What to Do When Your Roommate Changes Apartment Locks and Won’t Give You a Key

Have you ever been locked out of your apartment by your roommate and they won't give you the key? It can be a stressful situation, but there are steps you can take to resolve it, especially if you are listed as a tenant on the lease.

Understand the Legal Implications

Whether you are a tenant or a sublessee, the apartment legally belongs to the landlord. If your roommate changes the locks without giving you a key and you are listed as a tenant, the landlord’s involvement is crucial. You have the right to return to the premises, and your landlord should be willing to let you in and straighten things out.

If You Are Listed as a Tenant

It is best to contact the landlord to resolve the situation. If the landlord refuses to provide you with a key, it might indicate an eviction process. Evictions typically require legal action, including court proceedings, and should be handled with care.

Steps to take:

Contact the landlord immediately. Request access to the apartment. Follow up with written communications to ensure a record is kept.

If You Are a Sublessee

If you are not officially a tenant, but a sublessee (paying rent to another tenant), you have fewer options. You should attempt to resolve the matter with the host.

Steps to take:

Communicate with the previous roommate who is now the tenant. Inform them that you are concerned about your belongings and are considering contacting the police. Explain that they are potentially engaging in theft by changing locks and withholding keys.

However, expect that the police will only grant you access to retrieve your belongings and not allow you to stay in the apartment if you have no legal right to do so.

Actions to Take Personally

As a tenant, you may decide to take proactive steps to prevent future issues:

Prevent the Problem Before It Happens

Consider writing to the roommate with a clear warning:

State that you intend to change the locks. Specify that you will charge for the cost and deduct it from their deposit. Suggest having the locks rekeyed as a less stressful solution.

Change or Rekey the Locks

If you still face issues, consider changing or rekeying the locks. Options include:

Changing the locks completely, which might prevent the roommate from accessing the apartment. Rekeying the locks, a less drastic measure that preserves the current lock but adds additional keys for security.

Both options should be pursued with careful consideration to avoid lasting conflicts.

Conclusion

Dealing with a roommate who changes locks and refuses to provide keys can be challenging. Whether you are a tenant or a sublessee, understanding the legal and practical steps is crucial. Always prioritize constructive communication and consider the landlord's role in the situation. Taking necessary measures such as changing or rekeying the locks can help mitigate future conflicts and ensure a smoother living arrangement.