If the tenants changed the lock but will not give the landlord a copy, canthey break the lock to enter and repair a leak that is disturbing other tenants?
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If the tenants changed the lock but will not give the landlord a copy, canthey break the lock to enter and repair a leak that is disturbing other tenants?
Asked on February 20, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Florida
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If one's tenants changed the locks on a rental and refused to give the landlord a key to the unit where the landlord needs access to the unit to make repairs, the landlord should do as follows:
1. give at least 24 hours notice to the tenants about the need to get access to the unit so that repairs can be made and request that a key be provided immediately;
2. if the requested key is not provided, show up at the unit with a locksmith and change the lock to get access. Provide a key to the new lock to the tenant and make the repairs.
3. given the odd circumstances of the need to get access, I suggest that a letter or an e mail also be sent to the tenants regarding the desired access by the landlord.
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