Getting keys cut for rented accommodation

rahzor

Hi, I've been told there has been a big clamp down on being able to cut spare keys for rented accommodation without the consent of the owner. Does anyone know about this? I badly need a spare set at short notice, but I don't think my landlord would consent as we already have two sets of keys. I can see the reasoning why, so I wanted to check it out. Thanks in advance!

I never had an issue getting keys cut, sure how would this be "clamped down on". They were all just normal house keys and were always cut no questions asked.

rahzor

Thanks, I've never had an issue before either but apparently it's only come in, in the last couple of months where they're stricter on copying house keys as a security measure. Have you gotten something done recently and it there was no issue? Thanks!

thelad95

Places that cut keys are looking to make money and I highly doubt any shop could care less whether you're renting or own the house or whatever.

It may not go down well with your landlord though as they may prefer too know exactly how many keys there are too his property. So if you're really worried, just run it by them.

tcif

There are some keys locksmiths won't copy. I encountered it with my work keys, trying to get a spare office key cut, and I tried a few locksmiths and they all refused, said they wouldn't cut the key without permission from whoever held the master. I don't see anything special about the key but they obviously did so you are right in thinking there are issues with some keys. Pop into a locksmith and they'll tell you straight up if they will cut it for you or not.

posy2010

I think there may be an issue with some master security keys to buildings. Not sure if that is related to a high cost though. Might as well head to a locksmith and see!

Samuel T. Cogley

Frequently walking past a sign saying "We can now copy access fobs!" I believe the OPs concerns to be unfounded also :pac:

Graham

It's not unheard of for communal doors in apartment blocks to be fitted with high security locks/keys.

These may require a letter from your landlord and/or a letter from the managing agents before a designated locksmith will make a copy for you.

Miaireland

My work place got their keys from a lock Smith Company who specialised in high security locks and will only cut keys if you can answer security questions that were set when the locks were installed.
However this does not seem to be the norm with most places.

Have you lost the previous keys? To be fair you probably should let the landlord know. When you hand back the keys they may notice it is not the ones issued to you and it could affect your deposit.

Dial Hard

Miaireland wrote:

Have you lost the previous keys? To be fair you probably should let the landlord know. When you hand back the keys they may notice it is not the ones issued to you and it could affect your deposit.

He said he needs a spare.

ec18

never had a problem getting a key cut, just went and asked...

maximoose

Graham wrote: »

It's not unheard of for communal doors in apartment blocks to be fitted with high security locks/keys.

Yep, the front gate of my complex and communal block doors have security keys that specifically state 'DO NOT COPY' on them.

Never noticed it before until I tried to get a copy and was refused

Miaireland

Dial Hard wrote:

He said he needs a spare.

Yes but why if he has two. And why urgently? Is it to replace a lost one? To give it to a house guest? Or just to have as a spare? If it is one or two he should inform the landlord and if it is the third he should ask the landlord and bear the cost of it.