Renting Question....

[angel*jen]

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? 

[angel*jen]

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. 

[serendipityricho]

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

[janeababe]

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 🙂

[azureline**]

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.

[angel*jen]

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

[debra9275]

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

[azureline**]

Suggest to the RE that the lock should be checked

[imastawka]

No way would I be paying for that!

Contact the tenancy tribunal in your state.

VCAT or NCAT - wherever you live

Fair Trading even

[lurker172602]

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

Spoiler

Seriously, I think janebabe gave you some good advice 

[wilk1149]

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