Key For Rented Property

[cassa333]

Hi,

I had a new lock fitted on my rental property as the old one was not working properly.

I asked the tenant to send me a key but they haven't done that. They are now saying that if I want one I will have to pay to get one cut.

As the landlord should I be expected to pay for another key to be cut as well as pay (not cheap by the way) for the new thing in the first place? I think I should have been given one and if the tenant wants a spare key themselves they should get their own cut.

Am I right or wrong on this?

Thanks

[Mamyalynne]

How many keys did you order when you had the new lock fitted?

[Buenchico]

It's your lock and the keys that came with it are yours as well, so the direct answer to your question is that you should be given one of the keys. (I'm assuming that the lock came with two keys).

However there's a counter argument: If the tenant originally had one key and then got another one cut for his partner (or cleaner, or whoever) then he shouldn't lose out financially through the failure of something which you're responsible for (i.e. the lock). So, if he returned your key, he would have a valid claim against you for the cost of getting another one cut for his partner/cleaner/whoever.

So, assuming that the tenant already had a spare key, he has the right to hold one now (at your expense). If (apart from this minor dispute) he's a good tenant, it's really not worth the hassle of arguing over it.

[tandh]

you are right, the new lock probably came with three keys. In most tenancy's you only get one key if it's single occupancy and two if it's more than that. I think they are being very rude saying no to you.

[tamborine]

you are wrong. Tenants have rights to privacy & security. They can change locks to that end but give access when they vacate. If locks are not noted in the lease, best you access at tenants consent.

http://www.landlordlawblog.co.uk/2010/07/13/locks-and-keys-%E2%80%93-what-are-tenants-rights/

[cassa333]

I assume there were at least two keys with the lock. They often come with three but not sure if that is the case with this one.

They have a right to privacy but, as far as I am aware, can only withhold a key if the landlord has been letting themselves in unannounced which hasn't happened in this case.

If I had been there when it was installed I would have taken one there and then and they would have had to get another one if they wanted. And TBH she did agree to send me one first of all.

[Peter Pedant]

hi cassa this sounds like the usual tenants of yours
you should have got rid of and havent

tambo is more especially right
the tenants have a right of 'exclusive possession'
you dont have a right of entry without permission

as for the lock it is obvious that they arranged replacement and you didnt - this saves your time but as you can see -there are disadvantages.

anyway - a spare key is thruppence isnt it ?

I would pay - it sounds as tho you need the key.