Joint Tenants sharing keys?

Claireybell78

We've started our tenancy today, however we've only been given 1 set of keys.

The Letting Agent (who has been beyond useless throughout the process!) said "thats all I've got, I'll check and call you back" this was along with a few other questions we had and we're still waiting for the call!

Surely as we're joint tenants we're entitled to a set of keys each? Or the LL should pay for a set to be cut. Its a flat within a block so its not as simple as just changing the lock. I'm guessing there will be some authorisation needed for the shared entrance door, I've got to ring the management company for the flats tomorrow to sort out a parking permit! Another thing the letting agent failed to mention!

McKneff

I really wouldnt stress about it.

To be quite honest, I was about to suggest that you go and just get another set of keys cut, but it makes me wonder if there is another set floating about that someone else could use.

I would be changing the locks, keep the old ones so you can put them back when you leave.
As for the shared entrance key to the block, a couple of quid will get you a copy if you shop around.

phill99

McKneff wrote: »

As for the shared entrance key to the block, a couple of quid will get you a copy if you shop around.

That's not true. Shared entrance keys are often high security and / or restricted and many key cutters can't get blanks for them. You will have to go through the block managing agent and you may be surprised at the cost.

Claireybell78

Thanks, am I right that each tenant on the agreement should be given a set of keys? Haven't got a copy of the tenancy agreement to check what it says but definitely would have remembered if it'd said there would only be 1 set of keys.

emsywoo123

Claireybell78 wrote: »

THaven't got a copy of the tenancy agreement to check what it says

As in the tenancy agreement is not to hand or you literally don't have a copy? :eek:

Claireybell78

We don't have a copy of the agreement, when we signed the landlord hadn't

anselld

In a joint tenancy you are jointly "the tenant". Legally there is only one tenant, which formed by the group of you. It is hence unlikely that the tenancy agreement will specify a multiple number of key sets.

Never the less, it seems unfair to expect you to cut three sets and certainly worth complaining to LA and LL.

penguingirl

Is it a newbuild? I ask because when we moved into ours we were the first residents and the LL had only been given 2 sets by the builders, so only gave us one set. We asked if we could get another cut and he agreed we could take it out of our rent that month. We had no difficulties getting a key for the shared front door cut.

arbrighton

Letting agent only held one key, for the front door of our house. LL hadn't realised when they asked for keys to be dropped off, that they wanted all. She came and dropped off back door/ garage/ window keys + 2nd front door key later that day.
We did then have another garage key cut for OH.