Do we have to give key to the landlord if we change the locks? My landlord comes into my house and looks through personal information and i can tell because when the landlord comes in she moves everything around. Is there a method where i can put a hinge on the door and still leave my house, and no i cannot move for various reasons.
2006-08-30 06:51:07 · 9 answers · asked by jane c 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
The landlord is allowed to enter your property to service and inspect and for other reasonably necessary reasons. Your lease probably says this, but even if the lease is silent, the law provides for this. Also, your landlord does have a right to have a key to your place.
However, if the landlord is going through your personal property, this is a major issue. They have no right to disturb your privacy beyond inspecting the place. You should approach your landlord if you think she is going though your private belongings or inspecting too frequently. Address your suspicions with her. You can also request that she notify you every time she plans to come through and that she leave a note every time she goes into the place. If the problems continue, talk to an attorney. You may qualify for free legal representation through legal aid.
2006-08-30 07:02:20 · answer #1 · answered by mr_law_jersey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem many years ago. I changed the locks and refused to turn over a key. The landlord took me to court to try and force me to give him a key ... and I won.
I had to sign an agreement stating that if there was a true emergency that called for immediate action (like a fire) and I was not available to give access that I would pay for a new door.
You are under no obligation to risk your personal safety or give up your rights to privacy. At least 20 states have no laws concerning a landlords specific right to a key. Perhaps you are in one of these states. I was.
Pay a lawyer to write a stern letter to your landlord and threaten to press criminal charges if there are any further incidents.
2006-08-30 14:13:09 · answer #2 · answered by BoomChikkaBoom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check local laws. In some jurisdictions, a landlord may have the right to have a key, but very likely not in all. My parents had this problem years ago and a locksmith made them special keys that left part of their key in the lock. Technically, the lock had not been changed. Check with a locksmith. Very likely, he knows the laws and can suggest a solution.
2006-08-30 14:18:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, by law your landlord needs to have a key. If you change the locks you risk eviction - especially if you withhold the new key, and your landlord sounds like just the type to do that. You need to prove he comes into your apartment without 24 hours written notice and for non-emergencies.
2006-08-30 13:58:14 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
legally she has to have a key...my landlord does the same thing..she is so annoying that we are moving!...try leaving a glue trap at the foot of the door....then if she comes in..she will step in it and it will create a huge mess that she can't deny/ Legally she has to give you 24 hours notice to enter the premises...but if there is an emergency, she can come right in. If it keeps happening. tell her you are going to call the city about it and file a complaint.
2006-08-30 13:59:33 · answer #5 · answered by gooterscooby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well you do need to give her a key because shes the landlord. but she shouldnt be moving your stuff around, she could only look around to see if theres any damage to the property. this is what you can do! go to walmart and buy this little camara, it comes with the t.v well instal it somewhere she wont see it and videotape everything she does to youre place. if you do fine her getting stuff from your place you can take her to court, because she has no right to get your stuff. good luck
2006-08-30 15:53:35 · answer #6 · answered by alina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The landlord owns the property and he should have access to it. It's a shame that he's taking advantage of you. If you don't like it, see if you can rework your contract. I really doubt you'll get any landlord to agree that they cannot enter their own property.
Maybe you can install a camera or something to catch him going thru your stuff.
2006-08-30 13:57:13 · answer #7 · answered by IT Pro 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is the owners right to have a key. However, it is against the law for them to enter your apartment without 2 days notice (that probably varies by town/city) but anyway it for sure is not legal for them to enter without notice. You should rent or borrow a video camera and hide it in a bookshelf to prove your case. And then take her to court for breaking and entering.
2006-08-30 14:01:18 · answer #8 · answered by marie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes,
So, if you do not pay they can change the lock.
2006-08-30 15:00:54 · answer #9 · answered by FreeMedicalcamps.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋