Landlord wants to cut keys and give them out to random workmen

ultimatefighter

It seems to be open season to my keys. The other day at 7.15am the door opens and I hear someone saying hello. im still not dressed.

Work needs to be carried out to the property and some whilst I am not in the property also. If my stuff gets stolen who is liable?
What's the rules on handing keys out to strangers by landlords.

powerwin

I would say it's common practice. They aren't strangers really, they are tradesmen.

Innys1

Did the landlord give you at least 24 hrs notice? If not, they are in the wrong.

Suggest you get some decent contents insurance for your belongings.

If you refuse to permit the work to be done - by changing the locks for example - and, as a result the property suffers some sort of damage by, say, leaking water, will you compensate the landlord?

Marvel1

powerwin wrote: »

I would say it's common practice. They aren't strangers really, they are tradesmen.

I doubt insurance will see it that way.

Innys1 wrote: »

If you refuse to permit the work to be done - by changing the locks for example - and, as a result the property suffers some sort of damage by, say, leaking water, will you compensate the landlord?

Vice versa, gets burgled, no sign of break in, access by keys, insurance refuse to pay out, will the landlord compensate the tenent?

G_M

Were you given 24 (written) notice?

In the 1st instance I would write to the LL politely saying you were shocked by someone letting themselves into your home unannounced and unexpected.

Please could he kindly ensure that in future any contractors arrange their visits with you first?

(do you prefer to be there when they come? Or are you happy for them to let you know in advance and then let themselves in in your absence? - whichever, make it clear to your LL)

If you always want to be there, consider buying a cheap alarm ( eg here) so if after your etter someone still lets themselves in, they'll get a shock!

If the LL/contractors continue to abuse your keys/access arrangements, change the lock (£5 - 15 for a new one an 15 minutes with a scredriver). Keep the old lock to replace when the tenancy ends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXAo7zSN-9o

ps - you are right - I doubt insurance will pay out if there is no break in.

ultimatefighter

24 hours notice is for the landlord to visit and via tenancy agreements it is 48.

The work done isn't being disputed but the action of the LL to cut keys and give them to strangers who even she doesn't know who are PRIVATE SELF EMPLOYED tradesmen and not contracted by a company. Just cash in hand.

The landlord is carrying out notice repairs to an abatement that is 3 weeks late for work that was supposed to be 7 days repair. There won't be even invoices for work and who knows who can cut the keys after once again. Security is breached at that point as someone other than the letting agent and tenant have had keys.

ultimatefighter

G_M wrote: »

Were you given 24 (written) notice?

In the 1st instance I would write to the LL politely saying you were shocked by someone letting themselves into your home unannounced and unexpected.

Please could he kindly ensure that in future any contracts arrange their visits with you first?

(do you prefer to be there when they come? Or are you happy for them to let you know in advance and then let themselves in in your absence? - whichever, make it clear to your LL)

If you always want to be there, consider buying a cheap alarm ( eg here) so if after your etter someone still lets themselves in, they'll get a shock!

If the LL/contractors continue to abuse your keys/access arrangements, change the lock (£5 - 15 for a new one an 15 minutes with a scredriver). Keep the old lock to replace when the tenancy ends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXAo7zSN-9o

ps - you are right - I doubt insurance will pay out if there is no break in.

Thank you for all the input. I don't think changing locks will be an option as work has to be carried out but surely I can request keying agent to change locks post work right?

Also what about getting invoices for work done or having proof of who did the work?

eddddy

ultimatefighter wrote: »

If my stuff gets stolen who is liable?

The person who stole it is liable. (They are also guilty of a criminal offence). But obviously, you or the police would have to track them down.

Or if you could show that your LL was negligent (e.g. by handing out keys without reasonable care), you could claim from the LL.

LittleMax

ultimatefighter wrote: »

24 hours notice is for the landlord to visit and via tenancy agreements it is 48.

The work done isn't being disputed but the action of the LL to cut keys and give them to strangers who even she doesn't know who are PRIVATE SELF EMPLOYED tradesmen and not contracted by a company. Just cash in hand.

The landlord is carrying out notice repairs to an abatement that is 3 weeks late for work that was supposed to be 7 days repair. There won't be even invoices for work and who knows who can cut the keys after once again. Security is breached at that point as someone other than the letting agent and tenant have had keys.

Does this mean you knew about the work and had agreed the landlord to have access on that day? Yes, the landlord will give keys to trusted tradespeople. If you don't want this then you need to arrange to be there when work is carried out.

There is always a chance that additional keys can be in circulation to a rental property, previous tenants may have had keys cut. The only way to be certain that you know who has keys is to temporarily change the locks - however this does mean you will always have to be there to give access for repairs and inspections.

How do you know there won't be invoices for work and why is this of concern to you?

ultimatefighter

eddddy wrote: »

The person who stole it is liable. (They are also guilty of a criminal offence). But obviously, you or the police would have to track them down.

Or if you could show that your LL was negligent (e.g. by handing out keys without reasonable care), you could claim from the LL.

It would be difficult to show "reasonable care". What do you think? How could one demonstrate this? What about someone who hasn't got a landlord licence and hasn't been means or mentally tested as per requirements of handing out the licence.

Pixie5740

Landlord licence? Are you referring to landlord registration like in Scotland?