Good morning,

My questions is I live state of Massachusetts can a tenant change doors locks with out notice


Thank you

Hello STONE:

Good morning. I can't find anything in your state law that address's the issue. Therefore, it's a matter between the landlord and tenant. IF there's a provision in the lease or rental agreement that says you can't - then you can't. Most leases, even off the shelf ones, contain a provision that states you can't make changes to the physical plant (or some such wording) WITHOUT permission. It could be construed to mean "locks". If I was the landlord, I would construe it to mean locks.

IF you have NO written agreement, and it was never discussed, then I believe you CAN change locks without permission. However, if you have NO written agreement, your landlord can have you out with a 30 day notice, and then he can change the locks back again. Case closed - everybody's happy.

excon