Have you recently been locked out of your home? Trying to figure out what to do about lost keys?
If you’ve lost the keys to your home, it can be easy to start panicking and you may not know what to do next. Fortunately, there are ways you can get back into your home and it’s not as hard as you may expect.
Here’s what you should do if you’ve lost the keys to a house you’re leasing.
Who Should You Call When You Lose Your Keys?
If you’re locked out of your home in St Kilda or another area, you may not know who you should call first. There are a few different options to consider.
If a housemate or a family member has an extra set of keys, then they’re of course the first person you should call to help you get back into your home. However, if you’re reading this article, this might not be an option.
The next person you’ll want to consider calling is a landlord or a property manager. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the best option if you’ve lost your keys late at night. Your landlord might not appreciate being woken up in the middle of the night and they may also charge you a fee for their help.
Another option to consider is calling a locksmith. A great locksmith can help you get into your home and will be available 24/7. They’ll be able to create a new key without the original and can help you get into your home without causing any damage to the door or the lock.
You might want to check out this FAQ to find out more about what you can expect from professional locksmithing services in Melbourne.
How Many Times Can You Lose Your Keys?
While you can lose your keys an unlimited number of times, it can get costly if you do it on a continual basis. Each time it happens, you’ll either need to pay a locksmith or your property manager to help you get access to your home.
When you lose a key, a locksmith can help you get a new one and can re-key your locks. If you simply get a duplicate key, however, the security of your home will be at risk. The more keys that you’ve lost, the more potential opportunities there could be for somebody else to find the key and gain access to your home.
You may want to get your lock re-keyed instead. In this scenario, the pins will be changed and a new key design will be made that will work with your current locks. Your old key will then stop working.
If your current keys make it into the wrong hands, getting your lock re-keyed will help you improve security. Re-keying locks will also be less expensive than changing the locks entirely, so it’s a great option to consider.
If you repeatedly use your keys, you may want to ask your landlord and a locksmith about keyless entry options instead. Keyless entry options can allow you to gain access to your home without the need for a key, such as by using only a memorized keycode.
Who Do You Need to Give a Copy of the New Keys To?
If you have a new key made for your lock or you get new locks entirely, you may be required to give a copy of your new key to your landlord.
You’ll most likely want to notify your landlord that you’re having new keys made. Any other property managers or people who need to access your home may also need a copy. Look at your rental agreement or contact your landlord to find out exactly what will be expected of you.
Needless to say, you should also give any new keys you make to anyone who lives with you as well. Otherwise, they may be in for a surprise.
Are You Responsible for Paying for the New Keys?
Whether you need to get new keys made for your house in Albert Park or another area, you may be wondering who will need to pay for it. The specific responsibilities will vary based on the relationship you have with your landlord. In some cases, a landlord will need to pay for new keys, but in other cases, the tenant will be responsible.
In the case that keys have been lost, it will usually rest on the shoulders of the tenant to pay for the cost of new keys. This is also true for nearly any other time a tenant may want to request that a new key be made, such as if a roommate has moved out or if they want to prevent access from someone who has the current key. A tenant may also need to pay if they have caused damage to the locks or keys.
On the other hand, a landlord may pay when the locks are being upgraded as part of property management. They may also pay for new keys if the tenant is moving out and another one is moving in or if they need to forcibly remove a tenant. A landlord may also pay for the locks if they have stopped working due to old age.
Taking the Right Steps to Deal With Lost Keys
If you’re leasing your home and have lost your keys, it’s important to take action and get in touch with someone who can help. Dealing with lost keys can be difficult, so be sure that you make the most of the information above.
