Can a landlord keep a duplicate of his tenant's keys?
Verified 04 June 2021 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
Yes, the owner (landlord) can keep a duplicate of the keys of the rental unit.
But he is not allowed to enter the dwelling without the agreement of the tenant.
Even in case of emergency (e.g. water damage), the owner cannot enter the accommodation occupied by the tenant without his permission.
If the landlord enters the dwelling without the agreement of the tenant, the tenant may file for home violation. The owner can be sentenced to 1 year in prison and a fine of €15 000.
FYI
nothing prevents the tenant from changing the lock or barrel during the entire rental period, provided that the door is restored to its original state when he leaves the dwelling permanently.
- Penal Code: Article 226(4)Penalty for breach of domicile
- Act No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989 on rental reports: article 7Door change and restoration (paragraph f)