Living with a roommate can be a great way to share costs and enjoy company, but it also comes with challenges—especially when it comes to trust and security. One common concern is when a roommate gives keys to friends, partners, or guests without telling you.
Is it allowed? Is it safe? And what can you do about it?
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Whether it’s okay for roommates to share apartment keys
- How to handle situations where you feel uncomfortable
- Practical tips for protecting your security and peace of mind
- Why having your own backup keys or key fobs can help
Can Roommates Give Keys to Other People?
In most cases, your lease agreement is the deciding factor. If both you and your roommate are on the lease, you technically have equal access rights. This means they can invite guests and even lend out their copy of the key, as long as it’s not prohibited by the lease or building rules.
However, just because it’s allowed doesn’t mean it’s always considerate. Unexpected visitors can be uncomfortable—especially if you don’t know the person or if they’re staying while your roommate isn’t home.
Is It a Security Risk?
If the person with the key is trusted and responsible, it’s not necessarily a security threat. In fact, we covered a similar topic in our article Is It Safe to Share My Key Fob with Friends or Family?, where we explained that responsible sharing is fine as long as the person understands the boundaries.
The bigger issue is communication. If you walk into your apartment and find an unfamiliar face sitting on your couch, it can feel unsettling—even if the guest is harmless.
How to Handle the Situation
If your roommate gives keys to people without telling you:
- Have a calm conversation – Let them know how you feel and ask for a heads-up before they lend out keys.
- Check your lease – See if there are any rules about key sharing.
- Set rules – For example, guests should only have keys during the stay and return them afterward.
Protecting Your Access & Peace of Mind
If you’re worried about being locked out or losing access because of key-sharing habits, consider getting a backup copy for yourself.
At MiniFob and FobToronto, we can duplicate:
- Apartment keys
- Condo key fobs
- Garage remotes
Copies are made in minutes and come with a lifetime functionality guarantee. That way, even if your roommate misplaces their copy or gives it to someone else, you’re never left without access.
Final Thoughts: Roommate Giving Keys to People – What You Need to Know
A roommate giving keys to people isn’t automatically a problem—but it’s something that should be handled with clear communication and mutual respect.
And if you want to make sure you always have secure, reliable access to your home, get your own spare key or key fob made. It’s a small step that can prevent big headaches later.
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