Tenant put Padlocks on all Rooms in Unit

[Cheryl Daniels]

Hi,

During an inspection, I found that a tenant put padlocks on all rooms with doors without permission. He said that it is his right to have locks if contractors, etc enter his unit. Additionally, he will not provide me with keys.

1. He acknowledges that he did not receive written permission.

2. He says he has a right for the protection of his property.

Is this right?

3. I replied that if I don't have access to those rooms, and there is some sort of emergency, he would be held liable.

Is that right?

Its my only property and I am manage it.

How have similar landlords handed providing protection for tenant's property and privacy with landlord's having full access to every room in a unit?

Thanks!

[Wesley W.]

What does your lease say?  Here's an excerpt from mine:

 (b) Locks may not be altered nor may new locks, bolts, or other door or window attachments be installed without our prior written consent. 

If it were me I would send a 10-day notice to cure.  Since this person sounds like a difficult tenant, if they gave any pushback I would terminate their lease (M2M) at a time convenient for me to do the turnover and re-market the apartment. (Probably spring)