Home Purchase Completion

Phulla

I have just completed on my first house purchase last friday, but I was not given all of the keys for the property.

It has a front & back door which I have been given the keys but it also has a set of patio double doors where I have not been given the keys.

Who is responsible for this? Is it my problem as I'm now the homeowner or should I have been provided with all of the keys for the property?

Can I enforce the cost back to the seller if they don't have the keys as a locksmith will be need to open and replace the locks.

Has anyone gone through similar problems?

Thank you

BertieUK

Surely to goodness the Estate Agent would have made sure that all keys pertaining to the security of the property were in his posession, and handed them over to you on completion.

Or am I expecting too much of an Estate Agent?

Good Luck
Bob

Yorkie1

Suggest you post this question over on the House Buying forum; this one is about DIY rather than house purchase issues.

southcoastrgi

if i moved into a new house the first thing i would do is change all the locks anyway, you never know who has keys to your house

Leif

southcoastrgi wrote: »

if i moved into a new house the first thing i would do is change all the locks anyway, you never know who has keys to your house

Exactly.

macman

Contact the buyer through the EA or solicitor, it may just be a simple oversight by the vendor in the chaos of moving.
Yes, of course all the keys should be provided!

Phulla

Thank you for your feedback, changing the locks is something that I have done for the front and back doors. When changing a lock you need to be able to open the door and as I don't have the patio door keys, I cant do this without the help of a professional locksmith.

ic

You should have had a schedule listing all the fixtures fittings and bits and bobs that make up the sale (things like carpets, curtains, light fittings and keys). This should show either that the keys were included (and are therefore missing), or that the keys weren't to be provided (perhaps because they're lost).

Chances are you could snap the locks on the patio door, if you're going to replace them anyway. Look it up - its a very common and easy way to break in.

(P.S. - make sure your new locks are anti snap and anti bump).

tired_dad

Buyer beware.

Unless keys are specifically mentioned in the contract then you are on a sticky wicket legally (IMHO).

The house will have been sold on an as seen basis. Solicitor will charge for his time. My view would be to get a locksmith to sort out yourself. Follow macman's suggestions first.

mignon_2

when I bought my house I didn't get all the keys for all the doors...there was a third key on the set, but it didn't work for the door. I ended up ripping the door out anyway and putting a bigger one in.

I was peeved to not have it, but as far as I was concerned, I should've asked about it before completion! as the other posters have said, definitely replace your locks anyway! (i know the added cost but...)