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Trish | Tenant changed locks.? |
I can't seem to find this info on the internet. We are new landlords and it has come to our attention that our tenant changed the locks on our rental property. Is this legal? If not what do I need to do to make them aware what they did isn't the way it should be, and to get a key to the property? We live in the state of PA.
Additional Details
What do I do if they refuse to provide me with a copy of the key? |
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rlloydevans
|
Unless changing locks is prohibited by your lease, then no, it is not illegal. There can be a lot of reasons why they changed the locks.
The thing to keep in mind, is that when you rent a property, they have the right to live in the house, and you as the landlord have some severe restrictions as to how you can access the property - as if you do it wrong you would be illegally violating their privacy.
If you don't know, I would check with a local attorney knowledgeable in real estate law. An initial consultation might be free, but even if they charge $100-200 for it, it will save you thousands in the long run.
Generally speaking, if you need to access the property, to do maintenance, inspect it or show it to potential renters or buyers, you are required to give the tenants notice, generally 24-72 hours notice, depending on the lease agreement and state law. You are allowed to access the property without notice only if it is an emergency, such as a burst water pipe, fire, or the like.
What you might want to do is contact the tenants, explain to them you know you are not to access the property without proper notice to them, and that you would only access the property in an emergency. Do let them know that if you must access the property in an emergency and do not have the key, you would have to charge them for the repair to the door ow window you would have to force, and any damage caused by delays for maintenance responding. Also, for instance if they go out of town for a week when you need to access the property for maintenance or an inspection, again they would need to pay for damages and costs for replacing locks to the property.
Also, they would be responsible for paying for the replacement of locks and keys upon their leaving.
However, they could avoid this if they simply provide you with a copy of the keys to the door locks to the property.
Many times tenants do things out of fear or poor information. You need to know the rights and responsibilities of both you and your tenant according to the smallest provision of your lease and loacal laws. You have an investment of many thousands of dollars, it is worthwhile getting informed, don't you think?
Then you need to educate the tenant. If you do it with an attitude, you'll get a tenant with an attitude, and things will get bad. But do it with knowledge and transparency, and you'll assuage any fears the tenants may have and you can develop a good tenant-landlord relationship. Good tenants are like gold, and it is situations like this that you can develop a good tenant.
Good luck |
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?
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You tenant cannot change the locks without your permission and without giving you a key to the new locks. You can request they give you the new keys as you are entitled to have them in case you need to enter the property. If they don't comply you may need to call the police who can assist you in getting them. You can also go to court to evict them if they don't comply. |
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Spock (rhp)
 |
I would visit my property and be certain that the keys I have do not work. I'd do this openly, in broad daylight, and with witnesses.
Then I'd send tenant a letter informing him that, as the new landlords, I want to inspect the property for damages as the prior landlord has to turn over the damage deposit to me and I want to know if/why there have been any reductions in it.
I'd ask for a reasonable day and time to do this. [Make an appointment.]
If one is made, take multiple persons with you ... your insurance agent included. [See below.]
If you receive no response, or can't seem to agree on a reasonable day/time ... send a demand notice for a key and a time.
Technically, I'd argue at law that changing the locks is an alteration under the lease and that such alterations are prohibited without landlord's written permission. Since one has occurred, I have the right to inspect to determine if others have also occurred.
***
I'd also be very careful here ... you may have a property where the tenant is engaged in illegal activities [marijuana grow house?? meth cooking??] and changed the locks specifically to keep landlord from discovering same.
Thus, if there is any hint of not totally on the up and up ... you need witnesses and possibly the police when you make your inspection. That may require an attorney to get the legal details in order.
GL |
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remowlms
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If they change the locks they must provide you with a copy of the keys. You have right of entry with proper notice or in case of emergency. Tell the tenants that you need a copy of the keys or change the locks back. |
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Landlord
 |
They are legally required to give you a set of keys, it is your property.
If they don't hand over a key you call up a locksmith, you will change the locks again and force them to you to get a new key. You also can immediately bill them for this. |
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Impartial Inc
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Try the following sites: |
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Right on
 |
We managed apartments for years..... it sure messes up the master keying when they do that..... tell them that you must have a key since they changed it... you have this right to request and have a key. |
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Blue October
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WJ is correct...they cannot do that....but if they do, the law says you have to have a copy...it is your property.
if they do not respond or change the lock again after giving you a key....start evictions -give them a 30 day notice to move.
good luck :) |
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raygunaut
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Here in Michigan they can do so but must give you a copy of key and they can seal it to only be opened in case of emergency |
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mommakaye
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What does your lease state? I believe you can not change the locks without letting the landlord know and supplying a duplicate key.
Contact your local housing authority. |
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rwa000
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I don't know where everybody comes up with it is the "law" or "legally", once they take possesion it is for all intents their house. I encourage tenants to change locks. What if prior tenants have copies? it also keeps you out of "their" house. You have no right to come into their house at any time without their permission, if you you don't believe this try it. i learned years ago that if you go into their house with out permission it is the same as breaking and entering and you will be arrested, as for the nitwit that said call the police you will be told the same thing in any state. |
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