Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
If you rent out garages to your residents should you have a key? Is it the same as them renting a unit?
3 Answers from Attorneys
I assuem from your question the garage is separately rented from a rental unit. As is often the case, it depends. If you rent covered space which is open (like a carport) there would be no purpose. If you have a secured and fully enclosed garage, you may want to provide a key, or alternately you may advise them that they are responsible for locking or securing the premises. You should have a rental agreement defining each parties legal obligations, In this regard, it is quite similar to rental of a unit. This gratuitous response does not create an attorney client relationship. The advice provided herein is generic, may not apply to your circumstances and is not to be relied upon in your actions. An attorney client relationship is created only upon execution of an engagement letter hiring me or my firm.
You are entitled to access the premises, no matter whether it is a garage or a dwelling unit, unless your lease or rental agreement states restrictions on your access.