Refusal to return keys

[JohnnyMarr]

I recently separated from my STBXH. Over the last 10 years or so he has had the use of a garage owned by my DM FOC.

Following our separation my DM gave him a three month grace period to remove his crap from the garage. He has now done so but is refusing to hand over the key in a bid to bully me in to communicating with him as I have gone NC.

Is anyone able to offer me any advice as to the legal implications of this? Obviously in a worst case scenario DM could get the locks changed but I am infuriated at the prospect of her incurring costs solely due to his twattery.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Just change the lock. Even if he returns keys, they can be copied.

Agree, just change the lock. Don't make this a bigger deal than it needs to be. He clearly wants a reaction and contact from you, it's not worth the hassle of sending him recorded letters asking for return of the keys by X date or you'll escalate, all for the sake of a few pounds on a new lock. Technically you could make a police report that he's withholding property, but I can only imagine they'll just tell you to change the lock as well.

If you don't want the expense of changing the lock, install a sturdy padlock over the top. Cheaper and will do the same job for now.

Agree with changing the lock. You don't have to attend every argument you are invited to, and this is one certainly worth ignoring!

If you don't want the expense of changing the lock, install a sturdy padlock over the top. Cheaper and will do the same job for now.

A new barrel for the lock will probable cost the same as a padlock and latch.

I agree you should change the lock.

If you don't want your DM to incur costs, organise and pay for it yourself.

I changed the barrels on my locks myself after reading how to do it on MN. It was really easy.

Could the lock be swapped with another one, perhaps elsewhere in the house or if it's a different type, (ours are), maybe ask a friend or neighbour if they'd mind swapping?

I agree. Change the lock, don't tell him.

You'll never be certain he hasn't copied the keys.