Can we change the locks on our rental property?

by **sherborne16** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 5:42 am

My roommates and I rent a house in Arizona. We are currently in the process of an ongoing litigation to break our agreement with our land(slum)lord and we fear retaliation in the form of a unsolicited entry without proper notification. This guy doesn't really seem to have much regard for the laws in our state or the general well-being of his tenants. Can we temporarily change the locks on the property and put the old ones (the ones the slumlord has the keys to) back no when we move out?

by **byron92** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 5:57 am

Nope...changing the locks is a sure way to lose your litigation. Most, if not all states REQUIRE the landlord to have a key to the premises. You can be sued for changing locks and not providing a key.

by **nann** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 5:58 am

NO

He owns the house and has rights to enter wth 24 hour notice.

Was he not a slumlord when you signed the lease and moved in ?

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