Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Rental property keys

3 years ago, I rented a house to my daughter and son-in-law. I charged little rent, because of my grandchildren. Since then, my daughter left and my son-in-law has his mistress there. My grandchildren are still there. When my daughter moved in, my son-in-law changed the locks. He told my daughter he didn't want me to have keys to his house. It was my daughter, so I let it go. When my daughter left, she left me her set of keys. My son-in-law changed the locks again. What are my legal rights regarding this. Aren't I suppose to have keys to my own property? I've never had this problem with renters before. I can't evict him because he does have my grandchildren, even though I would love to. But can he withhold keys from me?


Asked on 5/17/00, 7:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Colistra Law Office Of John A. Colistra

Re: Rental property keys

AS A LANDLADY YOU HAVE AN ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO A SET OF KEYS TO YOUR OWN HOME AND A RIGHT TO INSPECT YOUR HOME AFTER REASONABLE NOTICE TO YOU TENNANT.DOES HE MAINTAIN THE HOME? IS THE RENT YOU CHARGE REASONABLE OR LOW AS A CONCESSION BECAUSE YOUR GRANDCHILDREN LIVE THERE?

IT IS OBVIOUS THAT YOUR LOVE FOR YOUR GRANDCHILDREN AND THEIR WELL BEING IS MOST IMPORTANT. WHY DID YOUR DAUGHTER LEAVE? DOES YOUR SON IN-LAW HAVE LEGAL AND/OR PHYSICAL CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN. IS HE A GOOD PARENT? DO YOU SEE YOUR GRANDCHILDREN OFTEN? WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR SON IN LAW? MAYBE IT'S TIME FOR A TALK BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU TO AIR OUT YOUR DIFFERENCES.

YOU MUST DECIDE WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT. IF THE ONLY ISSUE IS A SET OF KEYS I THINK YOU KNOW THE ANSWER AND THE DIRECTION YOU MUST TAKE.

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Answered on 7/04/00, 5:06 pm


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