Thoughts on communal property

Thoie

Over in the Consumer Issues forum there's a discussion about debt collectors going on :

Elessar wrote: »

IF anyone were stupid enough to call to your door claiming to be a debt collector tell them to get off your property and/or inform the police. County Sheriffs are the only people legally able to seize assets and only with a court order.

Focussing on the debt collector bit, if you live in an apartment block, and they manage to get into the building right up to your apartment door, what would the situation be? Technically if they're standing in the hall outside your door, it's not your property. Similarly with houses where the front door opens directly onto the street - presumably you don't own the footpath outside, so you can't really ask them to leave.

Is someone trespassing in these situations if they knock on your door/ring your doorbell, even though they're standing on "public" property? In an apartment building could the management company ask them to leave the premises? If you're an owner, can you ask someone to leave on behalf of the management company?

Sorry, none of these are particularly important questions, I just got to wondering as obviously many of us would be used to the idea of owning a front garden/yard through which people would have to pass to get to a the front door.

slimjimmc

I don't think trespass would apply but there might be grounds for harrasment (or similar) if they persist in contacting you despite you telling them not to.

legal eagle 1

I dont think they would be trespassing because there purpose for being in the building is on legitimate business i.e seeking the payment of a debt?!

Our man in Havana

Nope. They can call once and then be told to go away and not come back. If they ignore that it is trespassing.

Debt collectors have no more powers than an ordinary citizen.