Renting a property???

Question

I have just started renting a property which is in a block of flats. I was given a key to our flat and also the post box however there is a communal front door and also a back door (which is right next to our flat) The front door has a code which i was given but the back door hasnt. I require a key for the back door as it is next to my flat and also where my allocated parking is. I have contacted the manangement company who have advised me that it shall cost £20 for a copy of any key that i require. Should i have to pay for this or would the landlady pay???

Answer 1

You have not yet had a key for the back door , so you do not want a copy. Besides this door giving you access to your parking space, it is clearly your nearest emergency exit and you should be able to make use of it. Tell the management company so and let them sort it out with the landlady..also; make yourself an appointment at the CAB to find out what your rights actually are. On the other hand..it may be worth £20 to you not to have to spend so much time and trouble sorting things out; which is what a lot of companies and organisations rely upon.

Answer 2

your landlady is suppose to pay for that however, if she refuse to pay but since your safety is important then if i'm on your shoes i'll just pay for it. Just for charity.  

Answer 3

u should not buy a key the landlady will only pay for the key.

Answer 4

You should have been supplied with a full sets of keys at the start of your tenancy. It is the landlord's responsibility to make certain that these are available to you even if it is through an agent, in which case they normally arrange for these in advance, I'm a lettings negotiator and keys cause me the most trouble.

Contact your landlord and explain the situation saying that you require the key, most will ask for you to arrange it and then they will repay you for it, landlord's tend not to like getting to hands on but are happy to compensate since the key will remain with the property after your tenancy. If the property is managed by an agency go straight to them, they will hold a float and can get those sorts of little issues corrected immediately.

Answer 5

The landlord should pay, not only is this door the only way to the car park, it is a fire escape and you should have full access to this, in fact most blocks that are built have number pads for rear and front doors.

I think your should write to the agent, stating your concerns regarding emergency exit, and point out that you should have had a full set of keys on the day you signed the agreement.

I think £20 for a key is appalling, I paid £8 for a specialist key on a community roof garden, and that looked like a X , you should be given a copy. If they are not going to budge, then ask another resident if they would loan you a key to get a copy cut. I would bet landlord would not be happy to know there a keys about that they do no know of.

Answer 6

your landlady should pay

it would be different if you had a key and lost it then that would be upto you to replace but because you have never had one and its the use of the door and the parking you shopuld have been given a key

hope this helps

Answer 7

You must be issued a key for apt. door, mailbox, access doors at the beginning of your agreement.  It is only mandatory that they give you one of each, but most often you would be given a second copy of a common door if you ask for it at the time of the agreement.  After papers are signed, it is standard practice that the tenant pay for any key and it's often quite pricey.