What are the laws regarding landlord responsibilities in relation to different locks for all tenants?

Question

I recently discovered I have the same lock and key for my back door at my apartment as my next door neighbor does and I would like to know the exact laws surrounding the circumstance of landlord responsibility to provide me with a different lock than other tenants. I feel as if my safety and security has been completely destroyed. I would like to know if I have any grounds to stand on before I contact the landlord with my concerns.

Austin Hirschhorn · Answer

I suggest that you let the landlord know about your security concerns as soon as possible and ask him to change the lock on your door.  I am curious about how you found out that you and your next door neighbor have the same lock.  I think that if no one has entered your apartment using what you have learned could be a duplicate key you really don't have any other complaint than having the landlord rekey the lock on your back door.  I would expect that the landlord would agree to do this at his expense and if the cost became an issue that you have the lock rekeyed and deduct the cost from your rent.  Good Luck!

Leonard A. Kaanta · Answer

There are no set laws for locks other than common sense. The landlord promises you quiet enjoyment of the property. You do have grounds to demand a new lock.

Jared Altman · Answer

Why don't you change your locks?

Carlton C. Casler · Answer

The is no statute that requires the landlord to change locks after each   tenant or to have each current tenant's locks different than the other current   tenants.  

But the law clearly requires the landlord to take reasonable   steps to keep tenants and their property from harm.  

No reasonable judge or   jury could conclude that having the same door locks for two or more of the   current tenants is "reasonable."  

Create your paper trail: send a letter to   the landlord stating that your exterior door locks are the same another  current  tenant, that it is an issue that directly affects the safety of two of  his  tenants, and demand that the locks be changed within five days. 

If the   landlord does not replace the locks, A.R.S. Section 33-1361 will allow you  to  terminate and move, and A.R.S. Section 33-1363 will allow you to hire a  licensed  contractor to do the work and deduct it from the next month's  rent.  Before  proceeding, review the statutes cited above so that you comply  with all the  requirement.

Michael Stafford · Answer

My suggestion would be to purchase a new lock and have it installed on your back door. You have the right to safe and secure expectations and the peaceful enjoyment of your premises.

Newton Munro Merrick · Answer

You have a legitimate concern.  California Civil Code section 1941.3 imp[oses on the landlord the duty to "install and maintain an operable dead bolt lock on each main swinging entry door. . . "  

He is also required to "install and maintain operable window security or locking devices for windows that are designed to be opened."   

You must notify the landlord. I suggest you contact the landlord, politely of course.  Point out the safety problem and your concern.  He should arrange for a locksmith to promptly rekey your door and install dead bolts if they are not there already, and locking devices on any windows that open and do not have them.  

If he refuses, tell him that you must do it and deduct the bill from the next rent payment.   You have that right under CC Section 1942. Alternatively, you have the right to vacate the premises.

Frances Headley · Answer

A landlord is entitled to have a lock that can be opened with their master key but no other tenant should be able to open your door.  Your door should be rekeyed.

Gary Platt · Answer

Your landlord should provide you with a lock which is exclusive to  your  own place.  I would advise the landlordpolitelythat the same key  opens  both doors and ask him to change your locks.  If he refuses, you can  change  the lock yourself and deduct the cost from your rent, however, you must   first give the landlord the opportunity to fix it.

John Brennan · Answer

I am not aware of any law, nor have you disclosed any damages caused as a result of this discovery.  I would first assume this was inadvertent and tell the landlord, asking this be corrected, immediately.  If that request is refused it is another matter.

James Weiner · Answer

There is no real law against it.. but the landlord has a duty to provide you with some security.. Call the landlord and simply ask for the lock to be changed.

Kevin Elliott Parks · Answer

There are no statutes at all that I'm aware of that govern this situation specifically. If you've discovered that your locks are keyed identically to other neighbor's locks, request in writing that your landlord repair and replace the locks so as they actually serve their function  to protect your safety and the safety of your belongings.  It's always best to maintain a good relationship with your landlord, so keep that in mind as well.

Michael Palumbo · Answer

Change the locks and then change them back when you vacate the premises, or add an additional lock to the door. Just leave it the way you found it when you vacate.

Edward Olson · Answer

There are no laws regarding locks.  However, tenants are entitled to "quiet enjoyment" as long as they pay rent and are otherwise good tenants. Talk to your landlord about getting your lock changed.  If you do not get a new lock, call an attorney for help.

Dennis P. Mikko · Answer

As part of your lease, you have the right to quiet enjoyment of your premises.  Part of the quiet enjoyment is the expectation that you can lock the door and no one, other than the landlord, has a key.  While there is no exact law on this topic, the landlord should provide you with a door lock that is not the same as your neighboring tenant.

Leonard Schwartz · Answer

The landlord must provide you with a safe apartment. If the lock goes directly into your apartment you have a right to a different lock.

Gregory Crain · Answer

There is no law regarding that.

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What are the laws regarding landlord responsibilities in relation to different locks for all tenants?

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