Updating post from Reddit.
What are my rights where when my estate agents seem to have lost keys? Saying the tenant picked them up but tenant never did. They were never returned to me when I finished my contract with them
They keep denying they have the keys
Replace the locks with a local locksmith. Ask for a digital invoice. Get keys cut to the same amount that you had prior.
Forward the invoice over and request they pay the fee.
Seems like a simple enough solution. Without the keys you have no idea who can access the home and it isn't safe really.
There's a risk someone could use them to break in in the future, a small one but still.
Thank you! Currently there is a tenant who’s been there for a while. Estate agents kept a key to address issues etc but now when I finished my contract end of the year and asked for my keys, they say the tenant took them which I know isn’t true.
No problem, glad to help!.
Yeah wouldn't trust an estate agent as far as I can throw em!.
I'd drop them an email explaining what you intend to do and get them to confirm they will pay up before going ahead.
They might even have a locksmith that they can get on the cheap
Thank you will do
This happened to me. Agent lost the management set. I reminded them that they were responsible for gaining access to the property in the event of an emergency. They quickly changed their tune and arranged and paid for the locks to be replaced.
Was this while you were still using them as management company?
Yes - at first they tried to fob me off but then realised it was their fault.
Thank you, will go back to them
Confirm with the tenant and then you know they are lying. Tell them and if they insist, threaten them legal. You would need proof.
Yes tenant confirmed and informed the estate agent, they said they will check and haven’t come back to me
That should be a kicker if you need to escalate with them.
Yes tenant confirmed and informed the estate agent, they said they will check and haven’t come back to me
You want to be changing the lock between tenancies anyway, so get a locksmith out and take it as a cheap lesson to always have a spare set.
You could invoice them, but probably a waste of brain power.