Landlord won't post keys

Norman_Castle

Is it only landlords who are against posting the keys?. The rent has been paid and tenancy agreed. Can the landlord turn the op away if they don't like the look of them?. The landlord could send a basic set of keys with an agreement to meet the tenant the day after arrival.
The op is being trusted with the property but they cannot be trusted with the keys without the landlord handing them to them!. Great way to start a tenancy.
Was the landlord present when the deposit and rent was paid?

franklee

GwylimT wrote: »

I meet all my tenants in person on the first day to go through the check in process with them, make sure they know how to use the boiler/find the instructions and give them another copy of my details (often get misplaced when moving). However, I also need signed confirmation concerning the number of keys received and the state of the property, not something I can so if I'm not there.

Fair enough for an initial run through but the tenant should be allowed time on their own to dispute the inventory. If they are forced to sign the inventory before being given the keys and signing the tenancy agreement then if they disagree with the landlord on existing damage the landlord can refuse to grant the tenancy. If the tenant's possessions are sat outside in the the van they will be over a barrel. I wouldn't count that as a fair assessment of the inventory as at that point the tenant would probably sign their granny away just to get in so they could claim signing under duress. Letting agents I've dealt with have always allowed 7 days for inventory comments and I've found that to go through an inventory thoroughly and write up discrepancies can take several hours.

Back to the OP's issue, can the keys be left with a neighbour or does the OP know anyone local who could collect the keys - and then post em LOL.

I wouldn't fancy going there and back by train as although it may only be an hour, that could easily double or more depending on travel time to and from the station at each end. Plus moving day is already busy enough without that much extra travelling.

If all else failed I'd be getting the train earlier in the day armed with the cleaning essentials, kettle etc. and request the friend with the car to come on later. If the car needs packing last thing perhaps everything to be packed could be put aside in a room somewhere and the friend could pack the car?

Bluebonnie

OP has said she is already paying rent.
So, please, OP, tell us the tenancy start date, whether it's Saturday or sometime in the past. Tenancies don't actually start until tenant takes possession of the property.

Many tenancies start with Landlord or Agent showing Tenant the basics of the property: where to turn off the water, electricity and gas; the instructions for any appliances provided, and a copy of the inventory for the tenant to check against the actuality of the property.

Also, if tenant and landlord have never met before, landlord would be wise to check that tenant looks like the ID provided.

All of this is reasonable.

If it were a Letting Agent starting off the tenancy there would be no question - it would have to be done on the Saturday, within office hours.

What's so difficult for the prospective tenant to fit in with the very reasonable request?

G_M

I own another business which operates from a rented property. For reasons of discretion, I prefer not to deal direct with the LL.

Generally I get a friend to apply for the tenancy (great credit references etc), and he pays 6 months rent up front, again reducing the need for ongoing contact. He then arranges for the keys to be posted out to the address of one of the girls who manages the business on a day-to-day basis.

I manage things behind the scenes (security, banking etc) to ensure all runs smoothly.

The profits form the business go into my BTL empire. Would I post out keys to a new tenant? :rotfl:

franklee

G_M wrote: »

I own another business which operates from a rented property. For reasons of discretion, I prefer not to deal direct with the LL.

Generally I get a friend to apply for the tenancy (great credit references etc), and he pays 6 months rent up front, again reducing the need for ongoing contact. He then arranges for the keys to be posted out to the address of one of the girls who manages the business on a day-to-day basis.

I manage things behind the scenes (security, banking etc) to ensure all runs smoothly.

The profits form the business go into my BTL empire. Would I post out keys to a new tenant? :rotfl:

Ah so should be guess the business? Any red lights or growing of plants ...

27col

Even if a set of keys did go missing in the post. How could anyone possibly know which door they fitted.
However, as I have been waiting to receive a small metal object about the size of a couple of keys and it was supposed to have been posted last Saturday.. The keys could easily be as delayed as the object that I'm waiting to be delivered.

longbaygirl

Thanks for all your responses.

I don't want to go to the extra expense of a train there and back to collect the keys and a car journey with all my stuff.

I've explained to landlord - I'll give as much notice as I can (a couple of hours) and just hope he can be there to meet me when I arrive.

Can't understand the problem - I'm only asking for a set of my own keys - not the crown jewels - to be sent in the post.

Given the 'sensitivities/being difficult' - I'm going to make sure I take photos of every wall/carpet/fixture/fitting/furnishings the moment I get in the flat. Something tells me I might need this in case of a dispute/getting my deposit back when I leave.

DaveTheMus

longbaygirl wrote: »

Thanks for all your responses.

I don't want to go to the extra expense of a train there and back to collect the keys and a car journey with all my stuff.

I've explained to landlord - I'll give as much notice as I can (a couple of hours) and just hope he can be there to meet me when I arrive.

Can't understand the problem - I'm only asking for a set of my own keys - not the crown jewels - to be sent in the post.

Given the 'sensitivities/being difficult' - I'm going to make sure I take photos of every wall/carpet/fixture/fitting/furnishings the moment I get in the flat. Something tells me I might need this in case of a dispute/getting my deposit back when I leave.

Expense or laziness?

I know what I think......

JeLaw

Norman_Castle wrote: »

Is it only landlords who are against posting the keys?. The rent has been paid and tenancy agreed. Can the landlord turn the op away if they don't like the look of them?. The landlord could send a basic set of keys with an agreement to meet the tenant the day after arrival.
The op is being trusted with the property but they cannot be trusted with the keys without the landlord handing them to them!. Great way to start a tenancy.
Was the landlord present when the deposit and rent was paid?

It definitely isn't only landlords who are against posting keys. It's interesting seeing this thread because I was in a similar situation some years ago. Except that I was the new tenant and it was the landlord who wanted to post the keys....

I wasn't happy about that because you can't guarantee they will turn up in time. Even if it is by special delivery. Things can sometimes go wrong. It was just too risky. I've also experienced a special delivery card being put through my letter-box but the postman never rang my bell.

Luckily my landlord understood and decided that actually he might prefer to meet me in person. It was good for both of us to meet regardless of the key issue so that we knew who we were dealing with.

I have had my share of bad landlords over the years but in this case I'm with the landlord. I think he's being perfectly reasonable.

I'd much prefer to meet in person to collect the keys.

OP - If you don't want to go there and back in one day, why not do as someone else here suggested and go down by train yourself and get your friend to drive your stuff down later and meet you there.

I also agree with those who pointed out your new neighbours won't appreciate you moving in at 2am! I certainly wouldn't be.

CharlieRabbit01

What does your friend do that means they can't give you a time to leave?