does my landlord have the right to have a key to my apartment and enter it whenever he wishes?

Question

its actually my inlaws landlord and he has stolen money from them and pain killers from them so my husband changed the locks on him and now he keeps hounding them for a copy of the key and we wont let him have a copy and the police cant do anything because we have no proof that he actually did this other than just knowing he did it

Answer 1

Legally, they do need access to your place for repairs and emergencies (such as a pipe breaking upstairs or something) but they're not supposed to go into the place without 24 hours advance notice.

HOWEVER, you can refuse, but make an "emergency" contact available 24/7 as an alternative. (Meaning, have your inlaws "on call" if you can't be reached to grant access to the apartment whenever it's needed for an emergency.)

Answer 2

He does have the right to have a key for EMERGENCIES and REPAIRS--but NOT to enter whenever he wishes!

If your inlaws had a fire, gas leak, water leak, etc. it would be better for the landlord to let the proper people in to fix it--than to need to break down the door--and charge your inlaws for the door.

Maybe you could set up a video recorder or some sort of camera in the apartment to get proof for the police that the landlord is entering without good cause.

My landlord gives us at least 2 days notice if he needs to get in, turn off water, turn off electric, inspect anything etc. He never enters unannounced unless there is an emergency situation--and even then, he tries to let us know by phone.

Answer 3

The landlord has a right to the key, unfortunately.

It's time to install a comprehensive alarm system with loud warning bells. Tell the landlord that he must give at least 24 hours notice before entering the premises, and you will arrange to meet him at the designated time. If he doesn't follow this, he sets off the alarm and the police are notified, which will be a huge embarrassing hassle. Tell him you've had problems with thieves and feel you need to protect your property. It is not necessary to tell him the code to the system, because you'll be there if he needs access. If there's an emergency and he needs to enter the unit, then the alarm won't be an issue, right? The fire department and police should be notified in event of emergecy, so it's convenient to have an alarm in that instance.

That should keep him from entering the premises unannounced.

Answer 4

Yes your landlord is entitled to have a key to your apartment. He is not allowed to enter without giving you 24 hours notice unless there is an emergency. If he has lost his key and you won't give him yours so he can have one made, he has the right to have the locks changed and you will be provided with new keys

Answer 5

He has a right to have a key to the unit, but he does not have the right to enter without the renter's knowledge unless it's an emergency (gas leak, fire, etc). He has to give the renter advance notice, and the renter has the right to be present whenever he enters the unit.
Have your in-laws review their lease, and check with the Housing Department for their city or county. They should give him a key, with explicit written instructions that he must give at least 24-hour advance notice before entering the unit and that they insist on being present whenever he is in the unit.

Answer 6

Give him a key,but before you do,set up a hidden camera.Then all you have to do is wait for the landlord to steal again.if you haven't said anything to him as to why you changed the locks,just tell him that they were sticking or something so he doesn't get suspicious.Then,leave some money or pills out,and eventually he'll steal again,they always do.By law(In Illinois anyway), the landlord must give you notice before he enters you apartment.It might be his property,but you're renting so it's yours too,by the agreement on the lease.He can also come in and do routine maintenance,when you gone,but he must notify you first before he does.

Answer 7

Unfortantly your inlaws have to give him the key. They do not own the property. He is suppose to be giving 24 hours notice of entry.

They should have filed a police report when something was stolen, regardless of what you "know".


Sounds like what you really need to be doing is helping them find a new place to live.

Answer 8

It is okay for him to have a key for emergency reasons. As in construction, plumbing repair, etc. However, he needs to tell you when he is coming in advance so you or someone can be there. Plus, can u put a seperate lock on the items you are concerned about or a lock on the bedroom door. I know it sucks but my roomate had to do it b/c of our previous roomie who stole stuff. Good Luck.