I believe I have old keys...I want to replace a deadbolt, but I don't want to tell anyone. Unless the super or whoever tries to go into my place and tells me I need to give him a key then i will. I have a portable lock I use when I'm inside....I don't have a chain. I'm afraid of someone sneaking in while I'm at work. I've only been here for a little over a month, but I thought I saw something in my apt that I never saw before. Is it okay for me to do this?

you can do whut you want,

every action has it's consiquences though.

at least if you give management a copy of your keys

you have an idea who has been there.

if you're that 'concerned' about where you like

set up a recording process with more than one cam

set it for motion and sound and run it directly to your phone...

I think its okay-if they ask then tell them why you did it, but you have a right to feel safe and protect your belongings. What did u see?

Legally, the answer to this question is pretty simple...

If it says you must inform your landlord of lock changes in your rental agreement, then you're breaking that contract if you don't.

If it says you must supply them with a key if/when you change a lock in the rental agreement, then you're breaking the contract if you don't tell them and supply the new key.

If it says you must ask or inform them BEFORE changing out locks in the rental agreement and you go ahead and do it without following those steps, then you're breaking the contract.

If it doesn't say any of the above, change your lock and don't say anything. If you're asked about it at a later date, tell them that no mention was made of it in the rental agreement.

My landlord requires that she have a key. The exterminator comes from time to time and the maintenance man has done work inside also. Plus they like to have a key should there be an emergency and need to get inside.

vainandy said:

My landlord requires that she have a key. The exterminator comes from time to time and the maintenance man has done work inside also. Plus they like to have a key should there be an emergency and need to get inside.

All true, but it should still say in your rental agreement whether or not it's required.

It should also state in your rental agreement that your landlord is required to give you 24, 48 or 72 hour notice (usually written) before entering the premises.

Lastly, it will likely also state that, although they are legally required to give you such-and-such notice (as listed above), they can enter your premises without prior notice if they feel it's warranted (as you say, an emergency).

However, if she thinks someone is entering her residence without giving advanced notice or in case of emergency, all that really matters is whether or not the rental agreement says she is required to follow any of the steps I listed above. If she's not, and the landlord then questions her about a lock change, well there's the proof that they tried to enter the premises while she was away.

Cerebus said:

vainandy said:

My landlord requires that she have a key. The exterminator comes from time to time and the maintenance man has done work inside also. Plus they like to have a key should there be an emergency and need to get inside.

All true, but it should still say in your rental agreement whether or not it's required.

It should also state in your rental agreement that your landlord is required to give you 24, 48 or 72 hour notice (usually written) before entering the premises.

Lastly, it will likely also state that, although they are legally required to give you such-and-such notice (as listed above), they can enter your premises without prior notice if they feel it's warranted (as you say, an emergency).

However, if she thinks someone is entering her residence without giving advanced notice or in case of emergency, all that really matters is whether or not the rental agreement says she is required to follow any of the steps I listed above. If she's not, and the landlord then questions her about a lock change, well there's the proof that they tried to enter the premises while she was away.

and as i said, no matter whut is done, there will be a conciquence.

the best action gets the best conciquence...

well you would hope so...

idealy you should, you know, do the right thing

get the right result.

FUCKIT!!!

HOOK UP THE CAMERAS, AND DON'T BE SLOW!!!

my GOD, how do you sleep at night with all this

confussion

In Australia a person such as a landlord or maintenance person cannot come into the property unless they have given you 24 hours notice or you have requested they come.

Unless that has changed in recent years.

all landlords legally retain access to their leased properties, it's genrally not okay to lokc the proery owner out. that beings said, how would s/he know you changed the lock unless she were attempting unauthorized access?? good luck

Someone moved out of my apt in December into another apt in the building...I have the same key they had I think, but I feel paranoid that someone could enter when I'm at work. I thought I saw work done near my walls....like a grey thin plastic hooked to some electronic device I never saw before. Connected around my wall to my door. I was thinking, "Was that there before....? I can't remember." The device is from con-ed or verizon, but the grey thing...I don't remember seeing.

ok, I just read my lease on my phone and it says do not change any locks or install any new locks????

I don't think anyone should EVER be allowed to come in your home without your consent first. Ever.

..then a few paragraphs down it says I need written permission by the landlord.....hmmm.

peacenlovealways said:

..then a few paragraphs down it says I need written permission by the landlord.....hmmm.

You should just talk to them about it if you're uncomfortable. If you volunteer to pay for the lock change I doubt there would be an issue. But in that case your landlord is obviously still going to have copies of any keys needed to gain entry (which is normal).

Cerebus said:

peacenlovealways said:

..then a few paragraphs down it says I need written permission by the landlord.....hmmm.

You should just talk to them about it if you're uncomfortable. If you volunteer to pay for the lock change I doubt there would be an issue. But in that case your landlord is obviously still going to have copies of any keys needed to gain entry (which is normal).

ok, thank you!