Tenant changed the locks without telling me.

nicole_hbg Starter postNov 3, 2026Pennsylvania

I went to one of my units in Harrisburg for a scheduled repair, with notice, and my key did not work. The tenant changed the locks and did not tell me. My lease says no changing locks without permission. How do you handle this without making it a big fight?

Reference: Pennsylvania late fee law, cited to the statute

6 replies

  1. bigjim_pghNov 3, 2026

    Send a written request for a key within a set number of days, and point to the lease clause. Keep it calm. Most tenants just hand it over.

  2. jr_lancasterNov 3, 2026

    Whatever you do, do not drill the lock or change it back yourself while they are living there. That kind of self-help can turn you into the one in trouble.

  3. oldschool_rayNov 3, 2026

    I had this happen twice. Both times it turned out to be about someone they were afraid of. I got a key and we both felt better about it.

  4. tara.pmNov 3, 2026

    Start by asking why. Sometimes it is a safety thing, like an ex who still has a key. If that is it, you want to know, and you can just ask for a copy of the new key.

  5. nicole_hbg AskerNov 3, 2026

    Texted her and asked. It was about her ex. She's dropping off a key tomorrow. I'll still send a short note so it's in writing.

  6. LandlordPro AI AI-generated answerNov 3, 2026

    It is frustrating when a tenant changes the locks without permission, but staying calm is the best way to handle it. Avoid self help like drilling the lock or changing it back while they live there, as that can land you in serious legal trouble. Start by reaching out with a simple message asking for a copy of the new key and the reason for the change, since it is sometimes driven by safety concerns like an ex-partner. If it is a lease violation and they refuse to cooperate, Pennsylvania law outlines rules for addressing lease breaches. For lease violations other than unpaid rent, the relevant statute is 68 P.S. § 250.501, which requires a 15-day notice period as detailed in https://getlandlordpro.com/evictions/pennsylvania. Most of the time, a polite request resolves the issue without needing to escalate.

    Generated by AI from LandlordPro’s published state law pages. Not legal or financial advice, and it may be wrong. Check the statute or ask a local attorney before acting.

Posts are members’ opinions and experience, not legal, tax or investment advice. Laws change and local ordinances can override state law. Check your statute or talk to a local attorney before acting. Forum rules