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Are landlords required to change locks when tenants move out?

Are landlords required to change locks when tenants move out?

Q: Can a tenant change the locks without the landlord's permission?

A tenant may change the locks without the landlord's permission if they have a valid reason, such as safety concerns after a roommate moves out. However, it's best practice to inform the landlord in writing before doing so. Tenants should also check their lease agreement, as it may contain specific rules about changing locks.

Full question:

My daughter lives in an apartment in Tallahassee. She is a student at FSU. At her apartment there were 4 tenants for a four bedroom 2 bath apartment. Each tenant was on a separate lease and only responsible for their portion of the rent. Two of the tenants transferred to another apartment in the same complex and paid $175.00 to transfer. They came back into my daughters apartment after moving out last week without my daughter being there and used their old key. I called the rental office and told them about it and asked them when they were going to change the locks. The rental office told me they just ask for the keys back and were not required to change the locks. Isn't there a law for when a tenant moves out that the locks are to be changed?

Category: Landlord Tenant
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Florida

Answer:

We cannot adequately answer your question without seeing the lease. There are laws requiring landlords to change locks after an incident of domestic violence to protect the victim, but that law does not apply here. If the rental office is obligated to request the return of keys from your daughter's former roommates and fails to do so, she could change the locks herself and argue that the cost should be deducted from her rent.

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.

FAQs

What should a tenant do if their landlord refuses to change the locks after a roommate moves out?

If a landlord refuses to change the locks after a roommate moves out, the tenant may consider changing the locks themselves. This action can be justified if the landlord failed to request the return of the keys. However, it's advisable to notify the landlord in writing before taking this step. The tenant may also seek to deduct the cost of changing the locks from their rent, but they should consult their lease agreement and possibly seek legal advice to ensure compliance with local laws.

Are landlords in Florida required to change locks for safety reasons?

In Florida, landlords are not generally required to change locks when a tenant moves out unless specified in the lease agreement. However, there are laws that require landlords to change locks in certain situations, such as after a domestic violence incident to protect the victim. Tenants should review their lease and local laws for specific provisions regarding lock changes.

Can a tenant change the locks without the landlord's permission?

What are a landlord's responsibilities regarding keys and locks?

A landlord's responsibilities regarding keys and locks typically include ensuring that tenants have access to their rental unit and maintaining the security of the property. While landlords should request keys back from former tenants, they are not legally required to change locks after a tenant moves out unless specified in the lease or required by law. Tenants should be aware of their rights and responsibilities as outlined in their lease agreement.