Denied access to home as executor?

Questioner

Brief explanation. My parents (with whom I have not had contact for 19 years) have both passed away. My mother February 2022 as the last. I am still an heir and together with my brother and sister (also no longer in contact) I inherited the house, which has since been sold. There is currently a tenant in the house, the tenant is leaving the house on Wednesday and the transfer of the house is Friday. Thursday will be used for clearing out. My sister is the executor. During our discussions I left everything to her, I didn't interfere in anything. My only wish was to have another look in and around my parental home. After discussing this in May 2022 that was no problem, now that I ask about it again it suddenly is and she wants to "open the door for me" on Thursday evening at 7 o'clock. I would like to do it in daylight but that is not possible she says. I have the following questions: - Can she deny me access as executor, after all, I am also the owner of the house now? - As the owner, shouldn't I also have a key to the house?

Lawyer

Your sister is charged with the administration of the estate as executor. She can therefore deny you access. It does not matter that you, as an heir, are also a partner and a kind of co-owner of the house. Your sister's executorship is 'stronger' than your right as co-owner. You are also not entitled to a key. Perhaps you can still persuade your sister to give you the opportunity to look around during the day. But you cannot enforce that.