TN Code § 39-14-405 – A person commits a criminal trespass in Tennessee if they enter or retain on property, or any portion of the property, without the consent of the owner…Trespassing is a class C misdemeanor in Tennessee and is therefore punishable by a $50 fine or up to 30 days in jail.
What does that have to do with you? All of you who think it is okay to walk upon private property at all those ongoing construction builds to “take a peek” at what that house looks like are in violation of this law.
There is a reason contractors post “No Trespassing” or “Contractor Personnel Only” signs. YOU are a liability every time you think you want to go look at someone else’s stuff. Not to mention, owners do not want you on their sites. It is bad enough that property owners have to worry about theft but having to worry that you could get injured while on their property is preventable. Contractors pay hefty fees for Builder’s Risk Liability Insurance which in turn is passed on to the homeowner.
Many homeowners and contractors are putting up cameras at their jobsites. Many of you have been seen entering without permission and are subject to prosecution by the homeowner and builder. So, next time you think it is OK to just walk yourself into a house that is being built, think twice. Don’t do it. Admire it from the street only. The homeowner and the builder will appreciate it.