landlord has key???

prudryden

Generally, in tenancy contracts, there is an agreement that tenants will not change locks without the written permission of the LL. This possibly could be challenged as an unfair term, unless it says that "that permission can not be withheld unreasonably." This is OFT speak and, to my knowledge, has not been tested in a legal setting.

joeblack066

Picnic do you work privately, or through an agency/ care assn?

black-saturn

I found this hope it works

Bossyboots

black-saturn wrote:

I found this hope it works

Cheers for that, very helpful.

clutton_2

there is nothing stopping anyone changing the locks on a house - how do they know that the previous tenant did not keep a set of keys ? Having guaranteed your privacy in this way is all part of "Quiet Enjoyment" - this is a HUGE legal subject, and many books have been written on it - i am sure it will be in there somewhere.

clutton_2

that site which Black Saturn highlighted is under Scottish legislation which is different to English - but the legality of changing of locks is the same under English and Scottish law.

black-saturn

clutton wrote:

that site which Black Saturn highlighted is under Scottish legislation which is different to English - but the legality of changing of locks is the same under English and Scottish law.

It says in my old tenancy agreement from about 3 and a half years ago that I was within my rights to change the locks if I wanted to. I don't see what it has to do with the landlord. They shouldnt be entering your home when your not there anyway and if you give him the keys when you leave I can't see what the problem is.

prudryden

It has a lot to do with the landlord. The landlord needs to have access if there is an emergency. He will not withhold permission to change or alter locks but will need to have a set of keys either for him or the managing agent. I doubt that the LL building insurance will be pleased if they know there is no access to the property in case of gas escaping, water pipes bursting, fire.

prudryden

19. The tenant cannot change the locks on any doors or windows or make duplicate keys. All keys have to be returned to the landlord or their agent at the end of the tenancy.

SOURCE: Compactlaw.co.uk

prudryden

What is your landlord responsible for? Your landlord’s basic responsibilities include the following:
Maintenance If you have a residential lease that is for less than 7 years, your landlord is normally responsible for basic maintenance of and repairs to the property.Your landlord cannot charge you fees for the repair work and can only make you carry out the repairs yourself if he or she persuades a court to agree to this.
Basic maintenance includes things like:
■ making sure the property is ready to let, by cleaning, tidying, fixing and making safe any appliances, and removing anything that is not to be used in the property;
■ ensuring the security of the property and handing appropriate sets of keys to the managing agent (if there is one) and to you as tenant.You must never change the locks without the prior approval of the managing agent and/or landlord;

Source: Harrow.gov.uk