Problem solved

Othmas

Relevant replies screenshotted and sent to landlord with usernames redacted. 

A building contains two flats. The building has a front door with a top lock and a bottom lock for added security. The bottom flat is rented out. They’ve never had a key to the bottom lock so it’s never been locked. The previous occupants upstairs did not lock that lock either. This lock has been unlocked for years. A new person has moved into the flat upstairs a few days ago and today they’ve locked the bottom lock.

hazyjo

Personally, I'd wait for them to return. Or are we taking several hours ago?

Not great, but neither is an unlocked door - which quite possibly invalidates everyone's insurance. And they were probably oblivious to the fact the other owners didn't have a key.

If I was the new occupier and locked the door, as should be expected, I'd be pretty peed off if I was billed for the person without a key changing those locks! In fact, I know where I'd be telling them where to stick it. Unless they'd been told not to lock that door (which, as implied, would be pretty stupid).

Help1234

Landlord.

Othmas

hazyjo said:

Personally, I'd wait for them to return. Or are we taking several hours ago?

Not great, but neither is an unlocked door - which quite possibly invalidates everyone's insurance. And they were probably oblivious to the fact the other owners didn't have a key.

If I was the new occupier and locked the door, as should be expected, I'd be pretty peed off if I was billed for the person without a key changing those locks! In fact, I know where I'd be telling them where to stick it. Unless they'd been told not to lock that door (which, as implied, would be pretty stupid).

The new occupiers don’t currently live there unfortunately. They’re just moving bits and bobs in. Not sure where else the downstairs flat person can go to at this time of night and in a tier 4 lockdown. The estate agent selling the flat was told not to lock the door, not sure if the message was relayed. 

steampowered

The landlord. How is this even a question?

Othmas

steampowered said:

The landlord. How is this even a question?

We don’t all have perfect/knowledgeable/helpful landlords. That’s how it’s a question.  

naedanger

Othmas said:

A building contains two flats. The building has a front door with a top lock and a bottom lock for added security. The bottom flat is rented out. They’ve never had a key to the bottom lock so it’s never been locked. The previous occupants upstairs did not lock that lock either. This lock has been unlocked for years. A new person has moved into the flat upstairs a few days ago and today they’ve locked the bottom lock. The ground floor tenants cannot get into the property as the new person is not contactable. 

Who should pay for a locksmith and any added costs?

In my view, assuming the facts of the situation are not disputed, it should be the landlord. 

steampowered

Othmas said:

We don’t all have perfect/knowledgeable/helpful landlords. That’s how it’s a question.  

That's a great shame. I would have thought even the most amateur landlord in the universe would understand that it is their responsibility to provide the tenant with a working set of keys. I guess there are some right chancers out there. 

A_Lert

So the landlord has left an operational lock on the building entrance and failed to give one or more tenants keys to that lock? Yeah, landlord should fix that I feel. And should be grateful it didn't endanger anyone.

Edit: Also, if your locksmith is going to destroy the whole door to get in, maybe you need a better locksmith.

Othmas

steampowered said:

Othmas said:

We don’t all have perfect/knowledgeable/helpful landlords. That’s how it’s a question.  

That's a great shame. I would have thought even the most amateur landlord in the universe would understand that it is their responsibility to provide the tenant with a working set of keys. I guess there are some right chancers out there. 

Another example for your entertainment - ID wasn’t checked before we signed an agreement which is a legal requirement I’ve found out. Right to rent or remain or something. 

eddddy

Othmas said:

Relevant replies screenshotted and sent to landlord with usernames redacted. 

I'm not sure that that a bunch of anonymous posts on an internet forum will influence your landlord.

It might be better to focus on explaining the facts clearly to your landlord, and making it clear what the basis of your claim is -  i.e. it sounds like you believe the landlord was negligent, so explaining why you believe the landlord was negligent. and the losses you suffered as a result.