ohiolandlord
02-08-2006, 05:46 PM
My heat went out in my apartment and my landlord uses a local heating and cooling repair place to fix them. During the process, she informed me that she gives copies of the tenants keys to the utility companies so the landlord does not have to come and "let them in" if there's a problem. I couldn't believe it!! Is this legal?! Knowing that people in my town, other than my landlord, have access to my personal belongings is outrageous to me. What can I do?
In Ohio, all lease agreements have an implied covenant of quiet enjoyment which assures the tenant of exclusive access to the rented premises. If your landlord gives out keys to third parties without your permission, then this may well be a breach of your lease agreement.
The trouble is, that if those with keys are responsible, honest people and cause you no trouble, then you will have a hard time showing a court any damages.
Check your lease carefully, and see if there is any provision against making alterations to the rented premises. If not, then there is nothing to restrict you from changing the locks yourself so long as you change them back at the end of the term.
To learn more about your rights as a tenant in the state of Ohio, you can download our book online at http://www.ohiolandlordtenant.com/book.html
In Ohio, all lease agreements have an implied covenant of quiet enjoyment which assures the tenant of exclusive access to the rented premises. If your landlord gives out keys to third parties without your permission, then this may well be a breach of your lease agreement.
The trouble is, that if those with keys are responsible, honest people and cause you no trouble, then you will have a hard time showing a court any damages.
Check your lease carefully, and see if there is any provision against making alterations to the rented premises. If not, then there is nothing to restrict you from changing the locks yourself so long as you change them back at the end of the term.
To learn more about your rights as a tenant in the state of Ohio, you can download our book online at http://www.ohiolandlordtenant.com/book.html