What steps do I have to follow to use rent money for installing the correct locks?
This is called “repair and deduct.” Read the previous question to find out if you are allowed to do this. First you must give your landlord written notice at least 14 days in advance. This notice should ask for the correct locks required by the law, and say that you will “repair and deduct” if the locks are not installed within 14 days. Then you must wait for 14 full days. After this time is up, you have the right to have the correct locks installed by a professional locksmith. You may not create an additional lockset hole in the door or the doorframe where a suitable lockset hole exists. Only a professional locksmith may make this determination. You may deduct the cost from your next rent payment if you give a copy of the receipt to your landlord. REMEMBER that tenants in owner-occupied buildings of 6 or less CANNOT use this process.
