We were suppossed to move in yesterday (10/1). Got keys from old tenant on Saturday when we moved our bed (it got delivered) in after they had all their stuff out and were leaving. They were suppossed to meet landlord on Sat to check out but landlord didn't show. So, they set-up a time for Sunday, again no one showed. They set up for Monday night. After work I rented two drivers to bring our stuff (van service) to the new place. I didn't hear my phone, but on the way there the landlord left a message telling me that the old tenant called them saying they were switching the locks - (it was further found out that they gave us keys on saturday to a new lock (not one that came with the apt.) and wanted to keep it so they decided to switch it back and not tell us. When I get there I find out the key doesn't work. I go down the block and run into them! I'm pissed and say give me the key. They say no, not untill we get checked out! I call landlord and landlord doesn't return my messeges.
2007-10-02 03:10:47 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Kepp in mind:
Our lease started that day and strangers are going in changing our locks; all while our stuff is in there!
It's day two and no call yet from landlord.
What rights do I have?
Thanks for your help and time!
2007-10-02 03:11:51 · update #1
Also, I had to turn around the movers I rented.
And, the landlord has not seen the apt or made any renovation/repairs or put in new appliances as we discussed!
WTF?
2007-10-02 03:13:06 · update #2
You have multiple legal recourse. Once you take possesion of the aprtment any entry from old tenants without your approval is tresspassing and illegal entry at a min. Your landlord is legally at fault for voilating contract. Get a lawyer and go to police station to file a complaint.
2007-10-02 03:45:44 · answer #1 · answered by Bob D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The old tenants have no right to change the locks on the Apt. doors without permission of the landlord. And besides, why in the world would they want to change to locks AFTER they have moved out? Sounds like real buttheads to me. I rent houses and what I usually do is ask the new tenants if they want to switch locks. If so, I do that myself. If they want to switch them, they must provide me with a key. Legally, I couldn't say because real estate laws change from state to state. You might make a call to your states' Attorneys General office and they could either tell you outright, or give you a reference to look up.
Anyway, it looks like you've had a rocky start to relationships with your new landlord. After all is said and done and you get moved it, I would recommend that you absolutely have the locks switched. Why would the old tenants do that? They would then have a copy of the keys to your apartment? I smell a rat!
2007-10-02 03:29:14 · answer #2 · answered by GunnyCee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first call a lock smith right away, bring the lease and call the police if need be, change the locks
right now by changing the locks the old tenant and the landlord by not curing the problem have done a self help eviction on you which is illegal,
I would inform the landlord that you will expect him/her to change the locks immediately or face legal action for the illegal lock out
I would also take many pictures of the condition of the place when you move in
2007-10-02 04:59:27 · answer #3 · answered by goz1111 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you're not doing anything wrong. since your lease started already, the apt belongs to you. the old tenant needs to give you the key whether or not they have checked out. that is their problem and they need to deal with the landlord themselves without involving you.
you should call the police and tell them the situation. have the tenants arrested if you need to cuz they're keeping you from getting in your apt that you are rightfully renting. you should probably change the locks again......just in case the old tenants made a copy of the key. they might try to do something if they're revengeful.
2007-10-02 04:22:04 · answer #4 · answered by toastybun 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry, you aren't the crazy one! Those old tenants are completely ridiculous, but the landlord has also shown to be irresponsible. I would consider whether or not you even want to rent from them. I would tell the landlord that you are going to take them to court unless they tear up the contract and get your belongings back. Then find a new place to live so that you don't have to see that horrible landlord ever again!
2007-10-02 03:15:44 · answer #5 · answered by Rachel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no law that says a landlord is required to have a physical address.
2016-04-07 00:15:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have plenty. Once you take possession of the keys the apartment was yours. If the old tenants ever enter you apartment without your permission call the Police and have the arrested. You can charge them with trespassing, but you can also have them charged with breaking and entering, even if they had keys.
2007-10-02 03:17:15 · answer #7 · answered by aswkingfish 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to the police you have a Lease and your stuff in your apartment you can have the old tenant arrested
2007-10-02 03:19:58 · answer #8 · answered by Gigi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
call the city inspector and have him come out & look at the place if you are renting it you can legally let him in to see the place if it is legally wrong "the inspector" will get the landlords attention!
2007-10-02 03:27:03 · answer #9 · answered by villhelm 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the police, the old tennant can be arrested. Threaten the landlord to have him arrested too if he doesn't return your call.
2007-10-02 03:47:23 · answer #10 · answered by Roland'sMommy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋