Suitcase Posted October 16, 2021 Report Share Posted October 16, 2021 My landlord house insurance is due soon and I was thinking I might include door lock replacement etc. Can anyone recommend a suitable insurance policy. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted October 16, 2021 Report Share Posted October 16, 2021 My first reaction to that question is why ? I've been a landlord of multiple properties for 20 + years and in that time I've never had to spend money on lock replacements that would otherwise be covered by insurance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grampa Posted October 16, 2021 Report Share Posted October 16, 2021 If it’s an issue or concern for you in case a tenant gets locked out just provide details of a couple of your preferred contractors for the tenant to contact if an emergency. Also remember it can be a lot cheaper sometimes to gain access via a small broken window than calling out an specialised locksmith. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted October 16, 2021 Report Share Posted October 16, 2021 I've always made sure that there are local key holders available to cover that situation. It's best if there is more than one key holder. They just need to be people you can trust......your neighbours, family members, friends etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melboy Posted October 17, 2021 Report Share Posted October 17, 2021 I have an emergency key lock safe attached to a wall on one of my properties with a 4 digit code key thingy that gains you entrance to the spare key inside. As it happens it has proved it's worth on 2 occasions when it comes to this particular tenant being locked out. They have the code on their phone now! Would I fit a key safe to other properties? Not really as this particular tenant has been the only person to have a key problem over the years but it is an option for landlord's to consider. I also think my Direct Line insurance covers for locksmith call outs but it is expensive I would imagine and probably nothing less than £100 for a simple entry back into the property. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suitcase Posted October 17, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2021 The reason I was enquiring is because the patio door lock snapped on Friday night and I’ve had to fit some sash jams to make the property secure..I’m going to attempt to fit a new lock on Monday and if that fails I’ll have to get someone round to sort it out. I’d be happier if I had insurance.. thanks for the replies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted October 17, 2021 Report Share Posted October 17, 2021 Was it particularly old ? I have a patio door lock that's at least 32 years old and that has never snapped. I wouldn't expect a patio door lock to snap unless it was abused or not operated normally. If it was getting stiff it's a tenants job to recognise this and lubricate it.......not to carry on using it until it breaks. If it's a standard Euro lock they are inexpensive & pretty straightforward to change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suitcase Posted October 17, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2021 They did say it had been getting harder to lock recently…however it’s the gearbox that operates the door locks that has gone..I’ll go and see if I can get a new one and fit it myself What could possibly go wrong ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted October 17, 2021 Report Share Posted October 17, 2021 Paying rent doesn't excuse a tenant from carry out their responsibilities, namely lubricating a lock. It sounds as though they broke it...... * Are they expecting you to pay the cost of it's replacement ? * Did they lubricate the lock ? Sounds like they are liable for the costs of replacement ......and your contribution might be the time and effort expended in sourcing and fitting a new one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suitcase Posted October 18, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2021 It would have been helpful if they had mentioned it as they only live two doors down and I see them everyday. To make matters worse no one can get me a new gearbox for the door so I’m going to have to get the whole mechanism changed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted October 18, 2021 Report Share Posted October 18, 2021 I'm assuming it's a sliding patio door. Why not just fit x2 security bolts (x1 top & x1 bottom) ? You can get key operated bolts.....which sound to be considerably cheaper than replacing the whole mechanism. Then you do not have to replace the centre key operated gearbox. I'd be surprised if it's not possible to get the lock body repaired by someone, somewhere. The door will be secure, it can still be opened to access the garden but they won't be able to use it as a final exit door as the locks will be on the inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suitcase Posted October 19, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 19, 2021 I’ve done as you suggested and the tenant seems happy enough.. the locksmith will fit a new locking mechanism when he gets the correct one. thanks much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nev M Posted November 5, 2021 Report Share Posted November 5, 2021 Is it the landlords responsibility to to cover for locksmith costs if the tenant loses there keys or locks them selves out? That said i do have a spare and so does the agent just in case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted November 6, 2021 Report Share Posted November 6, 2021 The short answer is yes......you are required to provide access to the property and ensure its secure. The real question is can you recover the money from the tenant. The answer depends on why a locksmith was required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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