they are yours, and no need to volunteer information like being a crossdresser.

To sum it up, if you are a good tenant and the apartment is in good condition, there should be no problem. Good tenants can be hard to find.

[Helen_Highwater]

It always pays to plan ahead for the "What if's". The possible scenarios have been outlined for you so to avoid any potential doubt in the inspectors mind be prepared to front it up and have your proof to hand. Yep inspectors have seen it all before but, and this is a big but, they've also heard every excuse and down right lie that tenants have used to try to mislead them. "Oh they're mine" isn't something they're automatically going to take at face value. If they doubt you, show them your profile on here. That should do it.

[Leelou]

That's good, Helen thanks. I'm glad now that I posted this because I really was thinking they'd just assume I was a crossdresser. I had thought about the possibility of them questioning me having someone else living here, but dismissed it as really unlikely. So it was good to get some feedback on that. I'm now seriously considering leaving a wig out on a styling head in the closet with the clothes, and just being gone. I don't have to be here. That should do it.

[BettyMorgan]

First, don't make assumptions. It will only cause you stress.
Second, be who you are. Are you a good person? You work hard? Yes for both, then you will be fine. Let them do their job and be honest if they question anything. If your place is clean and decluttered then you shouldn't worry.

[lingerieLiz]

What does your lease say about occupancy. If it says that you have to register all people living there then you may need to tell them. If you are not required to, shrug it off. When I was inspected years ago I simply explained my girlfriend often came on weekends and had her own place on the other side of town where she worked. That way she was not a resident since she maintained a separate domicile.

Years ago I stayed a couple nights at a motel. I left a dress hanging on a hook the second day. The made asked me if I had a woman with me. They charged more if it was more than a single person. I said no and she asked about the dress. I said, I didn't want it to get wrinkled before I got it home and didn't want it in the way during the day.

[Kelly DeWinter]

I perform these inspections on a regular basis. Its more of a safety, wellness check for the unit. Issues like water leaks,functioning smoke detectors,gas leaks, leaks from other units,broken windows,ripped carpet, plumbing issues, etc. Water from top units can run along drywall and leak in a unit in a closet. Pets and smoking are a concern if you are in a no pet no smoking bldg. In the US you cannot be discriminated on the basis if gender.

What clothes are in a unit are of no concern unless they are in really really really bad taste. Seriously unless you have a (I kid you not I saw this once) I life size mannequin of Mimi from the Drew Carey Show.

You will be fine.

[docrobbysherry]

Where do u live, Leelou? What u r talking about is quite irregular where I live, Calif!:straightface:

[Vickie_CDTV]

Just out of curiosity is it a school housing apartment? I remember them from when I was back in college (mostly worried about kids overloading the outlets and having candles because of the fire hazard.) Other places I have lived never required inspecting unless there was a specific problem.

At any rate, I'd put your female items away. As someone said, they could accuse you of having someone unauthorized live there. Do you really want to deal with that grief if you can simply and easily avoid it? Also, I'd insist on being there while they are there, in case something valuable disappears.

[Leelou]

Thanks, Kelly that helps put my mind at rest about the situation. I wasn't overly concerned, because this is not my first inspection here and I'm sure I'll be fine. It will just be the first inspection when my closets have lots of women's clothes and shoes in them.

And since you've got some experience with inspections, are the apartment managers there with the inspectors most of the time? You know, the ladies that work in the office? As I mentioned earlier, I'm totally OK with that. Just curious. I was always gone for previous inspections and I'll probably choose not to hang around for this one.

[Tracii G]

If they say anything just say you are transgender.
The last they want is legal trouble from the LGBT and the ACLU.
Being transgender is the hip thing to be these days it seems.

[Leelou]

Where do u live, Leelou? What u r talking about is quite irregular where I live, Calif!:straightface:

I live in Spokane, Wa. I'm a renter, so I'm assuming renters in Cali probably have to submit to periodic inspections, no?

[terza]

i don't think that is legal. even in kansas?

[Stephanie47]

If Spokanistan is a play on Spokane, WA you should have no problem with management knowing you're transgender. Washington State law protect you against any negative actions. A simple explanation should be sufficient and really none of their business.

[Leelou]

Hi Stephanie, yes I'm in Spokane. I'm not really worried about any negative actions. I'm just aware that this could potentially out me to the apt mgt. As stated, I'm OK with that. It's just a little different over here on this side of the state. I used to live in Seattle. Those were my best times being out.

I don't think we're in the Emerald City anymore, Toto. lol

[ellbee]

Wow, Laura. Your post and others have me wondering if they would actually be so insensitive as to force a crossdresser to admit that the clothes are theirs.

Nah, I ain't saying that, LOL!

Just that if you're supposed to notify them, per your lease, if someone else moves in, then that's where the issue lies. That's all. :)


And yeah, I don't believe most people would automatically be like, "Ah, he must just be a crossdresser. That explains that! So we'll just ignore the warehouse full of women's clothes & shoes in this guy's apartment."

No, I believe *most* people's initial reaction would be that perhaps there is someone else (a GG) who is now also living there -- even though management has no record of that. And yeah, there may be a chance that they would ask you if there is someone else, if they officially need to know that information.


Look at it from another angle...

So say you have a 2-bedroom unit. And one of the bedrooms is all decked-out as a young child's room, complete with little-kid furniture, bedspread, clothes, toys, etc. Yet, there is no one else on record of living there. Perhaps there's a reasonable explanation for that, like the guy is a divorced dad who shares custody, like getting the kid only on the weekends or something. Management would then perhaps naturally inquire if anyone else is living there. That's all.


I dunno, if it were me, it would be like, who cares! If they see my girl stuff? Oh, well. It's just apartment management. Not like they're gonna kick you out for that, or tell all your neighbors or something.

You mentioned it's a couple younger GG's who will be checking it out? All the better!

Seriously, if it were me, I'd dress in casual women's clothes from head-to-toe for your appointment thingy, but in guy-mode. That way, no one there will be wearing icky boy-clothes! :heehee:


Don't sweat it, girl... Just have fun with it! :thumbsup:

[Lvjim]

I've worked as a vendor on a few apt complexes and the inspections are mostly to cover thier bases on liability and maintenance issues.
Chances are your not the only cd there or thier first, most maintenance and management are professional and don't care about personal stuff. If you have experienced property managers they already know what they will run into, they have been there done that, the less experienced ones might gigggle.
I have been in high end condos to low end weekly rentals some are clean freaks some live in trash.

[Krisi]

It has been many, many years since I lived in an apartment but when I did, there were no "inspections". They would check when you moved out and if there was any damage it would come out of your deposit.

I wouldn't think it would be legal to inspect your apartment without your consent unless there was an obvious problem.

[Lvjim]

They write it into the lease, most only require that they give 24hr notice to enter for maintenance etc.

[Robertacd]

Roberta, yes the notice to enter specifically addresses closets. They can't be locked with a personal lock for inspection and can't be cluttered with piles of clothes or paper.

Sure, but more likely due to the reasons I listed, not so they can see if you are a crossdresser.

BTW: Closets are common places to grow one or two marijuana plants because closing the door hides the grow lights and keeps it warm.

[CONSUELO]

Good gracious. What are they looking for? You jokingly say you live in a Stanate. Seems appropriate as this inspection sounds more like behavior in the former Soviet Union.

[Barbara Jo]

I presently live alone and have my whole apt decorated in a rather feminine manor. :)
I have been at this location for quite a while so, management and maintenance personnel (who are all restively new here) think nothing of it .
I let them assume that I once had a female living with me, which is not an entirely false assumption.

Also, just recently, I had an issue with my cable TV/internet and the Time Warner tech guy had to go into my clothes closet to check the connection where it enters my apt .
He had to "wade through" a multitude of full slips, silky nightgowns , skirt -blouses, and dresses etc to get to the connection. :)
It was a non event.
You have to assume that such people have seen it all and nothing really phases them.

I have found that if you act like there is nothing out of the ordinary, People will generally assume and/or act like that there isn't .
However, if you act nervous about something, they will "pick up" on that and assume what that will.

BTW, annual apt inspections are now rather common
This is to insure safety as they want to weed out any hoarders or those who otherwise pose a fire hazard.
In my apt complex, it's just a very quick , cursory and superficial walk through.
They do this during the annual changing of the smoke detector batteries and are accompanied by the city building inspector....and you have advance notice of the inspections.
By local law, all apts have to be "inspected" at least once a year.
This is also to detect any blatant code violations.

[Majella St Gerard]

when they come for the inspection just be dressed en femme, that should work.

[Beverley Sims]

I was in a share house once and I was the lessee, I had three girls staying with me and all four rooms were female inspired, I was asked once where I sleep, my reply was, "With four girls in the house there is no time for sleep".
I was twenty one at the time.

Seemed to get away with that one. :-)

[docrobbysherry]

That's the law in Calif, too. And, looking in closets is NOT "maintenance"! It's invasion of privacy!
They write it into the lease, most only require that they give 24hr notice to enter for maintenance etc.

[Barbara Jo]

Bottom line....
if you live in an apt. you never have 100% privacy 100% of the time.

However as some have alluded to, there is a fine line between inspection, and invasion of privacy that should not be crossed .

[Kelly DeWinter]

Thanks, Kelly that helps put my mind at rest about the situation. I wasn't overly concerned, because this is not my first inspection here and I'm sure I'll be fine. It will just be the first inspection when my closets have lots of women's clothes and shoes in them.

And since you've got some experience with inspections, are the apartment managers there with the inspectors most of the time? You know, the ladies that work in the office? As I mentioned earlier, I'm totally OK with that. Just curious. I was always gone for previous inspections and I'll probably choose not to hang around for this one.

Most managers do not do the inspections, Heaven forbid if they should miss a commission on a lease. typically its the maintain staff or head of maintenance who does the inspection. It takes about 5-7 minutes unless they change HVAC filters or if they find something that needs to be addressed like a leak.

Don't worry , Sometimes they don,t even look in the bedrooms unless there is a bathroom. You can set a 'tell' on your closet door a paperclip or small piece of paper between the door and door jamb. If its on the floor when you get home they opened your door.

[DMichele]

LeeLou,

In southeast PA the local borough or city code inspector will inspect apartments for life/safety code violations. Generally the inspector takes a quick walk-through each unit to assure there are not violations that could put the building's occupants at risk of fires or other hazards. The apartment management escorts the inspector(s).

I have experienced these inspections over the years, and would tidy up my feminine attire. Today, I pretty much leave everything as-is (makeup in the bathroom, nail polish on the table), but I usually put my bras away. BTW, maintenance has entered by apartment and I am sure observed the feminine articles, but nothing has been said.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

[Leelou]

Thanks again, Kelly, good to know. And I love the "tell" idea. Like an operator, I like it. lol. I've never done it, but I'm at least going to try. It would be worth it to know if they never even entered the spare bedroom where most of the clothes in closets are. Or if they never opened the closet in that bedroom.

And thanks DMichele, that does help hearing your experience. It's funny you mentioned the makeup and tidying up. I'm going to put the makeup away this time, but could see a time where I might leave it out.

[Krisi]

LeeLou,

In southeast PA the local borough or city code inspector will inspect apartments for life/safety code violations. ..............

Great. I suppose next they will be inspecting private homes. And expanding "safety" inspections to include weapons and such.

[susan jackson]

Have some photos ready to show them

[Jenny22]

If you know another tenant who went through the inspection and was with the inspectors, ask that tenant how it went, what they did, etc.. That may ease your mind a bit. As was said, if you acknowledge your CDing, the word will get around! Are there other tenants who work where you do?

[CONSUELO]

I can understand them coming in to conduct a maintenance inspection but to inspect one's closets or to ask questions about how you live and what you wear is totally unnecessary and a real invasion of your privacy. Just carry on as normal and ignore it.

[BrendaPDX]

I don't blame you, good for you. I think you will be fine, if they ask about two sets of cloths just tell them that you are a cross dresser. Please let us know how it went. Thanks, Brenda

[5150 Girl]

I think we're over thinking this. Inspections are supposed to be about making sure that #1, you're not trashing the place and #2 everything is in good working order. IF they bother to open the closet door it should only to make sure the latch and hinges are working properly.

[Leelou]

Well, the inspection is over and it was a total non-event! I mentioned earlier that I might just choose to be gone for the inspection, but decided what the heck I'm staying. If they open the closets and saw the clothes I'd just deal with it. When they arrived, it was one of the ladies from the office and I assume the inspector.

They didn't even enter the bedrooms, so they didn't see the closets with all the clothes. Whew! They explained they were primarily just doing a wellness check and especially any leaks, water damage, mold etc. The only things they opened were the closet in the entryway where the water heater is (some women's coats in there but nothing was mentioned ) and under the sinks in the kitchen and bathroom. It only took a few minutes.

Looking back on it, I'm sure now that the Notice to Enter just listed their right to look in the closets, but they wouldn't do so unless there was a reason. Like maybe the main living area suggested they had a hoarder or something.

Anyway, thanks to everyone that contributed to the thread. I think it was good for me to think it through and be prepared for the possibility of them seeing all the clothes and the potential of them asking about them in terms of someone else living there. And hopefully other renters will like to hear about the experience.

[AllieSF]

Great. I suppose next they will be inspecting private homes. And expanding "safety" inspections to include weapons and such.

Krisi, The owner of a rental unit or building has a lot of liability risks, as well as health and safety obligations. There was a recent illegally converted warehouse/artists colony building fire that recently burned and killed 20+ people in Oakland, CA. The building managers who controlled the building are facing some very serious charges that could put them in jail and may carry over to the buildings owners. Then there are the constant complaints aired on local television help the local public segments that help tenants go after the bad landlords. The cities and counties are taking more interest in that segments to protect the public and renters who many times are treated very poorly by their landlords and building owners.

The sky is not falling and these type of inspections of rental units is important to all and a very good thing. Yes, looking into closets may seem like and invasion of privacy, but an unknown water leak can cause a very expensive and maybe extensive repair in not caught. If I was a tenant, I would welcome those inspections because even if my unit was in perfect shape, maybe my nearby neighbors is not, which could put all my personal belongings and life at risk.

Going from rental units' inspections to gun searches in privately owned and occupied residences is not comparable nor related.

[Barbara Jo]

BTW, as far as having some female things in view etc...

It's common for people living alone to have many things for the opposites sex... that belong to a GF or BF.
So there is no reason to be paranoid about it. :)

All landlords really care about its that you take care of the apt and pay your rent on time, you get along with other tenants, and you are not doing anything illegal . :)

[Leelou]

Barbara, it wasn't little things in open sight that I was thinking about. It was the closets full of women's clothes that clearly were more that just a visiting GF.

And I don't think I was being paranoid. :) I was just thinking it through. As I mentioned in my OP, I was totally OK if it outed me. It just didn't.

[Micki_Finn]

Agree with Allie. These inspections protect the tenant as much as the landlord. Lived in a building once that didn’t inspect. It turned out the neighbors plumbing was slowly leaking behind the wall. It was totally obvious on his side but we didn’t know until mold started coming through the wall. Apparently it has been leaking for a couple of years and an inspection would have caught it.

[Kelly DeWinter]

when they come for the inspection just be dressed en femme, that should work.

LOL, yeah that might make them forget about closets.


On the note of "safety" inspections. Most public housing federal and state laws require any unsafe conditions to be reported to the appropriate authorities, Items such as know illegal items drugs,certain types of weapons, improperly stored chemicals,etc.

Inspections are not meant to invade anyone's privacy , but to ensure a safe environment for residents and protect the property of the owners.

There are an amazing number of things people do in the 'privacy' of their homes that would make you shudder. I have heard of meth apartments where the chemicals have been poured down sinks and spilled on rugs, the toxcity of these chemicals make the property qualify as a superfund site.

[AllieSF]

Last year there was a fire that destroyed a couple of apartments in an apartment complex near where I live. Bingo! Illegal meth lab using propane for the processing. Very dangerous and it could have been much worse. The neighbors never knew. I coincidentally drove by on a nearby main street and got caught up in the traffic jam as additional fire trucks arrived.