Can a landlord refuse to change the locks on a house?

This will, however, be subject to the tenancy agreement and whether or not there is a clause within it that states otherwise. In fact, many would argue that a tenant should change the locks as soon as they move in.

Can a landlord refuse to give a tenant access to a property?

In 99% of cases a tenant refusing entry to a landlord will usually boil down to convenience, or lack thereof. Simply adjusting the time and date will be enough to gain access to the property. That being said, landlords may occasionally come across a tenant that continually refuses to give them access to the property in question.

What happens if a landlord does not have a set of keys?

Incidentally there may also be an advantage to the landlord in not having a set of keys. If a landlord holds keys, particularly if he is known to enter the property from time to time, he may be in a difficult position if the tenant accuses him of theft of the tenants belongings.

What are the rights of landlord and tenant?

Both the landlord and tenant have specific rights to the property, and the issue of accessing the property is affected by those rights. While landlords have a right and obligation to be able to access and repair the property as needed, tenant’s also have a right to use the property as they see fit at any time without interruption.

In 99% of cases a tenant refusing entry to a landlord will usually boil down to convenience, or lack thereof. Simply adjusting the time and date will be enough to gain access to the property. That being said, landlords may occasionally come across a tenant that continually refuses to give them access to the property in question.

This will, however, be subject to the tenancy agreement and whether or not there is a clause within it that states otherwise. In fact, many would argue that a tenant should change the locks as soon as they move in.

Both the landlord and tenant have specific rights to the property, and the issue of accessing the property is affected by those rights. While landlords have a right and obligation to be able to access and repair the property as needed, tenant’s also have a right to use the property as they see fit at any time without interruption.

Incidentally there may also be an advantage to the landlord in not having a set of keys. If a landlord holds keys, particularly if he is known to enter the property from time to time, he may be in a difficult position if the tenant accuses him of theft of the tenants belongings.