is it illeagal to reload your own ammunition, not for resale on rental property, I.e. Rental house, storage unit, or even a shed on rental property, if there is no clause in the rental agreement stating you can't, is it legal to do it? I know that it legal to reload ammo smaller than .50 caliber, but this question pertains specifically to rental property. Any knowledge on this?
Reloading
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WestKentucky
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Not illegal. Only questionable if you have clauses in the rental agreement preventing it which are few and far between (and would only be cause to start eviction proceedings, still not illegal).
There could also be issues depending on the quantities of powder or primers kept or the exact terms of the lease. Leases usually have general clauses prohibiting hazardous actities or the storage of unusually quantities of flammable or hazardous materials.
In some places there could be local ordinances or fire codes relating to storage of flammable materials.
We really can't be more definite without a lot more information.
In some places there could be local ordinances or fire codes relating to storage of flammable materials.
We really can't be more definite without a lot more information.
HankB
Member
In most jurisdictions, the law is silent on reloading for personal use, other than possible limits on the quantities or storage of flammable materials - and then it's probably a matter of the fire code. A few cans of powder and a box or two of primers would almost certainly be OK . . . a pallet full, maybe not. (And if you happen to live in a highly restricted location, maybe even small quantities would be forbidden without some additional permit or license.) Where the line is between "OK" and "Not OK" will vary by jurisdiction. Most reloading suppliers mention guidelines for storage of smokeless powders somewhere in their literature which is probably a good source for what is and isn't permitted, but there's no guarantee that all jurisdictions have adopted these guidelines as their own laws.
Generally speaking, as a renter, you're also constrained by the terms of your lease. When I was renting an apartment, the lease prohibited storage of "hazardous or flammable materials" . . . that's a pretty broad term, and in the strictest sense, could be used to prohibit a cigarette lighter (butane fuel), liquor (alcohol), medical supplies (rubbing alcohol), artist's supplies (turpentine or mineral spirits), etc. In a practical sense, the ONLY incident I'm aware of in which the person was asked to remove his "hazardous and flammable materials" was when he had a garage full of COMMERCIAL fireworks, which probably violated the fire code for apartment complexes as well.
IANAL, but if you want to really be sure, you'll have to examine the terms of your lease and the local fire and criminal codes - they should be online somewhere. As a renter, I'd be disinclined to ask my landlord specifically . . .
Generally speaking, as a renter, you're also constrained by the terms of your lease. When I was renting an apartment, the lease prohibited storage of "hazardous or flammable materials" . . . that's a pretty broad term, and in the strictest sense, could be used to prohibit a cigarette lighter (butane fuel), liquor (alcohol), medical supplies (rubbing alcohol), artist's supplies (turpentine or mineral spirits), etc. In a practical sense, the ONLY incident I'm aware of in which the person was asked to remove his "hazardous and flammable materials" was when he had a garage full of COMMERCIAL fireworks, which probably violated the fire code for apartment complexes as well.
IANAL, but if you want to really be sure, you'll have to examine the terms of your lease and the local fire and criminal codes - they should be online somewhere. As a renter, I'd be disinclined to ask my landlord specifically . . .
Jason_W
Member
It's fairly easy to have a reloading setup that can be packed away out of sight when not in use.
I won't advocate violating the terms of a lease, but it's probable that the very concept of reloading is not on your landlord's radar. Why not keep it that way? I'm a firm believer in not poking bears, so to speak.
I won't advocate violating the terms of a lease, but it's probable that the very concept of reloading is not on your landlord's radar. Why not keep it that way? I'm a firm believer in not poking bears, so to speak.
slumlord44
Member
As a long time landlord I would not have a problem with it but I would want to know about it. I have had a couple of people tell me they had firearms. No problem. There would be a problem if they are prohibited from owning a gun. Leases now must have a clause that specificaly forbids any illegal activity. This is supposed to make it easier to evict criminals. Never had to use it yet.
mokin
Member
Here's a picture of my set up when I'm on the road.
That is a batch of .303 British from a few years back. The whole set up packs away into a Tupperware tub. By the time that project was over I had close to a thousand rounds of various cartridges. It was a slow process but I had a lot of spare time....
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Jason_W
Member
That's a nice efficient looking setup. That's even good for if you don't have to work on the DL, but just don't have that much project space.
Sunray
Member
The quantities of powder or primers kept would be legislated by the particular State would it not?
Normally, any legal activity is legal to do in a rental property. It's your home. You need to read your lease and whatever your State calls The Landlords and Tenants Act.
Normally, any legal activity is legal to do in a rental property. It's your home. You need to read your lease and whatever your State calls The Landlords and Tenants Act.
danez71
Member
(quoting this for use as a general consensus of this particular concern)
Unless the lease specifically states, how much and of what, constitutes/defines "hazardous or flammable materials" (Ive never see one yet that does), or cites a city/county code, its going to default to what the fire dept code is.
A landlord will need 'just cause' in order to evict or wait until the lease is up and then not renew.
Generally speaking, real estate law allows for tenants to use the property for normal use. A can of turpentine would be considered normal to have by any sensible judge.
Having 10 gallons of turpentine may violate a code (fire code more than likely) and could be reasonable for the landlord issue you a corrective action with a dead line to correct or be evicted. If it didn't violate a city/fire code, and there was also 100 gallons of paint along with it, that could possibly indicate the tenant is running a business out of the unit and be the catalyst for a corrective action being issue to you.
In your situation, Id suggest reading the lease and knowing what the fire code is. (You could call the local fire dept and ask what the code # is so you know. Just tell them you want to be safe. Ive never run across a fire dept that wasn't eager to help people be safe)
Dog Soldier
member
Why are you hesitant about asking your Land Lord? That would be more practical than seeking an answer on this forum. 
Reloading is not illegal. If your lease does not have a specific clause that says you can not do something or have something then that is different.
Kinda like no pets. You signed that.
As mentioned some States have Powder limits like a ridiculous 5 pounds and you need to report powder to the Fire Marshal.
I far as I know and from renting and have rented to others, The dwelling is "yours" while you have a valid lease, Now if it is a multi unit apartment or condo than things may be different,
No I would not ask the owner or landlord, just opens a can of worms. They may be anti gun or pro gun but why risk it. Read your lease.
Kinda like no pets. You signed that.
As mentioned some States have Powder limits like a ridiculous 5 pounds and you need to report powder to the Fire Marshal.
I far as I know and from renting and have rented to others, The dwelling is "yours" while you have a valid lease, Now if it is a multi unit apartment or condo than things may be different,
No I would not ask the owner or landlord, just opens a can of worms. They may be anti gun or pro gun but why risk it. Read your lease.
Hokie_PhD
Member
I'm not a lawyer, play one on TV or slept at a Holiday Inn Express so take what I say with a grain of salt.
My understanding is what others have said EXCEPT in DC. In Washington DC any ammo components are considered weapons and illegal to own and have in your possession. So therefore reloading would be illegal in DC as one can't legally carry without a permit and the DC government basically doesn't give them out. SO therefore if you're in DC or any other place that has similar laws you could be in violation of your lease if it says you can't have anything illegal in your home. Again though that's a civil issue and not "illegal" per se.
IMHO the best thing to do is to look at your lease, and to look up any local codes relating to firearms, fire codes, etc. and not listen to folks who aren't lawyers, and who aren't familiar with your location and the laws there.
My understanding is what others have said EXCEPT in DC. In Washington DC any ammo components are considered weapons and illegal to own and have in your possession. So therefore reloading would be illegal in DC as one can't legally carry without a permit and the DC government basically doesn't give them out. SO therefore if you're in DC or any other place that has similar laws you could be in violation of your lease if it says you can't have anything illegal in your home. Again though that's a civil issue and not "illegal" per se.
IMHO the best thing to do is to look at your lease, and to look up any local codes relating to firearms, fire codes, etc. and not listen to folks who aren't lawyers, and who aren't familiar with your location and the laws there.
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