Can the landlord issue apartment keys to a third party conducting work on the inside of apartments?

11/29/2007 - Category:Landlord Tenant - Entry of Premises - State: FL #13063

Full Question:

Can the landlord issue apartment keys to a third party conducting work on the inside of apartments? There is currently a sub-contractor performing work for a telecommunications company here. They are installing hardware in the buildings for future service. Our leasing office distributed apartment keys directly to the contractor so they can get in. No representative of the apartment community is present for the duration of access. I was under the impression that the landlord must maintain strict control over apartment keys. The personnel working for the contract could be ex-felons for all I know, and it's easy to copy a key.

Answer:

The following are Florida statutes:

83.53 Landlord's access to dwelling unit. —

(1) The tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord to enter the dwelling unit from time to time in order to inspect the premises; make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements; supply agreed services; or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors.

(2) The landlord may enter the dwelling unit at any time for the protection or preservation of the premises. The landlord may enter the dwelling unit upon reasonable notice to the tenant and at a reasonable time for the purpose of repair of the premises. "Reasonable notice" for the purpose of repair is notice given at least 12 hours prior to the entry, and reasonable time for the purpose of repair shall be between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The landlord may enter the dwelling unit when necessary for the further purposes set forth in subsection (1) under any of the following circumstances:

(a) With the consent of the tenant;

(b) In case of emergency;

(c) When the tenant unreasonably withholds consent; or

(d) If the tenant is absent from the premises for a period of time equal to one-half the time for periodic rental payments. If the rent is current and the tenant notifies the landlord of an intended absence, then the landlord may enter only with the consent of the tenant or for the protection or preservation of the premises.

(3) The landlord shall not abuse the right of access nor use it to harass the tenant.

11/29/2007 - Category: Entry of Premises - State: FL #13063

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