Anything I can do about lack of keys?

[bimbabirba]

Post completion.
The former owner didn't leave any keys for the outbuilding which she used as a work studio but which I'm hoping to use as a bedroom. There are two doors to the outbuilding. She claims she never "needed to lock it" and she doesn't know if she packed the keys and if they'll ever show up.
Also the front door has two locks but she only left the key for one of the two. She says she never used the second lock.
I'm concerned mostly about the outbuilding. Can I get her to pay for the locksmith to replace the locks to the outbuilding and would it be her responsibility if she can't come up with the keys?

As you've already completed, there's not a lot you can do in practical terms. You can ask her to pay or contribute towards the cost of replacing the locks but even if she is breach of contract ( which she probably is), it's not worth going to court over. A politely worded request, together with a copy of locksmiths bill might persuade her to contribute at least something. You could ask your solicitor to send a letter, but that is beyond the remit of a fixed fee, so they would probably charge you for doing that.

It would be worth suing over though because the cost of replacing two locks is going to run into hundreds of pounds and a small claims court case doesn't cost that much.
She also didn't leave a free standing tumble dryer which she said she would leave on the checklist.

Surely, if it's not someone you trust completely, you would be changing the locks anyway ?

It's not worth it. Or reasonable.

It's an unlocked outbuilding/shed. I have 3 of those in my garden and even though they have simple locks I've never seen a key.

I would have thought you'd have more luck with getting house keys but I can't see the justification for a shed/outbuilding

When I buy a new house I change the locks. Otherwise the former owners, possibly their family or neighbours, the estate agents, their builder/plumber, and goodness knows who knows who else has the keys to your house.

Surely changing a few locks is not going to cost hundreds of pounds? I've no idea where you stand legally but I'd just change the locks.

It is not a shed. It's a garage conversion and a habitable space.
I'm very surprised to hear that people wouldn't expect it to be locked and therefore I shouldn't mind that she's lost the keys.
Things you learn of MN!

Hang on, you describe it as an 'outbuilding' so I was reading that as separate from the house?

If its attached to the house then is expect a key for a lockable door.

If its a detached outbuilding then I wouldn't as its not expected to be a secure space.

Stop worrying, forget about the previous owner, and buy yourself a couple of new locks. They hardly cost a fortune; if you get a similar type it's a simple DIY job.

It is separate from the house but is a fully functional space with a bathroom and all. I'm not sure I understand what is the relevance of it being attached or detached from the main house? IMO if it's a building and is made of bricks, rather than a flimsy structure like a shed, and it has doors with locks then I should get the keys on completion.

Sure, you should but you can't enforce it.

I have 3 made-of-brick outbuildings (ones a loo, 2 are old buildings) - all have locks that I've never seen a key for.

It's not separate living space with its own council tax so it's just an 'outbuilding' even if its fancy looking - no obligation to secure it or provide keys.

Maybe like mine she's lost them or never had them - I've never seen mine and the locks are probably about 50 years old.

Are you suggesting she's keeping them or deliberately being obstructive? If so, why would she?

For me, changing the locks is part and parcel of moving costs. I wouldn't not change locks and, can't remember for certain, but I think insurers insist on a particular level of security which goes up almost yearly as security technology improves.
Chase up the missing tumble dryer though - that's defo not on.

I'm not suggesting she's doing it deliberately at all I'm just annoyed that I'll have to incur this extra cost because I will want to be able to lock it once it's used as a bedroom.
Thanks for your replies though.

It's annoying, but trying to do anything about it will almost certainly cost you more in time and money than simply replacing the locks. I'd want to have them changed anyway, because as others have said, anyone could have a set.

I'm with the others - the first thing I do when I move into a new house is change all the locks (normally with the locks from the previous house - makes it sound like I move a lot, but really I'm just a pack-rat)

Why would I want an unknown number of people potentially having keys to my house?

describe the dimensions, brand name and colour of the old locks. If you are handy you can undo the two screws and take them out to look. Fitting a new lock identical to the old is childs' play. I might be able to suggest a source.

I am totally with those who have already said you should expect to change all your locks anyway.
I can't believe people move into a house with their valued possessions and don't change the locks when you never know who might have a spare set of keys.
Same applied to any out buildings.

And I would not expect the previous owner to have all the keys to her locks or to pass them on to the new buyer.

I too have always changed locks when moving to a new house.