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I come from France and I live in Maine since few months.
My renter kept a key of my house and came without say to me when I was not at home.
I was afraid to know that and change the key. My renter is angry and say that I must give him a key, it's in the law !
I'm afraid because he can come, afraid my cat and take my cash if he wants !
Is it a law about who keep the keys?
If yes, can you give me the number or a link to find it, please?
It's not OK for a landlord to enter without giving 24 hours notice and stating the reason. Pinetree Legal can answer your questions. Do you have a lease? Why did landlord enter?
landlord must have keys, must give notice to enter.
I'm guessing that when you say renter--you mean your landlord (the person who owns the place and to whom you pay rent). You are the "renter. (Tricky language, isn't it. I don't live in Maine, but I have been renting in many states for a long time, and the rules are generally the same. The landlord does need and is entitled to have the keys. He should not enter your property without notifying you that he will do so. Many landlords will want to inspect the place once or twice a year or to make sure you aren't ruining his property, or for insurance purposes. If there is an emergency, (in most states, he does have the right to enter the apartment/house without first notifying you. This could be something like a water leak coming from your apartment, the smell of gas or smoke, etc.
Most (not all) landlords are trustworthy. But, he does have a right to the keys, and if he enters the place without notifying you that he is going to (once or twice a year, maybe) you should be able to get out of your lease.
Might be a problem getting any deposit back without a lawyer.
Your landlord has the right to a key. If your landlord entered the premises without notice and without an emergency situation, he may have violated the law and could be sued by you. I hope this helps. Click on the site below and scroll down.
Hmm..... very odd. Landlord tries to enter your place twice in 4 months? Check for hidden cameras. He might be stopping by to get the tapes.
As for the keys, I think you have to give him a new key if you change the locks, but this guy sounds creepy. Tell him too bad, no key, and if he comes in your place again, your calling the police. He should back down after that.
Triskey59, you probably should move. If you don't feel safe you should find a place where you are safe and have peace of mind. Unless there's an emergency the landlord must give you 24 hours notice before entering your house/apartment. Your landlord must always have a key no matter where you live.
Changing the lock and not giving the landlord the key is a valid reason for eviction. If the landlord changes the locks so that he does have a key you'll probably have to pay for his expenses. If you refuse to give him a key he can evict you. If you don't give him a key and an emergency happens you're going to have to pay for reasonable damages done to get into the building.
I hope you'll consider moving to a safer place. Good luck.
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landlord must have keys, must give notice to enter.
I don't live in Maine, but I have been renting in many states for a long time, and the rules are generally the same. The landlord does need and is entitled to have the keys. He should not enter your property without notifying you that he will do so. Many landlords will want to inspect the place once or twice a year or to make sure you aren't ruining his property, or for insurance purposes. If there is an emergency, (in most states, he does have the right to enter the apartment/house without first notifying you. This could be something like a water leak coming from your apartment, the smell of gas or smoke, etc. 
