topic Re: Renting Question.... in Community Spirit

Renting Question....

angel*jen — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 06:04:50 GMT

On Friday night I was unlocking my door and the key snapped in half, locking me out. I was able to get the part out of the lock. I had to call an after hours locksmith who was able to cut a key from the two parts. I paid for the call out but other people have told me to send the bill to my real estate/landlord. Who is responsible for the cost?

Re: Renting Question....

debra9275 — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 06:33:40 GMT

I think phone your RE agent and let them know what happened and I think it will be covered by the landlord , it's wear and tear

Re: Renting Question....

jean2579 — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 06:34:29 GMT

Unless the lock was faulty, I would expect you are.
Were you issued with more than one key when you took possession?

Re: Renting Question....

polksaladallie — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 06:35:33 GMT

I don't know the answer, but I would have contacted the agent/owner for a key, and would have had more than one key anyway.

Re: Renting Question....

angel*jen — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 06:45:57 GMT

I was only give one set of keys when I signed the lease.

Re: Renting Question....

angel*jen — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 06:47:06 GMT

As it was after hours, the real estate was closed. I had no choice but to call a locksmith.

Re: Renting Question....

azureline** — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 06:49:00 GMT

Masters and Bunnings can cut keys from 2 pieces..... any hardware store can if they have a key cutting machine.

Re: Renting Question....

polksaladallie — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 06:49:16 GMT

There are always after hours numbers. That is part of their job.

Re: Renting Question....

azureline** — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 06:50:10 GMT

You can always try to get reimbursed.

Re: Renting Question....

imastawka — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 06:51:46 GMT

Talk to your RE agent. It will be covered.

Re: Renting Question....

angel*jen — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 06:55:58 GMT

Thanks everyone! I don't have an after hours number for the real estate, only electrical + plumbing emergency numbers as listed on the lease. I will let the real estate know and see what they say.

Re: Renting Question....

serendipityricho — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 20:38:13 GMT

Hi Angel--please post with the outcome when you find out............................................Richo.

Re: Renting Question....

janeababe — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 21:59:58 GMT

This can be a tricky situation, but here is a few suggestions for you.

Firstly, was the key you used, the one the real estate provided you with?
or
Was it a key you had cut yourself?

If it was supplied to you by the real estate, then the landlord will be responsible for the costs. (Supplied with a worn/faulty key)
however, if you had it cut, then the costs will be your responsibility.

Now, if the key was supplied by the R/E, then put your reimbursment request in writing, along with a copy of the invoice (not the original). If the R/E try dodging reimbursing you, tell them that you intend to forward a complaint, along with a copy of all the details to NSW Fair Trading. ( not sure what industry for other states).

Hopefully, you wont need to take it that far....

Good luck 🙂

Re: Renting Question....

azureline** — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 22:06:49 GMT

If the key is worn and thin it can snap easily. If the lock is worn it could be that the pins inside it have worn or slipped. Either way ask the RE to have the lock serviced...... and get a spare key cut.

Re: Renting Question....

angel*jen — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 09:44:59 GMT

I emailed the real estate regarding reimbursement and the landlord has refused to pay for it. It was a key they supplied to me at the beginning of the lease, not one I had cut. I now have a spare key! lol

Re: Renting Question....

debra9275 — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 09:48:07 GMT

Oh, sorry to hear that angel... I think that's a bit mean.

Re: Renting Question....

azureline** — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 10:24:33 GMT

Suggest to the RE that the lock should be checked

Re: Renting Question....

imastawka — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 10:54:16 GMT

No way would I be paying for that!

Contact the tenancy tribunal in your state.

VCAT or NCAT - wherever you live

Fair Trading even

Re: Renting Question....

lurker172602 — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 20:02:39 GMT

Maybe try contacting J.Hockey.MP@aph.gov.au He's a tenant. He might know what to do.

Seriously, I think janebabe gave you some good advice

Re: Renting Question....

wilk1149 — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 00:29:53 GMT

Go one better. Put a new lock in the door and when you move out don't give them the new key