Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

Lost key - pay for lock replacement?

I am a tenant in a 4 br apartment. I left my key in the mailbox and it was stolen. My roommates requested that all of the locks be changed without my approval. The landlord is charging me $237.51 for the cost of the locks, keys, and installation. He had not changed the locks on the apartment in 10 years and decided to purchase the highest quality locks at my expense. He refuses to share in the expense. Should I pay him the full amount he is requesting?

Thanks for your prompt reply.


Asked on 12/26/04, 9:42 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Len Foy NH Residential Title & Escrow

Re: Lost key - pay for lock replacement?

Hello, Thanks for Writing & Merry Christmas -

You could always check around on lock systems and pricing, select what you consider to be a more reasonably-priced unit, and deduct the excess cost (the difference between what you've selected and the one s/he has selected) from your next rental payment - if the landlord calls you on it, let him (or her) know that you've only deducted the excess because of their over-reaching.

I disagree with the other attorney's point of view - I suppose it's a debatable point but I believe that if you "play your cards right," you can reduce the cost of the lock replacement for yourself, even if only slightly.

Good Luck & Happy Holidays -

Len Foy

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Answered on 12/26/04, 11:25 pm
Alan Pransky Law Office of Alan J. Pransky

Re: Lost key - pay for lock replacement?

Of all the people involved, you are the only one that has some blame for the need to change the locks. It only seems reasonable that you pay the cost. You can't compalain if the landlord chooses good locks. You can only complain if the landlord chooses locks that don't provide adequate security

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Answered on 12/26/04, 10:12 am


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