I have a tenant renting a room in a three bedroom unit. Due to some disputes among the three ladies, one has installed a new lock on her door. Can she legally do this? And can I legally request a key in case I need access? The lease clearly states that adding a lock requires prior landlord approval in writing, which she does not have.

The other issue is that this bedroom also contains a washer/dryer that the entire apartment is supposed to share. So her locking this room prevents the others from using it. I know its not the best arrangement, but it's never been a problem in the 8 years I've been renting the space. And having a washer/dryer somewhere in the unit is better than none...

What does your lease say about locks? If it has a clause that says locks cannot be installed without your permission and that you must have a key to all locks, you can issue her a violation of lease notice.

You can also write her a violation notice for denying the other tenants the use of communal appliances. She accepted the bedroom knowing that it had communal appliances in there and that she had to allow the other tenants access.

The lease does clearly state that locks are not allowed without prior written permission from the landlord (me). I guess I am wondering how far do her rights go in terms of protecting her things?

She is now claiming that a diamond necklace is missing from her room, which she claims gives her the right to lock her bedroom door. She even locks it when she leaves her room to go to the bathroom. She is planning to file a police report about the necklace. I know she won't get far with that, it's just annoying.

If she is going to the extremes of claiming theft, I am not sure I want to be the only one with a key to her room....

You wonder why anyone would choose to live like that, you know?

I would move the machines, that kind of situation is only gonna lead to problems. I'm surprised it took 8 years for this to happen. If I were shareing an apt or house, I would want a lock on my b/r door too. You as the LL should get a key to any lock.

I would tell her, lock your door after I take the laundry machines out the apt. This way she can pay more for a more of a private room.

Their prob, not yours.

Thanks for the info, I am for the most part staying out of it, I am mainly curious as to what my rights are. I am a small time landlord (just three rentals) and try to learn from each encounter. That way I can tailor the lease rider, or know what to screen for with the next tenants.

I'll probably just let them simmer. If she stops paying the rent, then I will take action.

Sounds like a problem tenants need to work out and a LL need to stay out of...