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Does my commercial landlord have to have a key?
Anonymous4 views2 answers
Is my landlord, by law, required to have a key to the building I am renting for commercial use. I own an auto repair and renting a shop and office space. There are rumors of him going in without advance notice to the previous renters. Can I put a security system in and not give him the password?
No, there is nothing under California law which requires a commercial landlord to have a key and/or passcode to the security system. However, such circumstances and requirements might be set forth in the commercial lease agreement itself.
The general rule is that as a lessee you have exclusive possession of the rented premises. The landlord has the right to enter under only three circumstances: (1) he reserves the right in the lease; (2) the California statute gives him the right to enter; or (3) you give him permission. Outside of that, as a general rule, the landlord has not right to enter the premises. By definition as a lessee you have exclusive possession.
