Put a lockbox with spare key on their door handle.Put the telephone number of a locksmith on the box as well, for when they don't put the spare key back.

If you have title, hire a locksmith and replace locks.

Tomorrow I plan on getting a locksmith to gain entry and replace the locks. 

You also will need to verify with a locksmith that new locks and keys are only coming to you.

Useing this system I rekey my managed properties free of charge because it's so quick and simple.Also I've had a couple of locksmiths tell me that LandlordLocks are more secure than Kwikset Smart Keys.

He did not return any calls but I got a text back that said he was in the hospital with no other details  My questions are:  Can I hire a locksmith to inspect the property?  

I hired a locksmith to rekey the locks and he rekeyed without mentioning about this requirement.

If you deny access, they might have the authority to access using a locksmith at your expense.

Unfortunately gang ,there are "cocky and arrogant" individuals in any ,practice,trade,endeavor or profession.Plumbers with a disagreeble arrogant and surly nature do not last long where I come from.It is highly competitive here in So Cal.You gotta be a "Superstar".Having said that,,,there is also a Code of Honor amongst tradesmen in any town or city.We all know who the good guys and the bad guys are.The bad guys are "disowned" and get put on the blacklist,,,they do not get referals or reccomdations from reputable contractors.We also watch them very carefully and inform our friends at the supply house,,,,do not give these guys credit,do not recomend them,,,they are trouble.We know "The Good,The Bad and the Ugly".But get this,,,good guys tend to hang together and refer each other.They also tend to join credible contractors associations like the PHCC Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors Association.Heres a tip ;if you are fortunate enough to identify and hire a good licensed plumber,he will usually know and be able to recommend a good electrician,HVAC man,carpenter,tile setter,painter,concrete and masonry contractor,locksmith,roofer,landscaper,,,you get the picture,,,,Oh Yeah about that business of "plumbers savings lives".Well,,,That is a true statement,,,,that fact is,,,"Plumbers have saved more lives than Doctors,,,,"An old American Standard slogan was "Plumbers Protect the Health of the Nation",,Well,,,Its kinda corny guys but it's TRUE,,,,Why ?

Bill him for the locksmith.