The other day my jacket was stolen and in the pockets were my apartment keys. I need two keys to get into my place: an electronic 'fob' to let me in the door of the building and also to take the elevator to my floor and a regular key for my apartment.

I am renting from a condo owner. I was unable to reach the owner all day. I called the management company and they were not able to reach the owner, any of the condo association members, etc. Basically I was told by the management company that they could not do anything without the authorization of the condo owner. The condo owner often travels out of the country so it could be a while to reach her.

This is more than just a hassle: as I am locked out of my apartment, unable to get to my medication, clothing, ID, credit cards (my wallet was also left in my apartment). Isn't there a legal obligation on either the owner or the building's management company in an emergency like this? If there is then what can I do? I am unable to even get a locksmith as the electronic fob that was also stolen is needed to gain entry to my apartment's floor!

If it makes a difference - I am living in San Francisco.

Thanks in advance.

The management company should be able to get you inside just as thought you left your keyes inside the condo. However, they are not legally required to do it. That fob has a battery and what do they do when someone's battery dies or the fob malfunctions. They are just jerking you around because their "employer" is your landlady and not you. Ask them what would they do if you just remembered that you left your 95 year old mother soaking in the tub? They have ways to get you inside, what about neighbors on your floor, their fob will get you as far as your door.

Your landlord ( which is the person you are subleasing from) has the legal resposniblity, if you have copies of your lease, that should be enough to force the building management to give you a set.

Now of course it appears your landlord did not notify the building management he was subleasing to you, which is causing your problme. So as soon as you can find him, you can force him to give you one.

I think David said the lady was the owner so this would not be a sublet. I am starting to wonder if David was only given one set of keyes, a bit rare.

The question is whether the management company is aware that you are renting the condo. If they were aware of it, then they should be able to give you access. If they were not aware of it, they they have to protect the actual owner.