Question:
My new landlord says since he owns the home, I am obligated to give him a key to the apartment. I don’t feel comfortable doing so. I did give the key to the prior landlord because I was young and didn’t know my rights, but he used to let himself into my apartment when I wasn’t home. I’d come home from work and my mail or FedEx packages would be on my kitchen table, and he acted as though this was a normal thing. I felt creeped out know he could come and go as he pleased. Am I required to give the new landlord a key?
Answer:
Yes, a tenant must provide the landlord with a key. Normally, the landlord gives the tenant a key upon commencement of the lease term. However, if the tenant changes the lock, he/she must provide the landlord with a key.
The law does not permit a landlord to enter at will, or without “good cause”, such as an emergency, or to make a necessary repair. Typically, a lease will spell this out; but if it doesn’t, the law in Connecticut controls the issue.
This legal question was provided by Avvo and answered by Marc Needelman an experienced Hartford Landlord Tenant Lawyer. This does not consent an attorney client relationship.
