A landlord who is frustrated about a tenant’s behavior may be tempted to change the locks to prevent that person from getting back in. Perhaps the tenant is repeatedly very late with rent payments, parties late into the night and annoys neighbors, or is not taking care of the place. It’s important to understand that rekeying locks in this situation is against New York State law. A Locksmith in Suffolk County NY can only change the locks once a legal eviction process has been completed.
The Eviction Process
Trying to prevent tenants from getting into the apartment or living there is known as a self-help eviction. However, New York State requires a court order from a judge for an eviction. The landlord cannot have the utilities turned off or rekey the locks until the time frame for the legal eviction has passed. Otherwise, the tenant could file a lawsuit and would probably win.
If the renter wins this type of suit, the landlord would be required to pay for related damages as well as his or her legal fees. Damages might include the costs for a hotel while being unable to get into the apartment, which could wind up being expensive.
The Court Order
If a court order is issued and the tenant does not comply by the date on the order, the landlord then can hire a Locksmith in Suffolk County NY to change the locks. The landlord might issue one final notice as to the date this would occur. Sometimes renters simply leave after an eviction order and don’t take all of their belongings with them. It can be difficult to know whether or not they have actually moved out.
After the date on the court order has passed, the landlord can legally remove everything the renter has left in the apartment. It may be considerate to keep it in storage on the property for another 30 days, but that is not required. The apartment can be rented to new tenants as soon as the locks have been rekeyed by a company such as Able Lock Shop. Visit the website to get started. You can also connect them on Facebook.
