My Tenants Reversed The Locks

[Missy H.]

Hi All

I just visited my rental property to do an inspection and found that my tenant reversed the locks on the front and back door. The deadbolt is fine and can open from the inside. However, the doorknob is reversed and can only open from the outside.

During my time there, about 20 minutes, she could not find the key for the locks - allegedly. Of course my first concern is the danger that this presents. God forbid there is a fire and she and her children have to get out. I told her, in my limited Spanish, that she has to change the locks back immediately. Unfortunately, although I asked, my Spanish does not go so far as to understand why it was changed. I do suspect that either her boyfriend is up to something shady and is locking her in or she has done that so that she can lock the kids in when she leaves. Either way it is not a good thing.

I sent her a registered letter, both in English and in Spanish, instructing her to change the locks back. I would have done it myself but did not have the time or the tools. I am also planning another trip up (the property is 2 and a half hours away) to check and ensure that the locks are changed back.

My questions are:

1. What else should I be doing to rectify this?

2. My lease does stipulate that the locks cannot be changed. Of course I meant that the locks cannot be changed out, but this could also qualify as a change. What should I do if the locks are not switched back on my next visit?

3. How can I protect myself if she should attempt to file a complaint for whatever reason with the city?

4. What other pitfalls in this situation should I be looking out for.

Thanks for any and all advice.

Missy