Lettings agent have broken my door....what rights, if any do I have?

[littlemefi]

Am separating from H and have given notice to my tenants, they moved out over weekend and Lettings agents did final inspection late afternoon today.
I went to the property today to do some measuring up, and the key had been left in the back sliding patio doors. I went out into garden, and came back in and locked the door, leaving the key in the lock, as there is only one key; I assumed the LA would want to inspect the garden.
Have just checked my mobile and LA have texted to say the lock has seized, key has broken in lock, property in insecure, and that I need to call a locksmith ASAP!!??
The tenants were there for part of the inspection but had to leave part way through, and say it must be LA who have broken the lock, I haven't taken possession of the keys back yet from LA so who has responsibility for cost of locksmith?

[PrimalLass]

As the landlord I would say that you are. These things just happen - our patio door lock just goes from time to time. Are your doors still in warranty?

[littlemefi]

Really? Just thought it was shitty that LA did it, no apology, nada! Not likely to be under warranty as have no documentation from previous owner.

[MissWimpyDimple]

It's just bad luck really. I think you have to pay.

[littlemefi]

Ok, thanks both, will have to sort it out tomorrow.

[specialsubject]

good luck getting the letting agent to own up to this. Previous ones of mine snapped a key too and denied all responsibility.

[littlemefi]

The agent sent a text to inform me of it, and I know it was fine earlier in the day, so it had to have been them.
I just wasn't sure whose responsibility it was.

[youhavetogothroughit]

Mmm.......ours put her shoulder to the door and bust the lock - she did not own up either and my DH saw her leaving the property. Since we had other agents showing people round at the time, we could not prove it was her, so we just paid up. I think it is just one of those things that you have to stomach as a landlord.

[specialsubject]

maybe, but we all pay enough to agents and if it is clearly their damage, shouldn't they have to pay.

[Damnautocorrect]

Technically speaking all locks and hinges etc should be maintained yearly (a squirt of wd40) window companies should advise this when fitting. As they've snapped the key I'd say they used excessive force, how do you even manage to snap one?! Bend it yes, snap it no.
Bit of vegetable oil or wd40 on the key and I bet it wouldn't have broken.

[MummytoMog]

It's quite simple to replace the barrel of the lock yourself, just a couple of screws and a case of buying the right barrel to fit (any hardware shop should be able to advise you if you take the old one in). You'll save yourself a hundred quid or so. and a screwdriver in the sliding door mechanism at the bottom on the inside will keep the door shut while you nip out.

What a shit though. My husband keeps breaking keys in locks because he gets all 'manly' rather than digging out the WD40.

[littlemefi]

Thanks all, just had locksmith out and £72 lighter thanks to LA. Will have to get some WD40 to make sure this one stays ok!

[Damnautocorrect]

I'd be chasing them for half as they shouldn't have forced it to break