Landlord Denies Tenant Access

Summary

The tenant signed a lease agreement and found the landlord had changed the locks, denying them access to the property. The landlord asked the tenant to sign a lease release, which they refused. The tenant is located in Ithaca, New York, where its illegal for landlords to change locks or deny access without a court order. The tenant has contacted law enforcement and is awaiting their response. The tenant has also considered hiring a locksmith to gain access to the property. The landlord claims to have consulted with lawyers who advised him to change the locks. The tenant has documented all interactions with the landlord via email.

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I signed a lease on August 1st. I went to the property yesterday and the landlord has changed the locks. When i reached out to him via email he responded asking for me to sign a lease release, which I refused. He is refusing to give us the keys and now is no longer responding to me
What state are you located in, ****? This will help me provide the most accurate information regarding your rights as a tenant.
Ithaca New York
What does your lease agreement say about lock changes and landlord's access to the property?
Its a standard lease he pulled off online
What does the lease say about termination or eviction procedures? In New York, landlords generally cannot change locks without providing new keys or without a court order.
He is refusing us entry to the home
What steps have you taken so far to resolve this issue?

In New York, landlords cannot deny tenants access without a court order. If they do, it's considered illegal eviction.
We are awaiting a call back from law enforcement and we have tried to contact the landlord numerous times.
What was the response of law enforcement when you contacted them?

In New York, illegal eviction is a serious matter. You may consider contacting a local tenant's rights organization or legal aid for assistance.
The civil deputy is on vacation so they are trying to find another deputy that can deal with the situation
What is the duration of your lease agreement? In New York, landlords cannot change locks or deny access without a court order. It's considered illegal eviction.
12 months
What is the exact date of lease termination according to your agreement?

In New York, a lease for more than one year must be in writing. If the landlord violates the lease, you may have grounds to sue.
Lease would be up for renewal august 1st *
Have you considered seeking legal advice from a local tenant's rights organization or legal aid? In New York, it's illegal for landlords to change locks without a court order.
They are all closed locally and i need to resolve this today. I am suppose to be out of my current rental by tomorrow. I have a moving truck here with movers
Have you documented all your interactions with the landlord? This could be useful in a potential legal case. In NY, landlords can't deny access without a court order. It's considered illegal eviction.
Yes, all have been dine via email. No phone
What is the name and contact information of your landlord? In New York, landlords cannot change locks or deny access without a court order. It's considered illegal eviction.
RAY Wall * * *
What is the exact address of the property you leased?
* N Cayuga st Ithaca NY *
What is the exact date you signed the lease agreement? In New York, landlords cannot change locks or deny access without a court order. It's considered illegal eviction.
August 1st *
Have you considered filing a complaint with the New York State Attorney General's Office?

Explanation: They can assist with landlord-tenant disputes. Their contact number is *-*-*-*.
Can i legally break in
Breaking into the property could potentially lead to criminal charges. It's advisable to seek legal assistance or contact local law enforcement.
What can I do to get this resolved today?
Have you considered reaching out to a local emergency locksmith to gain access to the property? In NY, it's generally legal if you have a valid lease.
We can pay a locksmith to gain entry? Legally?
Yes, as a tenant with a valid lease, you can legally hire a locksmith to gain entry. However, it's advisable to document this action for potential legal proceedings.
This landlord doesn't have a cell phone or even voicemail. I have told him i was contacting law enforcement and his only reply was that * lawyers told him to change the locks, that he legally had all rights to.
Have you informed your landlord in writing about hiring a locksmith due to his refusal to provide access? In NY, landlords can't deny access without a court order. It's considered illegal eviction.
Not yet
It's advisable to inform your landlord in writing about your intention to hire a locksmith. This could be useful for potential legal proceedings.
Ok, i will do that now
What is the name of the local law enforcement agency you contacted? In New York, it's illegal for landlords to change locks without a court order. It's considered illegal eviction.
We have spoke with both Tompkins County Police Dept and my husband is on with Ithaca Police Dept now
What was the response from the Ithaca Police Department regarding your situation?
Dont know yet they are just calling back * hrs later
What did the police say when they called back?
He is on with them now
What did the police advise you to do when you spoke with them?
They havent advise us of anything yet. My husband is just explaining the situation to them now.
What did the police advise after your husband explained the situation to them?
I will let you know once they give us advise
What was the advice given by the police after your husband explained the situation to them?
Not yet, i just need to gain access today!