Why Landlords Need Keys to Your New York Apartment
As a tenant in New York, you may wonder why your landlord insists on having keys to your apartment. It can seem like an invasion of privacy, but there are multiple valid reasons why landlords need such access.
Landlord's Responsibilities and Rights
First and foremost, the apartment you lease is your landlord's property. They are responsible for ensuring that the property is secure, well-maintained, and in compliance with all relevant regulations. In exchange for your rent, they cover the cost of repairs and maintenance. However, unexpected situations can arise that require immediate access to your apartment.
Emergency Situations Require Quick Action
Having an extra key can be critical in the event of an emergency. For instance, if a pipe bursts in the attic or a gas leak occurs, the landlord needs immediate access to address the problem. Without the right key, accessing the property might involve expensive locksmith services, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Multinational Corporation, Inc., a property management company we are familiar with, managed over 40 years of rental properties. We consistently kept keys for each unit, only entering with a tenant's permission and after giving 24-hour notice. In one instance, an unexpected freeze caused pipe bursts in the attic, and we would have needed to access the property had the tenant not been home. This underscores the importance of having a backup key.
Tenants and Emergency Access
Beyond emergencies, tenant negligence is another common reason landlords need keys. Sometimes, tenants forget their keys or move out without returning them. In such cases, the only way for a landlord to access the property is through a key or a locksmith, which can be expensive and inconvenient.
Many landlords maintain a master lock system for all their units. This allows for simpler and more cost-effective lock changes. If a tenant wants to change locks, they must keep the locks on the master lock system. This requirement, along with a contract agreement, often stipulates that landlords are entitled, but not required, to retain a key.
Practical Considerations
Some tenants may also wish to change locks for personal reasons. Landlords can assist with this in a timely manner. For instance, if a roommate moves out, the original landlord can have the locks changed and provide new keys to the tenant. As demonstrated in a recent case, this can be accomplished efficiently and reasonably priced.
In summary, landlords need keys for several reasons, including ensuring property security and handling emergencies. While there is no law requiring landlords to keep keys, tenants should be willing to cooperate in maintaining proper documentation and access for emergencies. Retaining a key is a matter of practicality and preparedness, which benefits both the tenant and the landlord in the long run.