The previous tenant did not return all the keys and says that he lost one
Let's call the owner of the apartment Mikhail. Upon check-in, the tenant received three keys. A year later the contract ended. When transferring the…
The client's name and certain details have been changed.
Let's call the owner of the apartment Mikhail. Upon check-in, the tenant received three keys. A year later the contract ended. When transferring the apartment, he returned only two.
The third, he said, was lost several months ago. There were no conflicts. The tenant reported this honestly. But Mikhail had a question:
“If the key is truly lost, the next tenant will be living with a lock for which an unknown key exists somewhere. What's the best thing to do?
This is a good example of a situation where the problem exists without anyone's fault.
A lost key does not necessarily mean a threat
The key could:
- fall on the street;
- stay in the old bag;
- get lost during a trip;
- be thrown out by accident.
The person who finds it most often does not even know which door it opens. But from the owner's point of view, the fact remains the same: one valid key is no longer controlled.
What to do before moving in a new tenant?
This is a good time to update your access. If a cylinder lock is installed, replacing the cylinder is often sufficient. Then:
- old keys stop working;
- the new tenant receives a full set;
- the owner again knows the number of keys issued.
Is it necessary to deduct the cost of the lock from the tenant?
This is a matter of the lease agreement and specific circumstances, and not a technical part. It is more important for the technician to determine which mechanism is installed and what really needs to be replaced.
Why is it better to resolve the issue before the next tenant?
If you don't change anything, the lock will technically continue to work. But a new tenant may rightly ask:
“Who else might have the key to my apartment now?”
It is much easier to resolve this issue between tenants when the apartment is vacant.
Is it possible to create a more convenient system for rental housing?
Yes. If the apartment is rented regularly, you can choose in advance a solution that makes changing access easier. This is especially useful for owners of multiple apartments or properties.