Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

I rent a cottage that has a fenced back yard with two gates. I am responsible for upkeep of the yard. I leave the backdoor open for my 8-month old puppy can go in and out. For security, I put a lock on each gate. My landlord cut one of the locks off. Is it legal for her to do this?


Asked on 4/26/16, 10:54 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Almost certainly yes. A landlord has a legal right to access the premises under various circumstances. By placing a lock on both gates you have violated that right. In addition, if the landlord has even a half-way decent lease, it prohibits you from changing or adding locks, or at a minimum requires you to provide the landlord a key and/or combination. Tenants should never add or change locks without discussing it and making arrangements with their landlord first.

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Answered on 4/26/16, 11:23 am


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