One lost key = £120 for lock change.

Robbo66

£120 is not unreasonable, Locksmiths will charge that and in some case much more to change a lock, then add in any extra keys that need cutting

ThisIsWeird

Robbo66 said:

£120 is not unreasonable, Locksmiths will charge that and in some case much more to change a lock, then add in any extra keys that need cutting

I don't disagree with the price at all.

It just seems a knee-jerk response, although completely understandable at first glance. 

Once the matter is considered, tho', is it actually justifiable?

If you were moving in to new rented property, shared student-house or no, I presume you'd be wondering about security, and how many other folk may have keys? There is only one reassurance that can be given as far as I can see - the locks have been changed, and only you and the LL (or agent) have copies. Everything else, whether keys may have been lost, replaced, copied, are complete unknowns, and surely carry a near-similar level of risk?

Is this something that folk consider when they move in to a new property, especially a rented one?

Just been told the student responsible is probably going to challenge this - using his solicitor parents. I will update.

[Deleted User]

user1977 said:

[Deleted User] said:

It was very  unlikely that the thief would have known the address. 

I wonder how many thefts are ever made using copies of keys, rather than doors being opened using a firm kick from a size 10 "key" or by the occupiers being too dozy to lock the doors. I suspect there are more efficient ways of spending £120 on improving security than merely changing the locks.

Tenants stealing from each other  within the HMO is actually the most likely scenario....However, as a landlord you aim to reduce personal liability, even if the risk is low. So locks get replaced. Equally, other tenants would expect a landlord to ensure keys are accounted for, insofar as is reasonably possible.