Loft hatch stuck

[Grum27]

Hi we have just moved into a rented house and when trying to store empty boxes in the loft we found that the hatch was stuck, so much that when trying to turn the hatch key it broke ( it was plastic) we bought another key (this time metal) but to no luck the latches at the side still do not move
Any advice?

 

[footprints]

It's rented so contact the landlord, either the lock is faulty, so they need to fix it or they have taken steps to stop tenants using it for storage and you will be in their bad books if you force it.

 

[big-all]

loft hatches do not normally have more than a basic lock
i have never seen one with "shootbolts" or added mechanisms

are you renting the full or part off the house ??
and as said may not be your space to use