Do we have to tell them?

Jaxb_2

My partner and I are moving into a rented house picked up the keys the other day, we asked the letting agent about changing the locks and burglar alarm code ( you never know who has spare keys/knows the alarm) they said we have to give them a new set of keys and tell them the new alarm code.

I am sure they are not gonna come round and burgle the place but just wondering do we HAVE to give them a set of keys/tell them the new alarm code. (We were burgled twice in our old house so overly cautious now!)

sneezyboots

I would say yes, because it is likely to be in their contract, but then again my letting agent requires a set of keys but was stupid enough to give us both sets when we moved in. They left a voicemail about 6 months ago (we have been here 2 years) stating they tried to carry out an inspection (the day after it was scheduled) and couldn't get in because they didn't have keys and could i drop them round so they could go get them cut or get them cut and give them a receipt. I ignored the voicemail and they are incompetent enough that they have never followed it up!

clutton_2

if you change the alarm code then they cant get in without your knowing can they.....

if you do change the locks, then you need to change them back again when you leave...

they are not allowed in without your permission anyway...

Old_Git

change the alarm and dont tell them .see if they try to get in;)

poppysarah

I would change the locks if it makes you feel better.

You've been broken into twice so I would say for your own peace of mind it's worth doing.

And besides they can't use their key without your permision anyway. So they *should* never know.

missile

The owner is trusting you with their property and I would suggest that you try to imagine things from their point of view. Trust works both ways:A

poppysarah

missile wrote: »

The owner is trusting you with their property and I would suggest that you try to imagine things from their point of view. Trust works both ways:A

trusting in exchange for money.

Procrastinator333

I would change them and see what happens.

If you ever get a call to say "we couldn't get in" you just say oh yeah sorry, we finally got round to changing the locks last weekend (like you said we could), just haven't had a chance to drop the key to you yet. Sorry. And by the way, you are required by law to give me 24 hours notice, so what were you doing trying to visit the property unannounced anyway?

If it is a yale lock it is no big deal, a new barrel is only £10, swap it over, then when you leave swap it back, that is what we do.

moromir

Just a thought.. which may or may not be applicable. I presume the burgler alarm is the Landlord's (or did you have it installed?). Is it hooked up to any kind of 'response' company?

These companies normally charge when the alarm is activated. If for any reason they have to force their way in in an emergency are you prepared to cover the costs of this?

If I was a Landlord I would be highly unimpressed to think that in an emergency I would have to have my front door, doorframe and locks smashed in to get access as well as pay the alarm company's fee!

G_M

Although previous posters are correct in that the LL/agent cannot enter without your permission normally, he CAN do so in an emergency.

What constitutes an emergency could be (has been!) debated at great length, both in forums like this and in the courts.

But the agent would be rightly miffed if he tried to resolve an emergency and found he couldn't get in.

And yet you could easily argue that in an emergency (a fire or gas leak say) a locked door or alarm would not stop the emergency services entering. They have experience of this!

caeler

When I got my property I was given the only key. I got an extra 2 cut, an extra for me and 1 for the landlord. LL never collected so I still have it!