Hi all,
This is a simple question but need guidance as I've never lost a set of apartment keys before.
Basically, I've lost a set (home entry, fob entry and garage) keys.
I want to know if this is taken out of Bond or if I have to pay for an extra set?
If I have to pay, I'm happy to, but would like to know the process.
Thanks!
Strangely, they didn't have extra copies of any of the keys so I've figured it make cost more coz they'll need to make a new one? I could be wrong though. Thanks for the reply.
As an owner of a rental property if a complete set of keys had gone missing as opposed to lost down a drain or some other known place, I would like the locks changed and the lessee to bear the cost of that.
yeah thats fair. i woudnt argue on that but the address on the keys arent shown at all, so im not sure if the locks on my place would need to be changed.
Yeah, true, however if you don't know what happened to them it is possible that your address is known also, unlikely but possible. As to how much, well getting a key cut is cheap less than $5 a key, the fob would be the most expensive as RowdyAlpha has said. As for paying for it, if you are moving out and the final inspection has been done then taking it out of your bond would be easiest however if you are still living in the property then paying on invoice would be most likely. If your landlord is just replacing the keys then it shouldn't cost any more than replacement cost, if they want to charge you to physically go get the key cut, offer to do it for them, if they say no in case you lost their only copy then tell them if you do you will pay for the cost of lock replacement.
I believe the only set they had was the one they gave me, so a new set will need to be done. I've asked previously for a new cut but they didn't have spare and told me to buy a new one (which seems a little weird because they said they wouldn't reimburse me with the new set if I was to cut it myself). Is using the Bond money available on request or will it be invoiced?
@itschrisraymond: That is odd. You wont be able to use the bond money as that is held by the bond board and you need to apply to get it back. Just get a locksmith in and get new keys cut. Perhaps ask the landlord if they would like a set cut for them also so there is a spare set and split the cost.
Bond money is held to cover any costs if the renter does a runner or damage at the end of the lease, sort of an insurance, it is not there for any ongoing costs of maintaining the property.
@robbyjones: Yeah when I was locked out, the locksmith didn't offer a replacement key, he just opened the door and left…
the fob/swipe will be the most expensive, strata will charge the owner about $100 for another one.
From previous experience - the replacement costs are usually brutally high. Although to be honest it is a huge hassle to get them replaced and locks rekeyed (as the landlord/agent) especially as the keys/fobs supposedly get more secure/complex. If you have a shared garage - not replacing the garage access puts all your fellow apartment users as risk of having someone get into the garage - ditto if you lose the main entry key. This is a bit horrifying when you realise how much your personal and property security relies on others.
You will not be able to deduct it from the bond (unless you came somehow manage without the missing set until the end of lease and then declare it lost - bit of a mean act see above). If you want them sorted now it will just be a charge on you to initiate the replacement process.
There may be a clause in your tenancy which requires you to immediately report loss of keys/fobs.
I am surprised the real estate agent does not have a spare set. For my rental properties, we always had three sets. Two for the tenant and one for the agent to keep as a spare set.
They will have a spare set. Just not a spare to give out…
OP, just contact the Agent and have them sort it out. It'll be expensive.
my agent is a little slack and never answer their calls/emails. hence this post first. may have to speak to body corp myself and see what i can do.
I was surprised too. from previous experience, we were given 2 sets. but this agent only gave us one and was our responsibility to make a second, with our own money.
Most modern apartment blocks have programmable fobs, so the lost one can be knocked off the system and a new one programmed in.
Keys to common areas are often restricted so you cannot just go and have one cut, you need an authorisation from the Body Corp. who use a specific locksmith. They cost about $50 each.
If the Body Corp decides that you have compromised the whole are by losing one of the keys it could get costly for you.
Ok thanks for this info!
I've always stayed at dodgy places so I could be very wrong, but usually you'll have a fee straight up to pay (or pay as part of your rent) and they will make copies of the set they have. Normally I see prices of about 50 to 100 dollars for just a normal key. Not sure about a set, but usually part of that price is because the agent has to come out to your house and give you the keys ASAP.