Can one tenant lock another tenant out?

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Can one tenant lock another tenant out?

My girlfriend and I just moved in 3 weeks ago. I am on the lease. We had an argument; I left the apartment.When I returned the next day, the locks were changed and the rental office knows about it. In fact, they would not let me have a permament key, just a borrower. Is this legal?

Asked on September 13, 2010 under Real Estate Law, Maryland

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

As long as you are on the lease, you have every legal right to be on the premises.  Of course this assumes that there is no protective order or the like in effect.  Even if you are in breach of your lease, there would have to be a formal eviction to keep you out.  At this point, you should sit down with a real attorney and discuss your legal rights in this situation.


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