Landlord shed?

Question

I rent a property and on the property land there is a shed. When i first rented the property, i was told that the shed was exclusive to me and so i could store my stuff in it.

However, i noticed that things started to go missing from there so I put a changed the padlock. However my landlord saw me do this and DEMANDED a key so he could get in and out of the shed when he wanted. I asked him why he would need to get into the shed since he does not store anything in there and it was my goods that was in it. He said it was his right to have a key to it.

Is this correct? Is there any law to protect me from him just helping himself to my stuff (something which he denies but no on else has a key)? I have a lot of stuff that needs to be store in it and I have no where else to put it. That is why i rented this place as he could offer me sole use of the shed.

Any help would be great!!

Thanks

Answer 1

First look at your agreement, to check if the shed is not included in the let. When a agreement is written, it is taken as the garden/garage/shed in fact anything that is part of the house. If a landlord does not wish to let, say the garage, or shed, this will be written in the agreement, as excluding from the let.

He can not demand a key to something he has no right to be in, how is he getting to the shed? Over your garden? This is also trespassing.

When the landlord rented the property out to you, he has given up the right to enter the property or land, and on doing so is trespassing, so would be breaching the tenants rights of peaceful enjoyment .

Point this out to him, and don't give him a key.

Answer 2

Your agreement should, if it's legal, include the term 'quiet/peaceful enjoyment' of the property. That is to ensure that the Landlord does not just turn up and 'invade your space'. It seems that by insisting on a key to the shed which contains your property that you are being harassed to a degree. When you changed the padlock it might have been prudent to merely add your own padlock, leaving the Landlord's lock in place. He would then still have a key and lock of his own. The only genuine reason for his having access to the shed would be for purposes of inspection. He is entitled to inspect all his property at any reasonable time of day providing he has given you sufficient notice. This notice period should also be mentioned in the agreement.

Return his lock and key and state that you are happy for him to inspect the shed if and when he asks and you are present.

Answer 3

I assume the same rules would apply to the shed as to the house.  The landlord cannot access the shed without your specific permission and he must make an appointment to do so.  With regards to him having a key, if he is entering the property without your permission and without providing you with 24 hours notice in writing, you should be legally allowed to change the lock without providing him with a key.  I would suggest you contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau just to check your rights on this.

Answer 4

The landlord has the right to be on his land at any time, for any reason.     He does not have the right to enter the house at will though.   Since he does not pay property tax on the shed it is part of the yard.

Regardless, at all times the landlord should have a key to any lock on his property.    Denying him a key is grounds for eviction in CA, and I would bet anywhere in the US.

He may have rented it, but it is still his property and he retains some rights to his property.

These rights would not include helping himself to anything not belonging to him, call the police if you think he is stealing.

Answer 5

no, he has no right to a key, just tell him any time he wants to inspect the shed he should give you 1 weeks notice in writing  at a agreed time and you will open the shed for him to have a look.

tell him if he enters any of your property's you are renting of him with out your consent you will call the police

Answer 6

He does not have a right to enter the shed.  Hopefully the exclusive use of the shed is in your lease.

Answer 7

The Landlord does not have the right to enter at will, nor to be on the property at will.  He/She does have the right to inspect the property, and maintain the property at reasonable times.  

This reasonableness is at your discretion.

The landlord does have the right to access, but necessarily a key.  If the landlord wants a key.  

I would write a certified letter to the landlord explaining that  per the terms of the rental agreement you will be exercising your right to use the shed exclusively.  You have installed a new lock, and would gladly remove the lock, or provide a key to the lock upon your departure.  That the land lord could arrange for a time to inspect the sheld if needed, but you would maintain the shed locked for the security of your property.

If you want you can offer a key to the shed on the exclusive condition that the landlord accept responsibility for any loss that may occur to property(s) within the shed due to the use of access provided to the landlord.

The landlord does not have a RIGHT.  He is treaspasing on the property if he does not have permission.  The land lord has sold his right to use the property for rent.

Make sure the letter is certified with return receipt.  This will establish exclusive use of the property so there is no doubt.  Keep a copy.  The landlord has one of two choices accept your conditions, or try to re-negotiate for the use of the shed.  In any case if the shed is not defined in the rental agreement this will establish precedent.

I seriously doubt the landlord will want to enter the shed again.

This is a mild way of saying keep out.  The landlord has legal obligation just as you do concerning the rental of the property.

Answer 8

Tell him that you will be contacting the police about your missing stuff-you should do that anyway, i cant understand why he is taking your stuff, i would report him. About the key-do not give him a key or if you have already given it to him change the locks again. When he asks you about it just say that you have looked into it and that you are not entitled to give him the key! If he wants the key he will have to take it up with the law!