Replace the castle due to the landlord!

Hello everyone

When moving into our apartment, the landlady told me and my boyfriend that she would send us the third apartment key after the rent deposit was paid. We did that, but the key simply did not arrive. I then asked her about it, and she said she would send it and that I should let her know when I received the key. After about 2 weeks still not receiving anything, I informed her of this. She then said, yes, then we have to change the lock - the letter with the key probably got lost. Great. I suggested to her that either she or I call a locksmith as soon as possible to change the lock. She then wrote to me that she had been to a locksmith and needed the following information: the type of lock plus the measurements. Then she could send us a new lock including keys. That means she wants us to remove the lock and reinstall the new one. She surely can’t demand that, right?? I mean, if we then do something wrong, we are to blame, and it’s probably not that simple?! Besides, it’s her fault that the key is lost. Can someone tell me if I can request a locksmith, or if I really have to do it myself? :-(

Thanks in advance & regards

Hello lasarita,

Your question is not easy to answer; although there are some posts on the internet on the topic, they always concern house keys lost by tenants.
For example, I found the following:
"Whoever loses their house key usually has to pay for a replacement themselves. Home insurance only covers key replacement and, if necessary, lock change costs in case of theft. Benefits are generally contractually limited. If the landlord demands replacement of the entire security system, the liability insurance comes into play. Depending on the case, however, the insured must contribute to the costs."

That would be an approach: The landlord tries to clarify the lock change with her insurance.
But if the landlord is willing to pay for a new lock anyway, she could also hire a local locksmith who measures the lock – the installation would really not be difficult for you; that way you could both come to an arrangement.

You will not be able to finally determine who is at fault without taking legal action – but that would be rather uneconomical and lengthy. Installing a new lock is simpler in this case.

Key...

Thank you for your reply. But is it the case that the landlady has to pay for this since she is also at fault? Besides, we apparently have a special key that is registered and cannot be duplicated. Is it even allowed to simply change the lock without informing the key company?

Best regards

Hello,
These registered keys (locking system) protect the property owner from unauthorized key copies. There are locking systems where individual keys can be removed from the locking system and new ones added; for this, the locks are modified. To my knowledge, this would be an insurance case.
The landlord should take care of whether and how the locking system can be modified (only she is authorized to do this), and the lady should also inquire with her insurance.

The lock could be replaced; this would not affect the other locks in the locking system; however, for the front door, basement door, etc., you would still need the old keys (if such doors exist in your house), as the locks of these doors would also be integrated into the locking system.

The landlord owes you the key; if three keys were contractually agreed upon, she must provide the third key, even if it costs money.