Does my landlord have to have a copy of the key to my bedroom? I am on a one year lease for the entire apt...

Question

My landlord stopped by yesterday to check the heating system in the apt. I was not there and did not know he was coming over. He went through the apt checking windows to make sure they were closed. He got to my bedroom door and realized I had put a brand new knob on it that came with a key, and it happened to be locked. He was surprised, seemed insulted, and said that he needed a copy of the key. I realize that it is his property, but as a tenant, don't I have the right to privacy? Shouldn't he have to check w me if he wants to stop by the apt, and also if he needs to go into my bedroom for some reason? I don't think I should have to give him a key. He is too comfprtable with stopping by whenever he feels like it. If he rings the doorbell and doesnt get an answer, he feels free to just come into the apt. I spoke w him about it b/c he walked in on me w company a couple of times. One time he came into my bedroom when I was sleeping. I didnt find out till later when he told me

Answer 1

Your landlord is entitled to any keys for access to your unit, including your bedroom. This is in the interest of protection of his property in the event of an emergency. That being said, you need to have a serious discussion with your landlord about how and when he enters your premises. In most states, unannounced access is only allowed in the event of an emergency, such as fire, broken water pipes, and the like. Other than that, he should be giving you a minimum of twelve hours notice (24 hours in some areas) of intent to enter the premises.

Additionally, after knocking on the door and receiving no reply, he should enter just inside the doorway and loudly make his presence known (In the event that you are in the shower or similar). He's completely out of line coming and going as he has been doing.

Answer 2

Technically he does have a right to the key to any room in the apartments, it's supposed to be for safety and maintenance reasons in case anything happens while you're not home. On the other hand it should have been written in your lease that the landlord must provide written notice when he plans to enter your apartment for any reason besides an emergency. Read over your lease and you should have your answers to both questions.

Answer 3

Some states have laws that require the landlord to have a key to his rentals. However, he can't just walk in whenever he feels like it unless it's an emergency. Give him a key and kindly tell him that in the future you expect at lease a 24 hour notice before he enters your room.

Answer 4

You need to give him a key. His legal right and obligation over bears your right to privacy.

He can only enter in emergency or for an urgent situation. Checking the heating system would fall under his right to immediate entry if he did something with the heating and/or fuel. He was likely checking everyone pilot lights and for gas leaks if the gas is not on every month.

For non urgent situations he needs to give you 24 hours notice prior to entry.

Answer 5

He has no right to come into your apartment without written notice as specified by your state's particular tenant/landlord laws. This creep is invading your privacy and if were you I'd make it pretty clear that he is not to ever come into your home without either an invitation or legal notice. The fact that he came in and peeped while you were sleeping creeps me out.

Don't you dare give him a key to your bedroom. He is not entitled to it and, if I were you I'd put a chain or even a deadbolt on the doors to keep him out.

Answer 6

Get ur lease and contact a rental attorney.
ur landlord has over stepped his legal limits especially the last line.
he can enter unannounced in an emergency or with police.

Answer 7

don't give any copies, first off he is not entitled to it, he should not be in your apartment for any reason other than emergencies, call the cops next time and I will tell you he won't do it again, it is called BREAKING AND ENTERING>