Tenant+wants+added+locks

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Tenant wants added locks (by RockyMtnLL [CO]) Apr 7, 2017 11:22 AM
       (by Robert,Ontario,Can [ON]) Apr 7, 2017 11:33 AM
       (by Ken [NY]) Apr 7, 2017 11:38 AM
       (by WMH [NC]) Apr 7, 2017 11:43 AM
       (by Barb [MO]) Apr 7, 2017 11:51 AM
       (by RockyMtnLL [CO]) Apr 7, 2017 11:56 AM
       (by Jan [MO]) Apr 7, 2017 12:08 PM
       (by cjo'h [CT]) Apr 7, 2017 12:26 PM
       (by Landlord ofthe Flies [TX]) Apr 7, 2017 12:34 PM
       (by Still Learning [NH]) Apr 7, 2017 12:54 PM
       (by RR78 [VA]) Apr 7, 2017 1:13 PM
       (by Robert,Ontario,Can [ON]) Apr 7, 2017 1:17 PM
       (by S i d [MO]) Apr 7, 2017 1:27 PM
       (by AllyM [NJ]) Apr 7, 2017 1:33 PM
       (by TahoeGal [CA]) Apr 7, 2017 1:48 PM
       (by Andrew, Canada [ON]) Apr 7, 2017 2:45 PM
       (by myob [GA]) Apr 7, 2017 4:06 PM
       (by Stephen [ON]) Apr 7, 2017 5:08 PM
       (by Kyle [IN]) Apr 7, 2017 8:03 PM
       (by paul [UT]) Apr 7, 2017 11:44 PM
       (by myob [GA]) Apr 8, 2017 5:36 AM
       (by Vee [OH]) Apr 8, 2017 5:46 AM
       (by gevans [SC]) Apr 8, 2017 6:20 AM
       (by WMH [NC]) Apr 8, 2017 6:57 AM
       (by MB [WI]) Apr 8, 2017 7:54 AM
       (by RockyMtnLL [CO]) Apr 8, 2017 6:27 PM
       (by John2 [MI]) Apr 9, 2017 3:59 AM
       (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Apr 9, 2017 5:11 PM
       (by plenty [MO]) Apr 9, 2017 7:02 PM
       (by Pattyk [MO]) Apr 9, 2017 7:02 PM
       (by gevans [SC]) Apr 10, 2017 5:33 PM
       (by Jill [CA]) Jul 22, 2018 5:06 AM
       (by Deanna [TX]) Jul 22, 2018 5:49 AM
       (by Ry [OH]) Nov 9, 2018 1:06 PM
       (by Ry [OH]) Nov 9, 2018 1:07 PM
       (by Charlie [CT]) Nov 12, 2018 8:39 PM

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Tenant wants added locks (by RockyMtnLL [CO]) Apr 7, 2017 11:22 AM
Message:

New tenant comes in, signs lease, signs condition sheet, has mother attend. Mother demands all sorts of additions on condition sheet - is overbearing and problematic. (Mother is not on lease.) I write down every bump and scuff as requested. Tenant signs lease and condition sheet accepting unit "as is."

Day 2, tenant texts that she wants additional deadbolt on door. (Apartment has brand new digital Schlage lock, is in a 4-plex with other 3 tenants. The other 3 tenants have access to the front door, but not to her unit's door. So, there are 2 locks between her and someone wanting inside. I live an hour away, so lockouts are an issue with lost keys, and/or pets that lock tenants out by accident. I decline permission to add a deadbolt, explaining there are 2 locked doors between tenant and outside world. Tenant's mom then requests a chain lock on the inside door. My issue: I do not want added locking mechanisms added to the doors. I've had a tenant fall unconscious in a unit before, and their added "security" caused a delay and damage in responding.

On the surface, this sounds like a reasonable request, but I'd like to decline it. Is that a mistake? I already explained to the tenant that she signed acceptance of the unit "as is" and that if we were not in agreement, I'd be happy to release her from the lease. She said no, that she wants a chain on the door. (There is already a peep hole in the door to see who would be knocking.) I think this is an end run to prevent landlord access. Anyway, I don't want to have this land in legal-land. What advice do you all have? --69.130.xxx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by Robert,Ontario,Can [ON]) Apr 7, 2017 11:33 AM
Message:

A chain lock can be kicked in once the door is opened so that is worthless. A deadbolt is the most secure. The problem here is fire code where with a key the tenant can have access if there is a fire. Another problem suppose there is medical emergency where someone has to taken out with a ambulance. That is a non starter. If they want that then the tenants should consider buying their own home. Most jurisdictions there are rules when a rental housing can enter the rental unit so it is best to go over the landlord and tenant act with the tenant. I have taken out all chain locks in all the rental units in the apartment building as there is controlled entrance. Ask the tenant if they would be pay a higher rent where a Mircom controlled entrance would be installed in the building. --74.220.xxx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by Ken [NY]) Apr 7, 2017 11:38 AM
Message:

Even if it is an attempt to keep you out of the unit it is only in use when she is home,so if you knock and she refuses entry you shouldn't be using your key to get in anyway,I would let her install it,I consider it useless but don't want to get sued when someone kicks in the door and they think that a chain lock would have made a difference.Also don't communicate with the mother,it is not her apartment --24.25.xxx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by WMH [NC]) Apr 7, 2017 11:43 AM
Message:

Chain locks are useless! And with a peephole, why would she be opening the door to see who is there anyway? And how do people get to her without a key unless she admitted them to the building?

I would tell her that while you want her to feel safe and secure, a chain lock is "false security" and does damage to the woodwork without providing safety, in fact the opposite at times.

Offer the Happy Clause again. --100.36.xx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by Barb [MO]) Apr 7, 2017 11:51 AM
Message:

Happy Clause Time!

Repeat what you already said. There are two locks between you and the outside world. One controls access to the building. The other controls access to your unit.

We deny permission to install additional locks on the door, including surface mounted locks and chains. If you continue to feel insecure, perhaps you should look for a different residence. If this is the case, please let us know now, and have all of your belongings removed and the home clean and move-in ready by April 30.

--131.151.xx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by RockyMtnLL [CO]) Apr 7, 2017 11:56 AM
Message:

Perhaps this is a case where a little bit of information is dangerous. I attended a seminar that with disabled tenants, if you refuse to make accommodations, you can land in big trouble. This tenant is NOT disabled, but I was concerned that some similar situations may exist. The additional lock is not, in my opinion, necessary, and will likely do added damage over time to the solid wood door. Besides, it is unsightly and insecure. I am satisfied that I have met the threshold of basic security by providing a door with a peep hole, a coded entry, erasing all previous codes, allowing the tenant to have her own code, and an additional "temporary" code for guests if she does not wish to give out her personal code, and to change the codes upon request. I know that the mother is not satisfied, and the daughter is taking her cues from her mom. Honestly, I've never had a problem with security in this building before, and am beginning to wonder if she is planning on bringing problems into my otherwise quiet, happy complex! That said, I cannot promise security without absorbing liability. Bottom line, if someone wants in, they'll come through a window, if necessary, disregarding whatever security measures you take.

Thanks for your input! --69.130.xxx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by Jan [MO]) Apr 7, 2017 12:08 PM
Message:

I'm with Barb. Do not install a chain on the door. I have the 4-digit Schlage locks, too, and they work like a charm.

Did Mom attend the showing with prospect? If so, that was a huge red flag, and I would have found a way to deny her application.

--144.191.xxx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by cjo'h [CT]) Apr 7, 2017 12:26 PM
Message:

Rocky, you say she is not disabled.Id say she is sick in the head.So is the mother.See if you can get rid of her and rent to a normal tenant.If she wants all this,let her live with the mother or buy her own house. Charlie................................................................................ --174.199.xx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by Landlord ofthe Flies [TX]) Apr 7, 2017 12:34 PM
Message:

The odds of an emergency entry is rare. The odds of your door being kicked in anyway because you weren't there to unlock the door is pretty high.

Find a substitute for the chain. I installed a half deadbolt lock. A half deadbolt lock only sticks halfway into the door so it's only visible on the inside where the deadbolt twist knob is. From the inside, it looks like another deadbolt. And since the hole doesn't go all the way through the door, there's nothing to see on the outside.

Not a battle I'd fight. I'd want that for my little girl too.

Here's what I'm talking about. Under $10 at Lowes

www .lowes.com/pd/Kwikset-663-Satin-Nickel-Deadbolt/3550702 --99.125.xxx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by Still Learning [NH]) Apr 7, 2017 12:54 PM
Message:

I have only demanded smoke and CO detectors in one of my son's college rentals. I do have a lot of just graduated students renting my units and most are "scarred" from their past experiences of not getting any security deposits back for some things that were deserved and other things which might have been debatable. They are usually the ones that want every mark and knick notated. Either the mother is overbearing or there is a reason the parents and the girl want her to feel safe. It may be less about the actual security benefit of the chain and deadbolt and more about the feeling of security it provides. Have you asked if there is a specific concern they have? --24.61.xxx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by RR78 [VA]) Apr 7, 2017 1:13 PM
Message:

I think you are being to picky. If a woman wants to install a door chain to just make her feel safer, why not.

This is something so easy to remove and patch the holes. I am sure she is thinking there is always the slim possibility someone could get the lock code and thru a misunderstanding walk in on her. If a maintenance man or whoever.

Thru a door chain not much security but they will stop a service person from walking in.

There are a few ways someone could get the code including maybe even a hidden camera.

If anything ever happened I would not want to be in court trying to defend myself when I would not even allow an extra lock or even a simple door chain. --50.134.xxx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by Robert,Ontario,Can [ON]) Apr 7, 2017 1:17 PM
Message:

Here if there is common hallways the rental unit will have grade 1 or 2 fire rated deadbolt which is most difficult to break into compared to the cheap grade residential grade. The lower lock will be fire rated passage lock where it is impossible to lock the door without using a key. One can be sure the chain lock is not UL fire rated so end of story. A solid wood door has a fire rating of twenty minutes which means it takes 20 minutes to burn through where a steel door will have fire rating of 90 minutes. One simple lock to lock the suite door no complications. --74.220.xxx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by S i d [MO]) Apr 7, 2017 1:27 PM
Message:

I let me residents know that if someone is going to come thru a deadbolt, a chain will not stop them. Likewise, if they answer the door and someone is there to cause trouble, a chain will slow that person down about 2 seconds. If someone feels that insecure, they probably ought to rent in a gated community. That said, I don't care of tenants install chains, really. I can snip them using a bolt cutter if needed...

The issue here is the overbearing mother causing you headaches. Here's a new phrase for your tool kit: "I'm sorry Mrs. Helicopter, but I can only discuss terms of the lease with the person on the lease and you are not on the lease. Thanks for calling and have a great day!" (click)

Then block her number.

Easy cheesy! --173.19.xx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by AllyM [NJ]) Apr 7, 2017 1:33 PM
Message:

I would give her the chain lock and also the deadbolt. Who are the other three tenants? Does she need to fear them? Is she attractive and are the others males? I hope you changed the locks. Those little push button locks can be opened with a credit card or a steak knife. My town would require both items and I provided them. If you take off the little push button locks they can't shut the door and locke themselves out as they have to use a key to shut the door. I lived at an expensive rental years ago and used my chain lock. One night I heard the door open and hit the end of the chain and close again. I suspect a helper of some sort got the key and was going to pay sexy little me a visit. I don't know what my Irish Wolfhound girl would have done about that but I put a baseball bat at the top of the stairs after that happened. The worst though was coming home to find some man's pee in my toilet with the lid up. There was a water leak somewhere so they made entrance. I decided to marry my current boyfriend and got the he.. out. If you want to keep a tenant, get the locks. --73.33.xxx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by TahoeGal [CA]) Apr 7, 2017 1:48 PM
Message:

Some women, myself included, tend to think a little differently about our personal safety, at night, alone, in our homes. Maybe it seems overboard to you, but maybe there are reasons. She sounds like a PITA on other issues, but I would agree with LLOTF. I would put in a half-deadbolt (twist lock on inside only). When I used to live in the city, my husband worked graveyard. I had him install a half-deadbolt with heavy duty strike plate secured by super long screws. Helped me sleep at night. --24.7.xxx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by Andrew, Canada [ON]) Apr 7, 2017 2:45 PM
Message:

My greater concern than deciding whether to add a lock would be that the constant demands will not stop.

I have bent over backwards to accomodate tenants like these. In my experience they are selfish, ungrateful, will readily break thier lease or stop paying rent (unlawfully) claiming ficticious maintenance issues and will never stop complaining.

I would very seriously consider the happy clause. --70.29.xxx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by myob [GA]) Apr 7, 2017 4:06 PM
Message:

you have to learn the word NO!!!!!! If I could put that in 78 font i would. NO NO NO NO.

Second mom is not on lease can't discuss anything with her.

Get some back bone or get out of business. Your now working for the tenant not visa versa.

No --74.184.xxx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by Stephen [ON]) Apr 7, 2017 5:08 PM
Message:

I agree with Andrew on this one. Don't expect any thanks from the tenant or her mother if you accede to these requests, there will almost certainly be more to come. I would offer the happy clause now and get them to put up or shut up. Going through the pain of marketing and finding a new tenant is not ideal but we are heading into the Spring uptick in rental traffic and the tenant and her noisy parent sound like a real PITA. --70.30.xx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by Kyle [IN]) Apr 7, 2017 8:03 PM
Message:

I am hesitant to deny a request for a security measure, but you have 2 deadbolts already in place, a security chain will not stop anyone who has already passed them.

It may stop someone accidentally entering for maintenance. Maybe going over the notice you will give before you or a contractor would enter will give her more peace of mind. When I was renting, our chain lock stopped the manager from doing a showing once while we were home. They had sent their notice to the wrong residents.

I don't like the damage that can be done to the trim from the extra locks tenants install (mine don't usually ask first). The one sided deadbolt may be a good option. I have those on some doors where a keyed deadbolt didn't seem like a good option, though mine have a blank plate on the outside since they replace an old lock.

I would try to figure out why the tenant wants this lock and see if you can come to an agreeable solution for both of you. --68.38.xxx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by paul [UT]) Apr 7, 2017 11:44 PM
Message:

I would be very hesitant to deny someone reasonable additional security. It may just be peace of mind for the tenant but if something were to happen, you can plan on the tenants attorney contacting you for being the one who denied the extra lock. If one of the other 3 tenants or guests gets a wild hair.. your 2 locks just became 1. What is wrong with adding a deadbolt you have a key. Give her two copies of the key and tell her you won't be able to get her in until the next day for a lost key. Safety is at the top of my list. --50.186.xx.x




Tenant wants added locks (by myob [GA]) Apr 8, 2017 5:36 AM
Message:

I'm re-reading these posts and saying what a bunch of "PANSIES" AKA SNOWFLAKES YOU ALL ARE.

These requests are-- "if something happens I'll have documentation showing it's the LL fault".

Like saying if my car door had more locks it would be less likely someone would break in----- and windows can't be broken? --74.184.xxx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by Vee [OH]) Apr 8, 2017 5:46 AM
Message:

After looking at the locks described by the TX folks be aware that if the tenant can not open the door the door will be destroyed by emergency responder to get someone out who has medical needs, plan this cost with an increased deposit amount if you choose this, it is harder to collect this added to the next rent cycle when the tenant is out of work for the original injury. --76.188.xxx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by gevans [SC]) Apr 8, 2017 6:20 AM
Message:

Is the current door lock a deadbolt? If so, I would not make any changes.

If it's not a deadbolt, I would install deadbolts on all three units.

Your insurance company will cut you a break for having deadbolts that more than compensates for the installation charges.

And discounting the above arguments, I would agree to having a professional install a deadbolt for this tenant with them bearing the costs.

Security, or the illusion of security, is a big issue. It will be an issue for others, so why not nip it? --74.222.xx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by WMH [NC]) Apr 8, 2017 6:57 AM
Message:

The internal half-deadbolt sounds like a good solution! --100.36.xx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by MB [WI]) Apr 8, 2017 7:54 AM
Message:

I would add a regular non-locking passage knob to the units and add a schlage keypad deadbolt to each of the units. They'll get their added level of security, and you'll still have the same level of convenience to prevent long trips due to lockouts. I would keep the main entrance as the keypad door knob lock opposed to a deadbolt as one of the tenant's may forget to relock the outer door otherwise. --71.86.xxx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by RockyMtnLL [CO]) Apr 8, 2017 6:27 PM
Message:

An update: The tenants mother said she could get into the unit quickly with a butter knife. This, I had to see! So, I took my video camera to the apartment. Mom was gone, but tenant's boyfriend was there. The tenant was very apologetic regarding her mother and said that she had gotten soething else for above the door that would not interfere with the structure of the door. I asked her boyfriend to show me how to get into the unit using a butter knife - AND HE DID!!! Much to my surprise, the trim near the door latch had already been pried loose and he was able to open the door easily in less than about 25 seconds. This was unacceptable to me...on all levels. So, maintenance man was in tow - watching the situation, and he secured the trim very adequately and also revamped the front door's closing hinge so that it pulls the door shut. The main building doorway has a steel frame and jamb, so we all felt the only security issue with it was the fact if the door swelled, it did not always latch when tenants used the door. That is fixed now. And the tenant is very happy. It is too early to predict whether she will be a PITA or not, but we showed up on the same day as the issue was requested, so that will have to suffice. Regarding why I do not put deadbolts on all doors, I live over an hour away. I've had pets lock tenants out, tenants lose keys, had tenants make additional keys (so I have to replace the lock every tenant). I love the Schlage digital locks. They are secure (when the trim is not compromised), and the lock changing costs are all but eliminated, keys are never lost, and codes can be changed easily and quickly if the tenant gives the access code to someone and then wants them locked out. As a postscript to other landlords here who have these same locks, I do think it is a good idea to fasten a small metal strip on the inside of the molding (invisible to the outside) that would block foreign objects from getting to the latch. That costs little and would stop someone from getting inside the apartment quietly in 25 seconds, like this girls BF did. Ultimately, if someone wants into an apartment and there is even ONE window, the place WILL be broken into - but this solution met both of our needs. Win/win. Thanks again! --69.130.xxx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by John2 [MI]) Apr 9, 2017 3:59 AM
Message:

Yes, install a deadbolt that requires the key from outside to lock... problem solved --97.87.xxx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Apr 9, 2017 5:11 PM
Message:

Tenant wants to modify your unit, advise them that it will have to be changed back to the original condition before they moved in and if that if left unchanged a fee of XXX needs to be collected NOW to ensure that the change does go back to the original condition.

Suddenly that detailed list will end up biting the tenants bottom --24.239.xx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by plenty [MO]) Apr 9, 2017 7:02 PM
Message:

Don't those locks use a simular stern metal locking bolt like a dead bolt. They are stronger than a regular lock. No. No. No. Send her the specs on the lock that is there. Very strong. --66.87.xx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by Pattyk [MO]) Apr 9, 2017 7:02 PM
Message:

Or charge her $10 more per month for the extra security. --66.87.xx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by gevans [SC]) Apr 10, 2017 5:33 PM
Message:

Keyed deadbolts mean the tenant must have their key in hand when they lock the door from the outside.

They can still lose the key, but they will never lock it inside the house. --74.222.xxx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by Jill [CA]) Jul 22, 2018 5:06 AM
Message:

I've lived in my apartment 24 years. There was a security chain on my door when I moved in. I just recently started using it. I just got a letter saying it needs to be removed. Manager thought I installed it but I did not. I was told to remove it or ill receive a three day notice.

Also im on the second floor and I had a dish professionally installed on my patio over 10 10 years ago. The manager at that time gave me verbal permission to have it installed. The letter says I need to remove it although I could make it free standing and that would be acceptable I've also learned that tenants have the right to have a dish as long as it's not located in a common area. This newer manager doesnt care for me and has given me 11 days to fix both issues. I think its odd that the dish is now an issue after 2 years of nothing being mentioned. I feel it's not my responsibility to remove the door chain. I'm a single female and knowing all the apartment keys are stored by the water heater in a locked supply closet...inwhich I've seen the storage door left wide open unattended because the maintenance person got side tracked and wasn't paying attention. Also I know of at least one neighbor that wasn't told to remove their door chain. I'm feeling somewhat harassed. Eleven days seems like a small window. I've never had any issue resolved by management in eleven days but I am expected to.

--172.56.xx.xxx




Tenant wants added locks (by Deanna [TX]) Jul 22, 2018 5:49 AM
Message:

@Jill, it should be better to make your own thread rather than piggybacking onto a totally different topic.

You've been in your apartment 24 years. Do you live in an area with rent control? How far under market is your current rent? If you wanted to get your same apartment elsewhere, how much more would you have to pay?

I think the new management is wanting to move your cheese, make you upset, and make you leave, so they can rerent the place at current normal market rates. There are three options: (1) roll with it and allow them to move your cheese, because moving your dish or removing the chain isn't a big deal, compared to having to move; (2) get upset because your cheese was moved, and find a new place to live; or (3) ask a local attorney who's familiar with your local laws and ordinances what your rights are, when an incoming manager is trying to claim your 24-year-old chain (photos?) and your 10-year-old dish (verbal permission only?) are violations in need of curing. --96.46.xxx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by Ry [OH]) Nov 9, 2018 1:06 PM
Message:

Next time, tell them to get one of the kick-stand stile locks. It wedges between the floor and the door knob. Problem solved. --98.28.xx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by Ry [OH]) Nov 9, 2018 1:07 PM
Message:

*Style --98.28.xx.xx




Tenant wants added locks (by Charlie [CT]) Nov 12, 2018 8:39 PM
Message:

Rocky, being able to gain access to a unit with a butter knife here in Connecticut,would never cut the mustard with our building inspectors, even the stupid ones. The butter knives here wouldn’t cut butter unless it was sitting out all night on the kitchen table,then you use a spoon ,even Kerry Gold...use two 3” bar bolts ,one at the top and one at the bottom.............. Charlie............submit --32.214.xxx.xx



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