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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Cleaner ghosting me - can't get my keys back!

96 replies

AllTrussdUp · 19/01/2023 09:42

My cleaner has not been since Christmas. The problem is that she has stopped responding to texts, emails, calls, WhatsApp etc. OK - I gather she's 'fired me', that's fine - but I can't get my keys back from her! I've tried finding out if something has happened to her - but no luck. What else can I try?

AIBU to start putting messages on local FB groups asking? I know this could have an impact on her business, but I'm facing the need to change my locks if I can't get the keys back and I can barely afford it!

OP posts:
wimbler · 19/01/2023 10:28

Just change the locks! changing the locks doesn't need to be expensive. as a pp has said if you have a yale style lock you can just change the barrel/cyclinder lock. we did this on our front door and it was minimal cost and certainly cheaper than a locksmith. My husband was able to fit it in less than 10 minutes

Glittertwins · 19/01/2023 10:36

We had a lunatic of a cleaner a few years back. We gave her notice because it was obvious the work hadn't been done properly and she wouldn't give us our keys back when asked (we'd paid fully so no payment withheld). Ended reporting theft at local police station and got the locks changed very quickly.

Allthegoodnamesarechosen · 19/01/2023 10:38

Branleuse · 19/01/2023 09:56

Do you really think shes gonna come and burgle you just because she has a key?

If she did, it might invalidate the contents insurance. OP is right, she needs to get her keys back or change the lock .

Ostryga · 19/01/2023 10:41

Change the locks. They are surprisingly easy if you follow a YouTube video. I’m extremely crap at DIY and I changed all mine within half an hour.

Womencanlift · 19/01/2023 10:43

I thought your insurance was invalid anyway if someone had your keys that did not live in the house (or had a contracted agreement to have a set like an estate agent)? Maybe a cleaner is covered if it’s through an agency, but an individual cleaner not so sure

That was certainly the comments that were made on the thread where the neighbour was letting her relatives stay in the OPs house over Christmas

DanseAvecLesLoups · 19/01/2023 10:44

Buy a new barrel for the lock and change it yourself.

YouOKHun · 19/01/2023 10:44

You have to change the locks unfortunately. I would report the theft of your keys. When you’ve done that and if you know her other customers let them (and anyone else for whom it might be relevant) know she’s a security risk.

Rainbowshit · 19/01/2023 10:46

I would send a message asking for the keys to be returned by x date otherwise you will be forced to change the locks and will pursue her through the small claims court for the cost.

Original poster
AllTrussdUp · 19/01/2023 10:47

Its a 5 lever mortice lock so not something I can change myself I think. Damn the woman! So much hassle and all she needs to do is give the bloody keys back! I'm not always at home at the same times (work/travel) so its hard to arrange to always be here to let someone in. And giving them access to a key safe is basically the same as giving someone a set of keys. Argh!

OP posts:
sueelleker · 19/01/2023 10:50

Have any of you considered a key safe? You can give workers the code, and if/when they're no longer employed by you, all you have to do is change it.

Original poster
AllTrussdUp · 19/01/2023 10:52

I might have to @sueelleker - thank you

OP posts:
cortisolqueen · 19/01/2023 10:53

AllTrussdUp · 19/01/2023 10:47

Its a 5 lever mortice lock so not something I can change myself I think. Damn the woman! So much hassle and all she needs to do is give the bloody keys back! I'm not always at home at the same times (work/travel) so its hard to arrange to always be here to let someone in. And giving them access to a key safe is basically the same as giving someone a set of keys. Argh!

Ours is the same kind of door and a local locksmith changed it for £20. He said it was a really straightforward job.

starfishmummy · 19/01/2023 10:54

AllTrussdUp · 19/01/2023 10:52

I might have to @sueelleker - thank you

Definitely a good idea - but only if you can put it somewhere it won't be easily found.

sueelleker · 19/01/2023 10:59

starfishmummy · 19/01/2023 10:54

Definitely a good idea - but only if you can put it somewhere it won't be easily found.

Show quote history

I've got one-the point is, even if can be seen it can't be accessed without the code. I'm not talking about hiding the key in one of those artificial stone gadgets.

Aposterhasnoname · 19/01/2023 11:14

if She has nefarious intentions with your keys she’s had ample time to get a copy by now, so I’d honestly change the locks

SamphirethePogoingStickerist · 19/01/2023 11:19

maria1984m · 19/01/2023 09:54

Check her name / business name on companies house website if she’s a registered business will give business address you could pop round? Or see if landline number

Don't be daft. Sole traders aren't registered companies.

But you should have her details from her invoices...

Jarstastic · 19/01/2023 11:19

Change the locks you may be able to just get the barrels changed which is a bit cheaper.

if you have any concerns on her safety you could ask around but I’d keep that as a separate thing.

ChangedmynameagainforChristmas · 19/01/2023 11:30

OP what was the reason behind the 'firing' ? Did you fall out and is this the reason why she is ignoring you?

NewHopeNow · 19/01/2023 11:30

I'd change my locks at this point even if the keys turned up in the next 5 minutes.

GreenIsle · 19/01/2023 11:33

If she wanted to do anything she could have just got the key cut and have a spare one so at this stage I would just change the locks regardless.

Ninjama1 · 19/01/2023 11:35

A partner or anyone could have your keys now so I would change . Check your house insurance.

StubbleAndSqueak · 19/01/2023 11:44

What a nightmare, I don't know why I'm always surprised at the way some people behave
I'd have to change the lock for piece of mind

starfishmummy · 19/01/2023 11:46

sueelleker · 19/01/2023 10:59

I've got one-the point is, even if can be seen it can't be accessed without the code. I'm not talking about hiding the key in one of those artificial stone gadgets.

Show quote history

I know exactly what you mean by a key safe. However it is still better if they are not in plain view.

One council suggests putting a fake birdbox over them to hide them - and hope that no bird decides to move in!

Emmamoo89 · 19/01/2023 11:50

Definitely change your lock. You're not getting the key back x

GooseberryCinnamonYogurt · 19/01/2023 11:57

Change your locks

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