My keys got stolen landlord want me to pay $1,200 for the locks to be changed. Is this legal?

Question

He had the locksmiths come out twice and he wants me to pay for his employees time to make the arrangements. At no time did I agree to pay for the locks. I live in NYC.

Answer 1

Check your lease or rental contract.  Look to see if there is a re-keying charge listed in your contract.  Most lease agreements I've seen has a clause about re-keying a residence and landlords do have the right to charge you for them.  If it's in your lease agreement and you signed the agreement, then you agreed to abide by the agreement.  

Answer 2

Yes, you were responsible for the keys so you are at fault for the necessity of the lock system being replaced.  

Answer 3

you could get it done yourself-at Lowe's or home depot

s***w them. thats too much money. But it IS legal.

Answer 4

i think it's legal. but that's way too much. doesn't he have a heart?

Answer 5

You know that it doesn't cost that much money to change a lock, I don't care where you live.  Landlords are crooks.  Do not agree to pay this money, I would speak to an attorney about the issue just in case they try to evict you for not paying it.

Answer 6

I don't know for sure, you should first check your lease agreement to see if says anything there.  If you are responsible for the replacement I know he can't charge you more than it cost him.  Again unless specified in the lease.  So I would ask for receipts and so on to find out his costs.  

Answer 7

Yes, and it's also probably within the terms of your lease.

Keep in mind that your key being comprimised does not just mean changing the lock in your apartment, but also in building doors and perhaps other apartments, too.