I have recently moved from a rental property. I was given one set of keys when I moved in and..........?

Question

have now returned them to the landlord. However, I did get another set of keys cut myself, which I paid for. Of course I am never going to use, no doubt I will end up getting rid of them soon.

My landlord is now being really fussy about all things minor to do with the property and has demanded that I return the keys I got cut myself. I would return them but she lives quite a distance away and I paid for them!

Legally do I have to return these? If so, can I charge her for the expense of getting them cut?

I know this is so minor but she is being really nasty about giving my deposit back!

Thanks

Answer 1

I would post her the keys, get "signed for" delivery, so she cannot say you have not sent them. If you are having problems with the return of your deposit see the citizens advice bureau.

The main issue is the return of your deposit.

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Answer 2

Send them back quickly as he can sue you for the cost of getting his locks changed.

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Answer 3

Ask yourself how you would feel if someone - a complete stranger - had a set of keys to a house you were renting?

Return the keys asap and keep yourself in the right. Any decent lease would have quite precise details regarding keys and whether or not ALL keys need to be returned at the end of the lease.

As to your depost you should have done a walk through at the end of the lease with the landlord and you should be aware of anything which was liable to cost you money. You need to discuss this with the landlord but as for the keys you need to return them.

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Answer 4

apparently you told the landlord you had an extra set of keys made. The landlord wouldn't feel safe for the new renters if she knew another set of keys were floating about.

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Answer 5

You are legally required to return ALL keys to the property. It does not matter if you paid for a copy. You do NOT get reimbursed for that cost. We are talking about a couple bucks here!!! This is just petty. GROW UP!

You are not legally allowed access to the property once you move out. If you keep ANY keys they CAN charge you to change the locks.

This has NOTHING to do with any other problems with the landlord or any other deposit disputes.

Source(s):

I'm a property manager.

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Answer 6

Do you think you will actually get your deposit back if you donate these keys to her? Do you think she will pay the bill for you having had the keys cut and posted to her?
I would be inclined to say don't bother.
Unforunately if you are in the uk it is not yet law that you will get your deposit returned, this is currently being addressed I understand- but currently lots of landlords are hanging onto deposits, yours may be one of these.
As you paid for the keys they are your property, I would send a letter to your ex landlord saying she is welcome to collect them from such and such a place (whether you want her coming to your new home is up to you) if she is willing to pay for them.
You might suggest it would be a good time for her to return your deposit, too. This will protect you legally, and also give you a chance of getting your money back.
It might be an idea to have a witness there if she agrees to this.
I'm afraid I don't trust landlords-having run up against a few crooked ones myself one way and another. Good Luck

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Answer 7

Put them in the mail. A lot of landlords get fussy about little things when they don't have money coming in.

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Answer 8

Post them to her. I know it's a hassle but you can always 'accidentally' not put enough postage on the envelope :)

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