Tenant Lockout devices?

Question

Hi guys I'm a manager of a Apartment complex and always have the unfortunate event to lock out tenant to force a meeting. Anyways i was with a friend and he told me that he saw that in dallas there was a manager that didn't change the locks to lock out tenants he just inserted a small device in the key hole to block any keys. ive been on line searching but no luck any help would be great. Cuz changing the locks every time cost money and that something i would like to save byes

Answer 1

As long as someone's paying rent I don't think you can just lock them out.  If they're not paying rent do a three day or quit.  Be sure it's legal or you're opening yourself up for a lawsuit.

Answer 2

After an eviction I just re key, cost me about $1.00 as I do it myself in minutes.

You cannot lock out to force a meeting under any law I know of.

Hotels can.

Answer 3

.     THis must be a test question to see if we are paying attention. It is against the law in all 50 states to change a lock without the specific approval of a judge.  Same with a "small device".

All of us landlords wish we could do this, but we can't.

Answer 4

In PA that would be illegal. You can't lock someone out without a court order even if they aren't paying rent

Answer 5

Considering that this would be a crime and your tenant can have you arrested for illegal eviction I can't imagine that you would find this item easily.

Answer 6

Is that legal in Texas? I guess they don't call it the wild, wild west for nothing. How can you justify that as legal? Besides, you can rekey a lock for about $10.00.

Answer 7

In Texas you CAN lock ot the tenant, but there are strict requirements.

I've never heard of the device you mention though.