Key Deposit for new rented house

-dmo7-

Hi All,

Just about to move into a new house and the letting agency is looking for a Key deposit of 50e on top of the deposit for the house. Does this sound normal? Is it something that we should have to put a deposit on?

Any info would be much appreciated.

Edit, this isn't for a fob system for parking either, just a normal house key.

Kaizersoze81

10 years of renting I've never heard of a "key deposit". Tell them no.

MagicMarker

Is it an actual key or a key-fob thing?

When I moved into my building there was an access code we could use to get in. Shortly after the management company de-activated the code and insisted everyone use fobs to gain entry, this was at a cost of €50 per fob.

So instead of me being down 50 quid we decided I would cover the cost and when I move out the person who takes my place will need to pay €50 for my fob, and so on. Fair enough I think.

But if it's just a regular key? That's a bit stupid, how much does a key cost these days?

Mrs OBumble

Very common in short term accommodation. Not common in long term residential. But hell- you're paying a deposit anyway, what's wrong with making a small portion of it for a specific items.

Pay it, or go find a place you like better.

Nino Brown

Get a key cut, and hand it to them, and tell them "there's the key back, so there's no need for a deposit".

lukesmom

Sounds ridiculous to me. Rented for a long time and never heard the like of it. A key deposit? Madness

Michael D Not Higgins

Nino Brown wrote: »

Get a key cut, and hand it to them, and tell them "there's the key back, so there's no need for a deposit".

It'll cost a fraction of the €50 too.

notharrypotter

just a normal house key

Any chance its a security key where only the registered card holder can get copies?

Arbiter of Good Taste

notharrypotter wrote: »

Any chance its a security key where only the registered card holder can get copies?

The security key for my apartment block cost €30 to replace about 10 years ago. So, €50 deposit today doesn't seem outstanding if we are talking about a security key

ted1

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

It'll cost a fraction of the €50 too.

A landlord won't want keys cut. As he will have to replace the locks when tenant moves out.

Michael D Not Higgins

ted1 wrote: »

A landlord won't want keys cut. As he will have to replace the locks when tenant moves out.

How would the landlord know if you have the keys cut anyway? I have two sets of keys for my flat and we're considering getting another set cut to leave with a friend so we have a backup.

Cuddlesworth

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

How would the landlord know if you have the keys cut anyway? I have two sets of keys for my flat and we're considering getting another set cut to leave with a friend so we have a backup.

You can buy key/lock sets that are marked to not be cut. Most reputable places won't cut you a new key from them unless you have the master. Not foolproof by any means though.

ted1

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

How would the landlord know if you have the keys cut anyway? I have two sets of keys for my flat and we're considering getting another set cut to leave with a friend so we have a backup.

Because to cut security keys you need a code

Michael D Not Higgins

ted1 wrote: »

Because to cut security keys you need a code

Fair enough. I've never lived anywhere that had security keys.

_Kaiser_

Sounds dubious to me - especially if it's just for a normal key

Could be the EA trying it on to get themselves an extra 50 quid - the idea being most will just pay it in the current climate as it's "only" another €50 on top of what? €1500+ maybe?... the landlord might not even be aware!

For some reason the "Wallet Inspector" scene from the Simpsons comes to mind.