By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would require any locksmith hired by a tenant to change locks on a rental property, to make a good faith effort to determine whether a landlord has received notice of the request. The locksmith would also be required to determine if the rental agreement requires that the owner retain a key to the leased residential premises; and if so, the locksmith would be required to make a good faith effort to provide a key to the new locks to the owner within two business days of the locks being changed.

Supporters said that in the event of a fire, a bursting pipe or a gas leak, seconds matter. If a landlord has an old key that no longer works, they may have to break down a door to prevent property damage or save lives.

“This issue was called to my attention by a Franklin landlord who was locked out of her property after the tenant had the locks changed,” said sponsor Rep. Jeff Roy (D-Franklin). “This legislation ensures that a landlord’s fundamental right to emergency access and property oversight is protected by requiring locksmiths to verify notice before altering a rental unit. By mandating that owners receive a duplicate key within two business days, the bill prevents dangerous delays during maintenance crises or life-safety emergencies. Ultimately, it fosters transparency between tenants and owners while preserving the integrity of the lease agreement and the security of the physical asset.”