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Lost key - Landlord Forum thread 216732

Lost key by Anna Mouse on January 30, 2011 @14:07

                              
I think that $125 might be a bit on the high end. However, I would like to ask this question. If you owned the home and locked your key in, what would you do then? Just for thought, maybe you should have called your landlord and accepted the responsibility for the mistake, including on a financial basis. Asking him for permission to hire a locksmith at your expense? I don't know that the locks needed to be changed but you would have had your Drivers License with your current address, the home you needed access to on?

My point is taking a bit of responsibility and attempting to fix a problem is a real good way to get on your landlords good side. Do not mistake this as doing stuff to the property without permission being a good idea. However figuring out how to get back in without bothering the landlord may have been a great idea. You made a problem and then if you fixed it via having a locksmith come open your door to your home would have been wise. If the locks were not changed why would your landlord even have to know you fouled?

Instead what you did is make it his problem. Your mistake his headach. Can you see that? Charging the $125 is a charge for him having a headach, and losing time on a mistake that you created. Then you insult him when he asks for a copy of the lease. Maybe he had a copy and was testing to see what type of attitude you would present, during his migraine from your key mess up.

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Re: Lost key by Jake on January 30, 2011 @14:51 [ Reply ]
It is good business for the landlord and the right thing to do. Does anyone do anything anymore because it is good business? When the landlord arrived he could advise the tenant to call a locksmith next time.
LL Tip: Reduce Lockouts by ERIC on January 30, 2011 @15:08 [ Reply ]
One way to reduce lockouts is only have a deadbolt with a key, not a locking door knob. That way, you can only get locked out of you had the keys when you left. One of the first things I do when I buy a property is get rid of locks that can be locked, and then just close the door.

Having said that, I have had people lock their keys in the car, and then need access to their apartment. Or their kids that came home and could not get in, because their parents were working late. I unlocked their door for free.

At some point, LLs need to understand that in order to have great tenants, who stay a long time, you need to have good customer service. Without good customer service, you get less quality renters, and they leave your place sooner.

I do a lot of maintenance that I could either defer to the tenant, or charge for. Including clogged toilets, kids breaking windows, picking up litter items, lock outs, etc.

So, doing what may be legal isn't necessarily right. Remember who your customer is, it will go a long way towards profitability.

    Re: LL Tip: Reduce Lockouts by Jake on January 30, 2011 @15:46 [ Reply ]
    I have been beating this drum a long time but so far it goes unheard. There is a difference between what is good business and what can be legally gotten away with.
      Re: LL Tip: Reduce Lockouts by Anonymous on January 31, 2011 @16:11 [ Reply ]
      Don't worry, there are people who really appreciate quality LLs who are out for more than making an extra buck or two.

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