Source
r/legaladvice•
thekernelcompiler

[MN] Landlord Refusing Spare Key

My landlord in Minnesota is refusing to give me a second key (the keys are RFID key fobs so I can't just go copy it). Is this legal?

I have a dog in my apartment that is approved by the landlord and I want a spare key so that someone can get to my dog in case something bad happens to me or if I just get snowed in somewhere. The landlord is citing "safety concerns" for refusing me a second key. I am perfectly willing to pay for a second key but that isn't the issue here.

Posted Dec 1, 2018, 7:34 PM UTC

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SquashedTarget•

Does your lease say anything about spare/extra keys?

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thekernelcompilerOP•

It doesn't say anything about it.

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SquashedTarget•

Then the decision to issue a spare key fob is up to the landlord. Time to turn on the charm. Maybe offer to pay a deposit for one and explain exactly who you'll be giving it to and why.

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1
bv728•

Not a Lawyer. This is probably controlled by your lease, so check that ASAP. They are probably not required to give you a spare key.
Landlords in these kinds of properties are getting very reluctant to issue spare keys as tenants are using them to rent the space out via AirBNB or various competitors, and they get trashed or there are fines for local law violations.

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thekernelcompilerOP•

My lease doesn't say anything about spare keys.

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bv728•

Then it's completely up to whatever you and the landlord can agree on. There's no legal requirement they give you one.

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SquashedTarget•

Yup. Lacking anything in the lease means it's up to the landlord.

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