Can a landlord change the locks without telling the tenant?

Question

My landlord needed to enter my apartment to make repairs. I gave her permission, but also told her I wasn't going to be there. Before I left she checked her spare key, and realized it didn't work. She gave me some $$ and asked that I make her a copy while I was out. I let her in as I was leaving, told her I would make the key, and to lock the door when she left.
When I got home there was a note taped to the front door (for anyone and everyone to see and read) that says "We have put a new door handle on, so you can pick up your new key with me anytime" and left the front door unlocked! I haven't found anything missing (yet) however, there are things out of place that she would have had no reason to move while inside. What do I do?

Answer 1

Contact your local Legal Aid Society (phone book). Laws
vary by state, city, etc.
And if you can afford, get a camera/surveillance kit.

Answer 2

She HAD NO RIGHT call your local housing authority. I don't know if you want to pursue it but it's illegal to change your locks with out an eviction notice and a judgment.

Very strange since she wasn't kicking you out but it sounds like she wants to get in when ever she wants without your permission. I feel safer with The landlord only have keys to one of my locks. Sure they can request a key if they want but for a year at least I know that they haven't been in my apartment...
Once I was home and her my landlord try his key in my locks, he never mentioned to me that he was planning to enter and did not give me a notice that he would be. I think they have to give you 24 hours notice.

at least this way if he want s to enter I can just not lock my pad lock, it hasn't come up so far and I feel much better when I leave my apartment for long period s of time not to mention when I'm in the shower and think I hear someone.

Answer 3

Notify the Landlord and explain the situation here and request to put old locks back or get the keys to new ones . You may need a written note from your Aunt that authorizes this

Answer 4

check the law in your state but i don't think she did anything illegal. she left you a note telling you where to get the key, and didn't lock you out of the apartment, and then she was nosy. i don't think any of that is illegal.
i realise that this would be incredibly annoying but just make sure you are there next time you need repairs so she can't nose around and consider finding a new place.

Answer 5

Do about what?

If there is nothing missing, what is your complaint?

There does not appear to be anything to complain about other than lack of judgment on the part of the landlord. Perhaps she kept watch over your apartment.

Landlords can change locks any time they so choose, they do not need your permission to do so. You were given a key, and that's all that is required. You have no complaint.

Answer 6

If your possessions were all out of place you should have rung the police and told them about your landlord being in your place to do repairs and show them the note and tell them how they left the property. You might be able to claim against their insurance for loss of property.

Answer 7

you got lucky this time.
I would talk to the landlord askig her not to do that and explain the dangerous of that and let it go.

yes It is illegal but you don't wnat to rock the boat with your landloard
now if soemthing was stolen then you would have legal claim

it happen to me landloard entery my apt write note complaing about everything.

so just let it go this time is my advice

Answer 8

check out the landlord tennant act in your state to see what legal recourse you have. and then check into moving to another apartment with a different landlord.

Answer 9

move out.... i wouldnt trust her

Answer 10

no..sue him..