No keys to my new house.. where do I stand?

anamenottaken

savingbee wrote: »

I am in the process of getting the front door one replaced as I know anyone could have a key. but like someone else said, can't do that for the back until I have a key.

Can locksmiths not "pick" locks?

artbaron

Ask the EA to foot the bill, as it's their responsibility being that they lost the keys. If they refuse, tell them you'll get the job done and send them the bill and if they don't pay in full with 30 days you'll take them to small claims. Then do what you said.

moneyistooshorttomention

It's wise to get the doorlocks changed immediately on buying a new house anyway, just in case A.N.Other (possibly a thief) has a key. I think that's quite common knowledge anyway and something I would be planning on doing.

In fact...I personally had already arranged to have front and back door locks changed literally within hours of buying this house I have just bought.

I would have been aggrieved if there hadn't been any window lock keys though. In the event, there was a load of keys that duly included said window lock keys. I had left a load of keys for my last house for the vendor (including both door and window lock keys).

I might have taken it up if there weren't any window lock keys. In the event though, I am guessing that the window supplier could supply you with new ones at a pretty low cost, though its a given that you shouldn't have to bother about that.

Your vendor and/or his EA was indeed remiss about not supplying you with door lock keys in the first instance...but I'm guessing theres nothing you can do about that now (even in this day and age of doubleglazing being commonplace...being that it was possible prior to doubleglazing to just throw a brick through the house window and get in that way...which is what my plan was for my last house if keys had proven a problem).

savingbee

def going to EA tomorrow to kick up x

ihatemyhouse

most door lock, have screws on the inside, unscrew these and handles on both sides should fall off, then the rest should just come out, this is all I did on my front door when I didn't have the key

mufi

savingbee wrote: »

def going to EA tomorrow to kick up x

Good luck! In my experience, they nearly all shut on Sundays, potentially one of the busiest days of the week.

savingbee

I understand about changing locks ASAP, I personally am going to change the front tomorrow myself, however don't feel I should have to pay for a locksmith to come and do my back door when I could do it myself if I had a key in the first place. it's just hassle that's not needed.

as for the window keys, they can be replaced but in the meantime if there's a fire and if windows are locked then I'm a bit screwed. in time I will get someone out to sort them.

thanks everyone for the help

BobQ

I would tell the EA in writing (hand delivered with a witness) that unless a locksmith came round that day to sort out the problem at their expense you would get the work done and sue them in the small claims court. Whether you ever get the costs back I would get on with it and keep the receipts. Even if they do not roll over or eventually pay, it will give you peace of mind. You ought to change the external door locks anyway and the cost is trivial in comparison with the things the locks are protecting.

vjacx

If it weren't for minor detail differences I'd swear you are actually my sister! She moved yesterday and no window keys, garage keys or back door keys. New build and the original builder went bust so bit tricky to chase it all up - but the EA are going to contact the selling company for her on monday. I will watch your thread with interest to see who is ultimately responsible for arranging replacement locks/keys and wish you best of luck in sorting it out!

seven-day-weekend

SantaKlaus wrote: »

Outside :rotfl:

Just made me spill my tea! :rotfl::rotfl:

To the OP - get a locksmith, change the locks, send the EA the bill.