Can I change the locks when renting a home. My landlord is making threats!?

Question

I feel like I must change the locks in order for my stuff to be safe. I know that they have already been in my home and searched thru my things when I wasn't home. Also their brother in law is threatening to kick my boyfriends *** for something he didn't do. I know that they would gladly give him the key because they don't like him. Is it legal to protect my stuff and my man?? I'm in California

Answer 1

You need to document how you feel with the police and break the lease if you really feel you are in danger.

Answer 2

Your landlord cannot enter your rental unit unless there is an emergency, or to make repairs/upgrades that you have agreed upon.  Your lease agreement should preclude you from changing the locks - the landlord has a vested interest in being able to enter his property in case of an emergency or if you abandon the property.  If you can prove that he has been in your house without your presence or permission I would file a complaint with your local housing authority.  I would install a motion activated Nanny cam facing the entry to gain proof that he is entering your home illegally.

If your boyfriend has been threatened and you are worried for his safety, file a complaint with the police.

Good Luck!  

Answer 3

You can change the locks, but you must give your landlord a key.  If you are having these types of problems document everything for when you are ready to move out.  Hopefully your lease is almost ready to expire and you can leave.  Good luck

Answer 4

Move Today!! Why even change the locks!!  This would be way to much drama for me!  xox

Answer 5

READ your lease.

Generally if you change the locks, you MUST give a key to the LL.

Generally the LL can't enter without advance notice to you unless there's an emergency like a burst pipe.

SEEK legal advice

Answer 6

Re-read your question and you'll realize that you wasted 5 points.  Of course you can't change the locks.  Try saving up and buying a place.. then you don't have to disclose your every move to a landlord.

Answer 7

If you change the locks, you must give the landlord the key.  That is the law.  The landlord needs to be able to get inside in case there is a fire or a flood. /

Answer 8

Best thing to do is just get out of that situation.

Answer 9

sure

Answer 10

No.  You don't own the property, the landlord does.  

Given what you've written here, it sounds like you either resolve whatever issues are going on, or start looking for another place to live.

Answer 11

You cannot legally change the locks and keep an owner out of his own property. If the pipes burst or a toilet overflowed you would be completely responsible for the damage. You need to ask the police these questions, it is not really a "real estate" problem.

Answer 12

umm, i guess it reallt depends on the contract you signed when you started renting the house, (in the U.K. you sign a contract bfore renting)

check if there is anything saying that you specifically cant change the locks, and if you cant find anything in there, i'd go check with as lawyer or an estate agent, then depending on the outcome, you may be able to change the locks... or you could move out if he's a really violent person, because thats just plain unpleasant (: hope you are allowed, but think of the consequences first, is it worth doing? the landlord would surely get even more pissed off if you did it wouldnt he?

Answer 13

Generally you may change the locks, but must provide the landlord a key, HOWEVER, they may not enter the premises without your permission while you legally occupy it (meaning you're still paying rent, etc.), although there are some allowances for entry, such as smelling gas, seeing flames or smoke, etc.

If you're seriously looking into the expense of changing your locks, you might be better off getting a "nanny-cam" type video camera and aim it at the door. In case of illegal entry, you'll have some evidence to prove it.

If you're more concerned about your and your boyfriend's personal safety while inside the home, I would honestly recommend buying a gun. I'm sure there are plenty on here who will freak at that recommendation, so let me be clear:  I am NOT suggesting for you to start a fight. I AM suggesting you take personal responsibility for your own safety. You claim your home has already been entered illegally and that you've already received threats. You shouldn't wait around for the next escalation, and you can't dial 911 when you're being beaten. Guns are definitely not for everybody, and there are some people who would manage to injure themselves and their loved ones with a toothpick. However, if you are cool under pressure and willing to take on the responsibility of your own safety, it is an option. That's for you to decide.

I definitely recommend alerting the police to the situation, and whether you have proof of illegal entry and threats or not, you can still file a report. That creates a paper trail back to your landlord in case this thing escalates.

Answer 14

You can change the locks with the owner's permission, but you are required to provide them a copy of the key.  It's their property and they need to be able to enter in event of emergency.

Your best option is to quietly live out the terms of your lease as best as possible, and then move elsewhere.

Answer 15

It's illegal (or at least against your lease) to change the locks on a property you are renting without providing the landlord keys.  But you can certainly make the local police aware of the situation.

Answer 16

It is the law that the landlord must have a key. but if this is how things are, you need to either get the police involved or get out of there asap!!!

Answer 17

move