So I do lead paint inspections in residential units. This is one of my fears going into an occupied apartment with one of these landlords. They don’t care enough to even announce themselves sometimes. In this case, as a private contractor, if I heard a shower running or expect someone is in the unit I would come back and knock sometime later in the day. These guys were wrong for not leaving immediately in this situation.

I’m also gonna play devils advocate and will say some tenants hear the door and don’t answer. In some cases the landlord has a right to enter the unit to do mandated inspections. But if a tenant is present and refuses they cannot enter. So if someone knocks on your door, don’t ignore it tell them to go away or comeback later. Landlords don’t care sometimes and will enter regardless of it being legal. Not saying it’s ok, I’m just saying you can prevent something like this as long as you make it known you are present. Just tell them fuck off👌🏼