Landlord/Tenant key giving at the start of lease

[mwooster]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Baltimore, Maryland

I signed a lease with a start date on May 1st; however, I will not be there physically (probably will be out of the country for a month). The landlord is uneasy about giving the key to someone else whom I designate. What should I do? Do I have to be there in person? I understand where he is coming from, with the room inspection and everything. Thank you.

 

[STEPHAN]

When do you plan to move in if you are out of the country?

 

[mwooster]

Well

I plan to move in when I get back in about a month or 2, but since I have to start paying for it then, I'd like to have the keys. I'm not sure about the laws regarding situations like this. Do I have to be there or am I allowed to designate someone if I assume responsibilities, designate that person for the room inspection as well... etc, and even if I do assume full responsibilities, can the landlord still require me being there in person?

 

[Proserpina]

I plan to move in when I get back in about a month or 2, but since I have to start paying for it then, I'd like to have the keys. I'm not sure about the laws regarding situations like this. Do I have to be there or am I allowed to designate someone if I assume responsibilities, designate that person for the room inspection as well... etc, and even if I do assume full responsibilities, can the landlord still require me being there in person?

Yeap, the landlord can require for you to be present.

 

[STEPHAN]

Why do you not get the key when you are back?

You have to pay but thats a different story.

 

[mwooster]

Why do you not get the key when you are back?

You have to pay but thats a different story.

Dude, no, I do get the keys when I'm back of course. It's just that I want to landlord to give up at least a set of keys to me via my designated person when the lease starts.

Seems like I can't do that.

 

[Zigner]

It sounds to me like the LL is worried that the OP is planning to have somebody else live there in his place. I would refuse to hand over the key in this situation also.

 

[mwooster]

Yeap, the landlord can require for you to be present.

Thank you for your response. Are there other alternatives? He's not comfortable with certified mail either to send me the keys. Guess I'll have to be there huh?

 

[mwooster]

It sounds to me like the LL is worried that the OP is planning to have somebody else live there in his place. I would refuse to hand over the key in this situation also.

yeah, like I said I understand where he is coming from; I'd not be comfortable dealing with this either if I were the landlord lol. It's just that seems like I have to make plans for this, or I don't get the keys for real until get back.

 

[STEPHAN]

If you are not livng there, what do you even need the keys for?

 

[mwooster]

No reason

just want them for the principles of things

 

[STEPHAN]

Look like your principles are colliding with your LLs principles ;-)

I understand both, however your LL makes the rules.