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How quickly does the landlord have to change the locks?
Whether or not the abuser is on the lease, the landlord has 24 hours to change the locks at the landlord’s own expense. The 24-hour time period starts from the moment you give the landlord proof (documentation) of the abuse. If the landlord doesn’t change the locks within 24 hours, you can change the locks without the landlord’s permission and the following rules apply:
- You must use a “workmanlike manner” to change the locks;
- The quality of the locks must be a similar or better quality than the original locks;
- You must notify the landlord within 24 hours that the locks have been changed;
- You must provide the landlord with a key; and
- The landlord must reimburse you for the cost within 21 days.1
1 Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1941.5(b), (c); 1941.6(b), (c)
