If y lease clearly states that only the tenants are to have copies of the keys to the rental unit, do I have to give one to my landlord?
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If y lease clearly states that only the tenants are to have copies of the keys to the rental unit, do I have to give one to my landlord?
However my landlord after 1 1/2 years of living here is now demanding a copy. Do I have to provide them to him, even though my lease clearly states only I’m to have the key?
Asked on December 5, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Florida
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Landlords should always have a master key or the ability to get in with a copy of the key for many reasons, like emergencies, simple repairs and other matters. Most require notice to be given the tenant prior to entry but generally speaking, landlords should be able to have an ability to enter if need be. If this is a contractual arrangement, however, wherein you relied to your detriment in entering into this contract by agreeing to only have you have the key and no one else, then the landlord asking for a copy could be seen as anticipatory repudiation or breach of contract. Inform the landlord of the same and go from there.
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