Housemate moved out - won't return keys

lozzlepops

So last week my housemate said he was moving out on Monday which he did, however he now won't return the keys because he said he has paid rent/utilities until the end of the month, I sort of get his point, but he has fully moved into a new place so doesn't need access anymore, so why does he still need the keys? Also the utilities are in my name, and he hasn't paid them this month yet. I have let the landlady know the situation as well.

danlewi2

change the locks - problem solved.

Pixie5740

lozzlepops wrote: »

So last week my housemate said he was moving out on Monday which he did, however he now won't return the keys because he said he has paid rent/utilities until the end of the month, I sort of get his point, but he has fully moved into a new place so doesn't need access anymore, so why does he still need the keys? Also the utilities are in my name, and he hasn't paid them this month yet. I have let the landlady know the situation as well.

What is the situation? Are you both tenants in the property or are you the tenant and him your lodger? If you are both tenants do you have a joint tenancy or separate tenancies? If joint has he served notice to end the tenancy? If an individual tenancy has he served notice to end it?

If he is a tenant and his tenancy does not end until 28th February then he is within his rights to keep hold of the keys and enter the property up until the tenancy ends whether you think he needs to or not.

downinja

Yup, euro cylinder, takes about 5 minutes to change with screwdriver.

Can be done for about £20

Even if he did return the keys, how can you be sure he hasn't made a copy?

Pixie5740

Why are people advising the OP to change the locks when it appears the flat mate has every legal right to enter the property?

downinja

Pixie5740 wrote: »

Why are people advising the OP to change the locks when it appears the flat mate has every legal right to enter the property?

Whilst that may be true, he also has every legal right to change the locks.

After I split from my wife (now ex), my solicitor informed me that legally she could change the locks, and legally I could break into the house.

(She did and I didn't, in case you were wondering )

lozzlepops

Thanks guys, I do realise that legally he within his right, but it just feels like as he no longer needs access e.g no belongings left as he has fully moved in somewhere else.

I do believe we are on separate tenancy agreements, I have been in the flat for nearly 3 years.

I had to have a few stern conversations with him about his (lack of) cleaning habits and I think maybe he's just being awkward now. But also given that I am female there by myself I would just feel safer knowing no-one else has access to the flat.

lisyloo

After I split from my wife (now ex), my solicitor informed me that legally she could change the locks, and legally I could break into the house.

Did your solicitor also tell you that your wife would be liable for the costs of your breaking in?


It sounds as though legally and morally he is entitled to enter, so what's the reason for changing the locks.


In divorce cases there is often animosity or even violence so it's more understandable, but in this case there doesn't seem to be a obvious reason to stop someone's legal and moral right to enter a property that they (presumably) have a tenancy for.


I would also not change the locks on a landlords property. What if the landlord or agent have keys? What if the OP does a bodge job and get's charged?
Why? for what reason?

stator

You need to change the locks anyway. You have no idea if he has made a copy. Returning one copy of the key won't change anything. If you don't trust him enough to have a copy of the key, you need to change the locks

gday064

He's totally within his rights, but your landlord should be the mediator, especially as he hasn't paid for bills. As a female living alone, it is totally understandable to want that peace of mind. However legally he's allowed to keep the keys.

Marvel1

lozzlepops wrote: »

Thanks guys, I do realise that legally he within his right, but it just feels like as he no longer needs access e.g no belongings left as he has fully moved in somewhere else.

I do believe we are on separate tenancy agreements, I have been in the flat for nearly 3 years.

I had to have a few stern conversations with him about his (lack of) cleaning habits and I think maybe he's just being awkward now. But also given that I am female there by myself I would just feel safer knowing no-one else has access to the flat.

Refund the rent money then.