4 ms·

First thing I did when I moved into my flat was to change my locks. I bought various cylinders that open with the same key. Thus I can open my garage, my flat,

by Faaak 8y ago

First thing I did when I moved into my flat was to change my locks. I bought various cylinders that open with the same key. Thus I can open my garage, my flat, and my other small spaces with the same key. Advantage too: the previous tenant wouldn't be able to access my home if they've kept the key. The landlord too. And if there's an unlikely urgence ? Well, just break the door (it's a cheap cardboard-y one)

DKnoll 8y ago
That probably violates the terms of your lease unfortunately.
- Faaak 8y ago
  In Switzerland at least: no. It's considered the same as painting the walls: they have to be identical when you move out. In the meantime you do what you want. But frankly, I would do it even if it was forbidden, as long as the door wouldn't be reinforced.
  - DKnoll 8y ago
    Happy to hear that. Where I live (Ontario, Canada) it's not explicitly illegal but landlords are allowed to make the tenant not changing the locks a condition of their lease and most do because it is enforceable.
    - perl4ever 8y ago
      In the US where I live, I think I have noticed in more than one lease agreement something that says you may change the locks at your own expense if you want. I'm not sure how standard it is, but I've never seen anything that says you can't change them.
      - DKnoll 8y ago
        It's odd that they make concessions like that in a lease agreement but that's great. Ontario generally favours tenants in legal matters but the locks thing bothers me a bit. I currently have an issue with my landlord and I know they have made illegal entry to my unit and others in my building (illegal meaning without 24hr notice for a valid reason or not because of an emergency) and I can't change my locks. My only option at the moment (because I have no proof to take to the Landlord and Tenant Board) is to place a camera in my apartment which I don't particularly like doing.
noobiemcfoob 8y ago
Most leases will explicitly require the landlord have unfettered access to the property. Usually, the only caveat being that the tenant will be given some amount of notice. My leases say 24 hours. /If I ever came to one of my properties and my key didn't work, you better bet you'd be evicted.
- Faaak 8y ago
  I see two options: 1) You announce before 24h, and therefore the renter can lend you a set of keys 2) You come unannounced. If it's an emergency you can break the door. If it's not then you've got no business being there.
  - noobiemcfoob 8y ago
    On 2) NO! I'm not busting down my own door to get into my property. And if I have to, I'm evicting you. On your greater point, there are a million ways to skin a Roman senator. There are alternatives that don't require a smartlock and if an otherwise great tenant (or applicant) really pressed the issue, perhaps I'd go with another one. In the absence of that, I'll go with what's easiest and sensibly secure (which, by the by, a smartlock is).

by Faaak 8y ago

DKnoll 8y ago

That probably violates the terms of your lease unfortunately.

Faaak 8y ago
In Switzerland at least: no. It's considered the same as painting the walls: they have to be identical when you move out. In the meantime you do what you want. But frankly, I would do it even if it was forbidden, as long as the door wouldn't be reinforced.
- DKnoll 8y ago
  Happy to hear that. Where I live (Ontario, Canada) it's not explicitly illegal but landlords are allowed to make the tenant not changing the locks a condition of their lease and most do because it is enforceable.
  - perl4ever 8y ago
    In the US where I live, I think I have noticed in more than one lease agreement something that says you may change the locks at your own expense if you want. I'm not sure how standard it is, but I've never seen anything that says you can't change them.
    - DKnoll 8y ago
      It's odd that they make concessions like that in a lease agreement but that's great. Ontario generally favours tenants in legal matters but the locks thing bothers me a bit. I currently have an issue with my landlord and I know they have made illegal entry to my unit and others in my building (illegal meaning without 24hr notice for a valid reason or not because of an emergency) and I can't change my locks. My only option at the moment (because I have no proof to take to the Landlord and Tenant Board) is to place a camera in my apartment which I don't particularly like doing.

noobiemcfoob 8y ago

Most leases will explicitly require the landlord have unfettered access to the property. Usually, the only caveat being that the tenant will be given some amount of notice. My leases say 24 hours. /If I ever came to one of my properties and my key didn't work, you better bet you'd be evicted.

Faaak 8y ago
I see two options: 1) You announce before 24h, and therefore the renter can lend you a set of keys 2) You come unannounced. If it's an emergency you can break the door. If it's not then you've got no business being there.
- noobiemcfoob 8y ago
  On 2) NO! I'm not busting down my own door to get into my property. And if I have to, I'm evicting you. On your greater point, there are a million ways to skin a Roman senator. There are alternatives that don't require a smartlock and if an otherwise great tenant (or applicant) really pressed the issue, perhaps I'd go with another one. In the absence of that, I'll go with what's easiest and sensibly secure (which, by the by, a smartlock is).