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Probably. A landlord has no right to enter without the tenant's permission, and being in the unit without the tenant present - even with the tenant's permission - is usually a bad idea. Therefore, if only the tenant has a key, the landlord is actually protecting himself from some liability. If the tenant changes the locks, he should save the original lockset, and put it back when he leaves.
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Is a residential tenant required to provide a key to landlord?
If the landlord provided a key to the tenant, then the tenant must provide a key to the landlord. In fact, under most state laws the tenant may not change a lock without the landlord's permission and a duplicate key provided to the landlord.
In a commercial lease if the tenant changes locks does the tenant give a key to the landlord?
Yes. The building belongs to the landlord and needs the key in case of an emergency, or if a tenant abandons the property. Also, you should probably check with the landlord prior to changing locks. There might be a clause in the lease stating that only the landlord can change a lock, not the tenant.
Can a landlord lock out a sub-lesser out of their apartment?
If you sub-lease a unit, then the tenant that leases to you is considered your Landlord. Their landlord is NOT the sub-lessee's landlord. The master landlord, who usually does not allow subleasing, is not bound by the Landlord/Tenant Act toward the sub-lessee. So if they kick out your sub-landlord, they are kicking out EVERYONE. The master landlord cannot lock out his tenant unless they legally evict that tenant. Since a sub-lessee doesn't have the same rights, then they too are locked out.
Is it illegal to change the locks of a rental property without notifying the tenant?
I can only answer for Massachusetts, but I think you can. The landlord has a right of entry, but he should get the permission of tenant, and the tenant has a right to be there at the time. If the landlord needs to get in during an emergency, perhaps he should be calling the police.
Can a landlord be sued for locking out a tenant that is not on a lease?
Yes. But, you used the word 'tenant'. If some kind of tenancy has been established, then the landlord cannot lock the tenant out. Signing a lease is not the only way to establish a tenancy. Simply accepting rent money makes the payer a tenant, if it is clearly in exchange for use of the premises. So, if he is a tenant, no. If he is merely an 'occupant', or guest of the tenant, probably.
If your tenant is in default of the lease does the landlord have to right to change the locks?
Matters such a locks are usually covered in a written lease. If it's not covered or if there is no written lease you probably can. BUT, you must give the landlord a key. The landlord has the right to enter in an emergency and upon reasonable notice to the tenant to inspect the premises. Keep in mind that landlord / tenant relationships without a written lease are generally governed by state law, so the conclusion may differ from state to state. When I was a landlord, there was an option to change the keys for a tenant. I had it done at my cost and held a key. Most locksmiths will not change the keys if you do not own the home. In many commercial leases the tenant is EXPECTED to change the locks and the landlord may not want to even have a key. For example, when renting a self-storage unit, the tenant would typically add his or her own lock to the unit. Upon default or emergency, the landlord would simply break the lock to gain entry, then put on a new lock.
Is it legal to lock a renter out of the kitchen?
If the tenant has the right to use the kitchen as part of his rent, the landlord may not forbid the tenant from using the kitchen. However, there may be more to it than this question that you're asking. Is the landlord sharing the kitchen with you the tenant? If so, he may have the right to restrict the hours during which you may use the kitchen. For example, he may close the kitchen after, let's say, 10:00 p.m. at night until 6:00 a.m. the next morning. But a tenant may not be locked out of his own kitchen. Nor can the landlord lock you out of the kitchen for not paying the rent.
Can my landlord lock me out of my apartment if I don't pay the altered amount of my lease?
If you have a legitimately signed and current lease with the landlord, and you weren't behind in your rent or had some other violation which broke the lease, and, assuming you haven't omitted any critical information (especially from that of the landlord's point-of-view), then, technically speaking, no, the landlord cannot change the locks or prevent you from entering the apartment. However, most landlords would not bother to change the locks or otherwise prevent the tenant from entering without a good reason. You need to discuss it with him/her or contact a lawyer.
Is it legal for a landlord to lock you out without an eviction notice in Minnesota?
It is illegal for a landlord to deny access or prevent access to a tenant without having formally completed a legal eviction process. The tenant should contact local law enforcement for help with accessing their property if they are denied access illegally. If the court agrees with the tenant, it will order a law enforcement officer to help the tenant get back in. If the court decides that the landlord knew (or should have known) that the lockout or other exclusion was unlawful, the court may order the landlord to pay the tenant up to triple damages or $500, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney's fees. Minn. Stat. 504.225 (1992)
Is it legal for tenant in pa to change locks without permission or notification tenant will not return call home needs repairs and tenant is going to sue just found out about repairs last week?
You can countersue for eviction and keep the security deposit if the tenant has not followed proper procedures for notifying you, the landlord, of repairs that are needed. Generally locks may not be changed by the landlord or tenant without the other's permission and the reconciliation of the keys to the new lock. But this must be so stated on the lease in order for it to be enforced.
When can a manager of an apartment complex change the locks?
In Canada if there has been several break-ins in the complex then the landlord has the right to change ALL locks, but the tenants must be notified and given a new key. The only other reason would be if the tenant has not paid their rent, then the landlord can change the lock on that particular apartment with the contents still in it until the tenant pays the rent. In the US a landlord cannot use self-help to hold the renter's personal property for rent due, unless it was so stated in the rental agreement. Before a landlord can seize property and lock a delinquent tenant out of the residence they must use due process of law, receive a Writ of Possession and serve the delinquent tenant with the writ. If the tenant does not recover his or her belongings within the specified time limit, the landlord can consider them abandoned and dispose of them in whatever manner chosen. If the landlord wishes to remove the property from the residence before the set time expires he must secure those items in a storage area.
How does a landlord evict a tenant in California?
In order for a Landlord to begin the eviction process, California law requires all persons residing in the property be served with a notice. If the tenant doesn't voluntarily move out after the landlord has properly given the required notice to the tenant, the landlord can evict the tenant. In order to evict the tenant, the landlord must file an unlawful detainer lawsuit in superior court.Do not every use unlawful methods to vacate the rental premises. If the landlord uses unlawful methods to evict a tenant, the landlord may be subject to liability for the tenant's damages, as well as penalties of up to $100 per day for the time that the landlord used the unlawful methods.If the court decides in favor of the landlord, the court will issue a writ of possession. The writ of possession orders the sheriff to remove the tenant from the rental unit, but gives the tenant five days from the date that the writ is served to leave voluntarily. If the tenant does not leave by the end of the fifth day, the writ of possession authorizes the sheriff to physically remove and lock the tenant out, and seize (take) the tenant's belongings that have been left in the rental unit. The landlord is not entitled to possession of the rental unit until after the sheriff has removed the tenant.
