Can I changethe locks onthe door if the tenant has signed a contract that says I can?
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Can I changethe locks onthe door if the tenant has signed a contract that says I can?
I’ve been having issues with my current tenants. There contract was over last year so they are on a month-to-month basis but now I need my home back due to some financial issues. We have come upon a mutual agreement, that they are to leave the house in 2 weeks but I have also added on this contract (which is required for legal actions later) “If this has not been done by X date at midnight landlord will then change locks at home and anything left in premise will become property of the Landlord.” Is that legal if she signs it and understands the consequences of not leaving?
Asked on August 4, 2011 Utah
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You can change the locks on the doors to your property under the agreement you reference within your question, but suggest you do not. I also suggest that you do not prepare or sign any agreement with your current tenants about changing the locks and keeping the items left in the home that belong to the tenants after the locks are changed if the tenants have not vacated the proeprty by a certain time and date.
The reasoning is that such an agreement would be in violation of laws of your state (and many others) and would be in violation of public policy.
The agreement as you have described is unconscionable and constitutes a penalty to the tenant in an arbitrary manner. If you have an agreement like the one you describe, attempt to lock out the tenants and keep their property, if they retain an attorney over what happened, you will end up regretting signing that agreement.
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