spare keys and changing locks

birduk

Actually, cancel that last. Was this a check-out? Are they now out of the property? If so, completely different matter!

ihategossips

It was put in the contract that they were not permitted to have any additional keys cut so they did breach the contract.

Tenancy is over and yes the deposit is protected and a check in inventory was signed by both parties and the check out has just been done. Big issue is several white/cream stains on the sofa which weren't there before, Tenant doesn't want to pay for cleaning as she/he states they were there when they moved in but they didn't correct the CI Inventory to include these stains. The bad thing is they weren't mentioned on check out either so check out report is kind of carp imo and I have had to put in amendments! The only good thing about that is he/she has admitted to seeing the stains so can't accuse me of making them after check out inventory!

Werdnal

birduk wrote: »

Actually, cancel that last. Was this a check-out? Are they now out of the property? If so, completely different matter!

OP seems to have confused us all during this thread by asking about deposit deductions, when infact is appears this was a routine inspection, not a check-out inventory check.

I agree, looking in cupboards DURING tenancy is a bit OTT - I too was initially under the impression it was a check-out. However, a quick glance in the fridge, which if furnished, is LL's reponsibility, is as far as I am concerned, not a problem.

However, even if LL has identified damage to the property, as B&T mentioned earlier, there is little that can be done to make a tenant put this right during a tenancy. Its how the property is returned at the end that matters, and deductions for any loss/repairs can be sorted then.

If LL feels damage is excessive however, they can always reserve the right to evict once the FT ends!


PS Now I am confused - OP posted again whilst I was typing the above. Apparently its was a check-out inspection after all!

sequence

I doubt very much you can stop them getting spare keys cut. Most people would consider it reasonable and sensible to have an extra set of keys cut.

Most probably unenforceable. (I'm not a lawyer though)

Them filming you it not illegal and actually very sensible given the number of landlords who are happy to try and steal tenants deposits.

BitterAndTwisted

You can write in any stupid clauses you like into the tenancy agreement but that does not mean that they're either reasonable or enforceable. That particular clause is dumb.

It sounds like you should be giving whoever did your useless check-out inventory the sack. They are supposed to READ the check-in inventory and compare it with the actual condition. Unless your tenant has acknowledged the stains in writing I think you're in a very weak position to justify any deduction.

ihategossips

BirdUK - I do have a neighbour from hell who thought it was perfectly acceptable to walk into my house if the door was open so yes they would do some damage with a key! I also live just one street away so had a spare in case of getting locked out etc which they did once or twice.

Also it was a kitchen cupboard that I looked at as the door wasn't shutting properly and I wanted to make sure it wasn't broken.. it was just something that fell down the back preventing it from shutting so I just ignored it. I was hardly poking through their stuff but even then the contents were items I had left for them to use.

I can understand your view if the house /flat is let as unfurnished but when you let a fully furnished property then it is different.

ihategossips

The clause about the additional cutting of keys wasn't deliberately put in by me, it's standard with the agency I let through.

The tenants have recently left, the inspection they are now complaining about was a few months ago and only being brought up by then now they have left.

The guy I wanted to do check out inventory wasn't available and the agents got another firm in who I do think were incompetent - two Additional large heaters weren't in the check in inventory and weren't mentioned on Check out as Additional so they really didn't do a good job.

Also B&T - tenant has put in writing stains were there before they moved in (They weren't) but no mention of any stains in Check in inventory/report and they didn't correct it at the time either

jjlandlord

sequence wrote: »

I doubt very much you can stop them getting spare keys cut. Most people would consider it reasonable and sensible to have an extra set of keys cut.

Most probably unenforceable. (I'm not a lawyer though)

Not sure.
I guess that if LL gave a number of keys equal to, say, number of tenants + 1 spare, then there would be no reasonable reason for the tenant to make more.
And a clause forbidding further spare would be reasonable.

Riq

When I bought my house I changed the locks myself. A couple of those UPVC door barrell locks. £10 each, one screw, turn key in lock about 5 or 10 degrees clockwise, slide lock out. Reverse this to put the new one in. Job done. Saved myself £70 on a locksmith quote.

melancholly

i've always made a copy of the keys when i've moved in.... so that family or friends can drop by to pick up post or water plants when i'm away. i can't see how that can be a problem at all..... i'd be concerned if someone went through my fridge on an inspection but i also wouldn't let someone inspect when i wasn't there. they may own it, but it's my home while i pay rent.

i have a feeling that there is a whole big background to this situation that made the tenants film this and go to the police (whether justified or not!).....