Rental Property (Victoria) - How Many Keys?

chichi on 18/12/2018 - 11:16
Last edited 18/12/2018 - 11:23

Just wondering if anyone knows how many sets of keys we are supposed to be given when renting a property in Victoria. We have always just accepted what we were given (which is usually one set) but I'm sure I read recently that we are entitled to one set for each person on the lease. I'm wondering if it might not be the case in Victoria.

The agent has told me we get what everyone else at this property has been given (one set and some random keys that don't work). We were also not given any keys at all for our front screen door. She has reluctantly agreed to get us keys for the screen door - but only after weeks of silence from her - and me contacting her about something else (loungeroom leaking roof).

Home & Garden

Comments

  • GG57 on 18/12/2018 - 11:30
    +1

    This link suggests that the tenant(s) should ensure this on taking possession (a set for each person named on the lease):
    https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/beginning-a-…

    But it is probably not enforceable, unless you wanted to not proceed with the lease.

    • chichi on 18/12/2018 - 12:17

      Thanks I've looked through that a few times now but for the life of me can't find the part about getting a set each.

  • qwerty on 18/12/2018 - 12:09

    I think vic is one set with unenforceable recommendations for more keys and other states its one set per person on the lease

    • chichi on 18/12/2018 - 12:17

      I'm thinking that too. I found something about it being in NSW.

  • bobbified on 18/12/2018 - 12:10

    I wouldn't expect anything less than one set of keys for each person on the lease. It'd be unreasonable to two people to share one set of keys!

    Having said that, you can always ask to get another set (you'll have to pay for it though). I've done that for every place I've lived in and the agent/landlord has been happy to help apply for it through the building management and locksmith. (I liked to know that if i got wasted and somehow lost my keys, I can still get into the apartment).

    • chichi on 18/12/2018 - 12:21

      We usually just cut some ourselves and never questioned it. I imagine most people hand in all of their keys when they leave a property (at least I would hope so) but it seems agents always just hand out one set. I wonder if some of them have a stash of 'spare' sets with all the extras they receive back.

      • bobbified on 18/12/2018 - 12:38

        We usually just cut some ourselves

        Guessing you're moving into a house? I've always lived in apartments and most, if not all, use proprietary key designs. You can only get it through one particular locksmith and they require an application and owner's information (and of course, a jacked-up fee).

        If you can easily get additional sets cut without the real estate agent's involvement, then just go ahead. Don't make a big deal out of it. It's worth trying to have a good relationship with the agent.

      • trustnoone on 18/12/2018 - 12:55

        Usually I get given the number of keys as the number of potential occupants so last place I stayed at they gave me two keys (place was for 2 people) even though it was just me living there (used as spare).

        I will say though my new place, my agent only gave me 1 set, but they told me to just cut my own, I didn't think they'd allow it, but I got 3 cut up, cost me like $4 each or something super cheap like that from some random store.

        Interestingly I couldn't get a spare key for my mailbox because my mailbox is more secure then my house key.

  • whooah1979 on 19/12/2018 - 07:25

    Get key cut for $10 to $20 per key at Sunday markets.

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