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AIBU?

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Painter Stole Key

128 replies

roibustea · 08/02/2026 10:38

I just had an empty property painted and gave the painter a spare key. The painter completed the job and it looks lovely, but he took the key when he went. He said he'd drop it back today or tomorrow first thing, which I said is fine. But he's text this morning to ask whether I've paid. I am not inclined to pay until I get my key back, as once I've paid he has no motivation to return it, and I do need it to give to other people coming next week. And I obviously also don't really want this man to have full access to my house! Is it normal for tradespeople to hold keys hostage until you've paid? This seems really dodgy to me, is he planning to go into my house and do something if I don't pay?! Am I unreasonable to text back telling him I'll pay when I get my key?

OP posts:
ClaredeBear · 08/02/2026 10:43

He’s very accustomed to having keys so this wouldn’t be an unusual scenario. Does he have Google reviews and do you know other people he’s worked for? I’m sure there’s a certain level of trust there as you employed him in the first place but he will have suffered from non payment before. You say the property is empty so he’s nothing to gain and you can always change the locks. Pay him.

Theunamedcat · 08/02/2026 10:42

Are you paying cash or transfer?

Say sure pop over i can pay you when you drop off the key?

sesquipedalian · 08/02/2026 10:41

Tell him that you’ll pay him today or tomorrow, whenever he returns the key. I don’t see why this should be a problem for either of you.