Keys

Westywoodpecker

Quick question, my first tenant's left at the week end. I supplied two full sets of keys. Whilst inspecting the property yesterday, only one lot of keys have been left. They left a message at home to say they have lost the other set but it wasn't a problem as the address wasn't on them.

I've contacted the LA this morning to ensure the deposit isn't released as I'm wanting a full change of locks. They have now stated that as the keys were not on the inventory it my be a problem. (I hadn't noticed this)

Surly I'm not being unreasonable wanting the locks/barrels changed & charged to the tenants? (These are the same ones who wouldn't replace any light bulbs as they said it was my responsibility as LL )

I'm awaiting a 'phone call from LA to advice me further.

Nikel

Cant you just get another key cut?

slyracoon

If its not on the inventory then you don't have a leg to stand on, you have no way of proving how many sets of keys were given to them.

By all means get the locks changed and deduct from the tenants deposit but if they tenant disputes the charge with the deposit protection scheme then you have no proof to show how many keys there were and you'll have to foot the bill.

My letting agent always ensures the inventory states all keys and also takes a photocopy of the actual keys so they can be compared upon return.

slyracoon

Nikel wrote: »

Cant you just get another key cut?

Its a security risk. Although the tenant says they are lost they could be retaining them and may use them to enter the property.

Westywoodpecker

slyracoon wrote: »

If its not on the inventory then you don't have a leg to stand on, you have no way of proving how many sets of keys were given to them.

My letting agent always ensures the inventory states all keys and also takes a photocopy of the actual keys so they can be compared upon return.

I was asked by LA to supply 2 sets, but didn't think to ensure they were on the inventory The above is good advice, as it is the security issue that's my concern.

Nikel

But if the tenant really wanted to do that they could cut a 3rd key themselves ages ago, rather than arouse suspicion. In fact whats to stop any tenant making multiple copies, they only way to be sure would be to change the locks everytime the tenancy changed.

<sebb>

slyracoon wrote: »

Its a security risk. Although the tenant says they are lost they could be retaining them and may use them to enter the property.

They could easily have returned both sets but got another one cut and retained that one themselves. I dont see how this is any bigger a risk,

Westywoodpecker

Yes, another set of keys could have been cut without my knowledge, I do see your point.

Incyder

Nikel wrote: »

In fact whats to stop any tenant making multiple copies, they only way to be sure would be to change the locks everytime the tenancy changed.

When you as a lodger/tenant are given a set of keys for your new premises, the wisest thing you can do is go and get another set made. Then safely leave the original set with a parent/friend.
Only use the new copied set to come and go.

Should you accidentally lose them,(they are your property) then you have the original set to go and get. If you don't ever lose them then fine, you hand in the original set as you leave the house for the last time and throw your new copied set in a street bin, miles from where the house was, making sure there are no ID tags on the keyring of course. :cool:

From a landlords point of view, its better to change the locks each time a tenant leaves for 100% peace of mind.

Nikel

Yes, I keep an unmarked original set in my work desk for that reason...:)

Ihatecameron

Nikel wrote: »

But if the tenant really wanted to do that they could cut a 3rd key themselves ages ago, rather than arouse suspicion. In fact whats to stop any tenant making multiple copies, they only way to be sure would be to change the locks everytime the tenancy changed.

Well if they were mean enough not to change a lightbulb. :eek: