Isn't it required for a landlord to have a master key to my unit just in case I get locked out?

[ryscford]

I recently got locked out of my unit and when I called my landlord, who lives in the front house and is also the property owner, she claimed she did not have a spare key and accused me of having HER spare key! She seems to be mentally unstable and I know she's on medication, but she insisted on not having a spare key which left me no option but to call a locksmith at 10pm that ended up costing me $135.00!
Isn't it required, by law, that the property owner to always have a master key in case of an emergency?? And shouldn't she be reliable for my locksmith bill? I've been renting for over 25 years and I have NEVER had this type of situation where the landlord, especially the owner of the property, telling me they have no spare key to my unit! Yes, I admit I may have inconvenienced her, but she lives literally 10 steps away from my unit! I just wanted to know if I can write a letter, asking her to reimburse me the $135.00 or if I can deduct that amount on my next month's rent. Please help!!!

[chason58]

Yes shes legally bound to have a key for your house

[warton26]

not in the US. It is expected to have one, but my property manager charges me if they have to unlock the door for me. It's $50 when they have to come out. You should be responsible for it because it was YOU who locked YOURSELF out. If she had changed the lock and you couldn't get in, or the lock broke and you couldn't get in, then yes, she would be responsible for the charge. Otherwise, be more careful. It's not her problem.

[berwin]

Hi ES

Sorry, but in my view I think if you have lost the keys your landlord may have saved your bacon if they had a spare key, but, ultimately, if you have lost your key common-sense would suggest to have the lock changed anyway.

Most landlords I admit should carry a spare key, that can be used in the event of an emergency, And I see know reason why a landlord should not let you borrow a spare to get you in. But should you leave the property, then your landlord could insist that if you lost a key, that this would compromise the security for the future tenant. and in which case may insist the locks are changed anyway. In the meantime if you want to know more about master key systems check this web site out.

It may be not what you want to hear, but you did loose the key eh ???