Full question:
Can the landlord issue apartment keys to a third party conducting work on the inside of apartments? There is currently a sub-contractor performing work for a telecommunications company here. They are installing hardware in the buildings for future service. Our leasing office distributed apartment keys directly to the contractor so they can get in. No representative of the apartment community is present for the duration of access. I was under the impression that the landlord must maintain strict control over apartment keys. The personnel working for the contract could be ex-felons for all I know, and it's easy to copy a key.
- Category: Landlord Tenant
- Subcategory: Entry of Premises
- Date:
- State: Florida
Answer:
Under Florida law, landlords have the right to enter a tenant's apartment under certain conditions. According to Fla. Stat. § 83.53, landlords can enter to inspect, make repairs, or show the unit to contractors, among other reasons. They must provide reasonable notice, typically at least twelve hours, and enter during reasonable hours (7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.).
Landlords can also enter without notice in emergencies or if the tenant is absent for a significant time and has not informed the landlord. While the landlord can allow contractors access to apartments, they must do so responsibly and should ideally be present to ensure security and tenant comfort. It's important for landlords to maintain control over keys to prevent unauthorized access.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.