Full question:
If I'm renting a garage on the property which I also rent an apartment and I have my own personal lock on the door, does the management have the legal right to request a copy of that key? The reason I was told hey needed a key was in case of an emergency such as a fire, etc. I was under the impression that they would just cut the lock off in case of an emergency, since that is what a personal storage unit would do!! I was also told that if I did not supply such key that they can give me a 24hr notice to cut the locks and remove my belongings.
- Category: Landlord Tenant
- Date:
- State: Oregon
Answer:
According to Oregon law, landlords have specific rights regarding access to rental properties. They can enter a tenant's space for emergencies without consent or notice (O.R.S. 90.322). An emergency includes situations that could cause serious damage, such as a fire. If the landlord needs to enter your garage, they generally should provide notice within twenty-four hours after the entry.
While your personal lock gives you some control over your rented garage, the landlord may argue that having a key is necessary for emergencies. However, they cannot force you to provide a key without a specific agreement in your rental contract. If you refuse to give a key, they may give you a twenty-four-hour notice to cut the lock, but this should be clearly outlined in your rental agreement.
It's important to review your rental agreement for any clauses about access and keys. If you have concerns, consider discussing them with your landlord or seeking legal advice.
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.