House sale completed, buyer demanding replacement window keys

LondonLady13

This company can match keys to windows. I had to buy when I moved into a house once (didn't chase the seller to pay for them!). The matched it from a window picture and pic of the lock - don't ask me how but it worked! handle and hinges .co .uk

dinkylink

What did you say on the information form you filled out about the property when you sold it? (Maybe the T6 form?) I sold a property last year and I remember there being a specific question about window keys...

macman

To be fair to the purchaser, I would expect window locks, if fitted, to be operational-which (obviously) requires a key.
You'd expect to find locks with working keys on the front and back doors, and for many insurance policies windows need to be lockable. 
I'm not even considering the possibility that all the windows are permanently locked shut...

GDB2222

davidmcn said:

Read your contract. Does it say you're to hand over keys for the windows? If not, ignore him.

That's perfectly correct, but a little disingenuous. Question 14.4 of the standard TA6 questionnaire asks specifically whether window keys will be left at the property. (And also door keys and alarm codes.) If the OP had answered no to that, you can bet the buyer would have kicked up a fuss. The replies to pre-contract questions form part of the contract.

So, it's a 99.9% bet that the OP contracted to supply windows keys. If that's correct, do you think the OP really should ignore the buyer? The OP has a strong moral obligation to honour the contract, and the "difficult" buyer might issue proceedings. Indeed, the buyer might reasonably get a window contractor in, and they might well advise replacing all the locks, at a cost of several hundred pounds. It might be a lot cheaper for the OP to try to source some keys. 

A lot of 'mights' there, but I'm not convinced that ignoring the problem will make it go away, and it may make it a lot worse.

davidmcn

GDB2222 said:

davidmcn said:

Read your contract. Does it say you're to hand over keys for the windows? If not, ignore him.

That's perfectly correct, but a little disingenuous. Question 14.4 of the standard TA6 questionnaire asks specifically whether window keys will be left at the property. (And also door keys and alarm codes.) If the OP had answered no to that, you can bet the buyer would have kicked up a fuss. The replies to pre-contract questions form part of the contract.

Yes, I'm aware of that

So, it's a 99.9% bet that the OP contracted to supply windows keys.

Not so sure about that. I think it's rather more likely that the purchaser didn't twig until they moved in that the windows had locks, than the OP for some reason said they'd be handing over keys which they've never possessed.

blue_max_3

How long ago was the sale? You could just say you left them in a box and maybe he's lost them in the move. Your word against his ultimately.

GDB2222

davidmcn said:

GDB2222 said:

davidmcn said:

Read your contract. Does it say you're to hand over keys for the windows? If not, ignore him.

That's perfectly correct, but a little disingenuous. Question 14.4 of the standard TA6 questionnaire asks specifically whether window keys will be left at the property. (And also door keys and alarm codes.) If the OP had answered no to that, you can bet the buyer would have kicked up a fuss. The replies to pre-contract questions form part of the contract.

Yes, I'm aware of that

So, it's a 99.9% bet that the OP contracted to supply windows keys.

Not so sure about that. I think it's rather more likely that the purchaser didn't twig until they moved in that the windows had locks, than the OP for some reason said they'd be handing over keys which they've never possessed.

The trouble is that the TA6 lumps the window keys in with the door keys. It actually says 'Will the seller ensure keys to all windows and doors and details of alarm codes will be left at the property or with the estate agents?' The available answers are yes or no, and I’m assuming that the OP ticked the yes box. 

Of course, the right answer was 'yes, except window lock keys are not available', but surely the OP would have mentioned that?

Hazelnutty

Hi all thanks for your helpful comments.
Yes, the issue with the TA6 question is the lumping in of window keys, door keys and alarm codes. Given you can only tick 'yes' or 'no' and there is no comments field to qualify (as per GDB's suggestion) I feel it's reasonable for a seller to assume that, by ticking 'yes' they will supply all of those in their possession (not all properties have lockable windows, or alarms). 
I did contact the window firm but they're closed for COVID, so even if I were minded to order replacements (and they agreed to sell them to me) I can't. 
Windows were unlocked - I've never seen the keys so couldn't have locked them if I wanted to (never crossed my mind in 3 years) But they're hardly insecure.
I've sent an email explaining all this, that I consider my responsibilities to the property to have ended and not to contact me again. I guess if he does so, I either try the 'write to my solicitor' line or just pay up. The whole thing makes me feel really on edge - over window keys! It'd have been sorted way quicker if he'd just got on with it and sorted it out himself. But his behaviour over the sale process should have warned me. I'm sure there'll be an update to follow!

Greatgimp

Can't you go round to neighbours, friends, relations and borrow any window key off them in the hope that something fits and therefore you've got a pattern to match?

Guinness-Cat

Send them a paperclip - saying that you used this, and it also worked for the front door etc.