Ending tenancy, returning keys to another tenant...

jmkgreen

Good morning. We are now ending our tenancy and neither the letting agency nor landlord are available to hand keys back to.

Our landlord has instead asked us (by email) to hand the keys to the tenants in his other house across the road.

I'm slightly concerned as to our liabilities in case keys go missing or the property is entered without landlords consent. Is it more normal to post keys back recorded delivery in such circumstances?

Landlord has said he will have someone review the property shortly with a view to returning the deposit. It is entirely possible that an agency will collect the keys from his other tenants during the week.

Any advice on this one?

anselld

Retain a copy of the instructions from the LL.
Take photos before you leave.
Get a receipt for the key.

Seems unprofessional of the LL, but their choice.

Werdnal

Not a great arrangement, but you are only following LL's instructions.

Print a copy of the email and write on the bottom "As per above instructions, keys to XXX (address) delivered to tenant XXX (Name) at XXX (address) on XXX (date). You sign it and get the other tenant to sign for receipt. Take a copy and post the copy to the LL 1st class. Keep original yourself.

Take detailed photos if each room before you leave.

Is your deposit protected and were you given all the info from the scheme used?

ognum

Are you moving far away, is there any way you can meet the landlord later to hand over the keys?

As suggested, keep the email, write back saying you are unhappy about this and confirming it is his instruction.