Depending on where you live and who's managing your building, strict provisions can get written into your lease. It's the best place to look at first when in need of clarification of what you can and can't do.Įvery lease agreement is a little different, which is why it's always a good idea to read through yours carefully. For that reason, it's always best to look at apartment-specific documents first, to see what's allowed, before assuming copying a key is OK.Īll restrictions and rules related to living in your apartment are clearly outlined in your lease. It won't be the kind of trouble that involves a police officer, but it could lead to some uncomfortable repercussions. Based on your lease and the rules enforced by your property manager, copying a key without permission can still get you in trouble. allowedĪlthough you now know it's legal to copy apartment keys, it doesn't get you off the hook with your property manager if it's not allowed. They're more aware that the request on the key is just that, a request, and not an order. However, locksmiths will usually make the copies for you. Certain hardware stores won't duplicate a key stamped with a do not copy message. It may decrease your options when going to get a second key made, but doesn't make it impossible. You assume this means there aren't any other copies of your key floating around out there, but it's not always the case.

Most often, the do not copy request printed on a key does nothing but offer the tenant a false sense of security. In this case, authorization is necessary for duplication. The only caveat to this is if the key design itself has patent protection. “There is nothing illegal about a locksmith cutting a key which has do not copy stamped into it,' according to Wynns Locksmith. Even if your key has “Do not copy' stamped on it, you're not breaking any law getting it copied. The legality of duplicating apartment keysīefore getting into the details of whether or not your current lease allows you to duplicate your apartment key, it's technically not illegal to make a copy. Before you make a copy, it's important to know what you can and can't do when it comes to apartment keys.

Depending on where you live, making copies of your key may be against the rules as outlined in your lease agreement. Whether you need a spare for a significant other or pet sitter or feel worried about getting locked out, it's important to know if it's legal to duplicate your key. However, they often miss one important detail - copying apartment keys. On move-in day, your property manager will discuss the dos and don'ts of living in the complex. Moving into an apartment unlocks the door to new memories and experiences.

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