to wonder if this is illegal?

[winkywinkola]

I had a new lock fitted. Got two keys with it.

I need a new key cut. I went to Timpsons. They cut me three for £50. None worked. I went back. They cut them again. None worked in the lock.

They said it was difficult because the code on the keys had been scratched off by the locksmiths and their phone number was etched on instead.

This means I can only get keys cut by that particular locksmith at an inflated price.

Is this legal? Aibu to be thoroughly cheesed off at having to pay almost double what Timpsons charged to new keys that work?

[winkywinkola]

So the landlord, that is the owner of the property, has the code and has control over who gets copies of the key.

Our locksmith owns our code then and we have no control over who can have copies of our keys in that case, because they've scratched off the code and only they then can supply keys.

[BigChocFrenzy]

Good security locks would be expensive and extra keys need to be obtained by the LL, who might have to show ID.
If you change the locks to a property you rent, that probably breaks the terms of the contract you signed. You would have signed that you accept a specific number of keys; also the LL expects a maximum number of people to live there and to need keys.

LLs want to control the number of copies - it's in your interest too, because you don't want previous tenants to be able to gain access with extra keys they had cut.

[winkywinkola]

No. I own my house. But it seems the locksmith is the only one who holds the ability to cut more keys to my front door.

I can't get more keys cut unless I use this company. I am uncomfortable with that choice being taken away from me.

[BigChocFrenzy]

You mentioned a landlord below.
OK, if you don't have an LL, then the lock was installed by the previous owner ? I chose expensive locks that can only be installed by certain locksmiths and require me to take ID. That's for my security though.

If I sold the property and the new owner wanted more than my (6!) sets of keys, then they would need to use the same locksmiths with ID, or change the locks,

[Bunbaker]

I think you are missing the point winky. The reason that only the locksmith can cut more keys is to make your lock more secure. If any Tom, Dick or Harry can get a key cut from anywhere who knows how many people have copies of your front door key? Read some of the previous posts.

[winkywinkola]

Lol. I get that bit, Bun.

But these particular keys should be able to be cut by Timpsons.

We were sold them as high security because for example, a burglar can't slide a credit card along the door frame and open the lock that way. That's it.

The only reason they can't be cut by Timpsons is because the locksmith has erased the code. Not in the name of security but because they want us to only buy keys from them. At an inflated price.

That is the point.

[Sallyingforth]

But these particular keys should be able to be cut by Timpsons.

You are certain about that are you? I ask because mine can only be cut by a few agents of the manufacturer. The code is clearly marked on the keys but only an agent can make them and they have to see the ID card to prove I'm entitled to have them.

[BoomBoomsCousin]

winky if the keys were your property at the time the code was scratched off and the locksmith deliberately scratched the code off without you permission or reasonable expectation that you would give it, then yes, that would be criminal damage. But I would think ownership of the key at the time the code was scratched off would be difficult to prove and wouldn't have confidence the police would be interested, though you never know, if they do this they may do all sorts of dodgy things.

You were presumably expecting a new key though. So trading standards is probably more appropriate - you haven't received the goods you contracted for in the appropriate condition.

[BoomBoomsCousin]

It doesn't really matter whether or not the keys ought to be able to be cut by Simoson's or not. The locksmith should not be removing the code from the key. It's not their place to decide to do that.

[BoomBoomsCousin]

Timpson's not Simpson's!