Can a tenant change the locks without the landlord's permission?

Question Details:

I am a landlord and just discovered that my tenants have changed the locks on the doors. They did not ask permission to do so and are not quick at making a spare key for me. Can you tell me what my rights are in this area?

Asked 11/2/2009 under Real Estate | 2976 View(s) | More Legal Topics

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Real Estate Law Answers

Your tenants do not have a right to change locks if the locks were not broken and there were no issues of prior tenants possibly having duplicate keys.  Typically landlords will change the locks once tenancies change (tenants move out, new ones move in).  If all of this applies, you have a right to a key immediately. If not, they have effectively created a problem for you safety wise, in case you need to get in to fix something or prevent additional damage.  You need to get the key immediately.

If they had asked you to replace the locks for some reason like issues mentioned above, and you promised to do so but have not, your tenants can fix it themselves and deduct the costs from their rent.

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