Can a landlord keep a duplicate of his tenant's keys?

Verified 04 June 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Yes, the owner (lessor) may keep a duplicate of the keys of the dwelling he has rented.

But he is not allowed to enter the dwelling without the agreement of the tenant.

Even in the event of an emergency (e.g. water damage), the landlord cannot enter the dwelling occupied by the tenant without his authorization.

If the landlord enters the dwelling without the agreement of the tenant, the tenant can complain for trespassing. The owner can be sentenced to 1 year in prison and a fine of €15,000.

FYI  

nothing prohibits the tenant from changing the lock or the barrel during the entire rental period, on condition that the door is restored to its original condition when he finally leaves the accommodation.

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  • Telephone administrative information - Allo Public Service

    The informants who answer you belong to the ministry in charge of housing and city planning.

    Cost: free service

    Attention: the service does not have access to users' personal files and therefore cannot provide information on their progress.

    The service is available at the following times:

    • Monday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
    • Tuesday: 8:30 to 12:15
    • Wednesday: 8:30 to 12:15
    • Thursday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
    • Friday: 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m
      • Lundi : de 08h30 à 16h15
      • Mardi : de 08h30 à 12h15
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      • Jeudi : de 08h30 à 17h30
      • Vendredi : de 13h00 à 16h15

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  • Departmental Agency for Housing Information (Adil)

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