Giving house keys to agents

[JuliaBrowns]

Is it normal to give all your house keys (well, front door) to an agent so they can allow viewings when you are not there?

An elderly relative of mine has done this recently and says it's normal now (Covid) for vendors to be out of the property and agents to let themselves in for unaccompanied viewings.

I feel a bit worried as they live on their own (and now someone had their keys) and I also read that it can invalidate house insurance if someone else has your keys.

Yes this is normal, although not all the keys, they should have their own set too.

Sure.

I haven't moved for years and just thought it sounded so unsafe! What happens if there is a dodgy EA who takes copies of the keys and lets themselves in at some point?

It's normal yes.

Millions of elderly people receive home care and have keys in a keysafe outside their front door and their insurance isn't invalidated. I guess you just have to check with the insurance company.

Have a keysafe installed - that way, no-one needs to take the keys away - to be honest, an elderly relative needs one anyway in case of emergency services needing access.

@JuliaBrowns

Sure.

I haven't moved for years and just thought it sounded so unsafe! What happens if there is a dodgy EA who takes copies of the keys and lets themselves in at some point?

I am not sure that’s ever happened, the vast majority of people give their keys, it’s the estate agents job to show folks round,

Yes definitely normal. Lots of people give keys to someone outside the household for all sorts of reasons without affecting insurance 🤔

Ok thanks.
But I have read online from insurance Co that giving keys away can invalidate insurance (they exclude family.)

The reason they give is that for thefts to be covered there has to be a sign of forced entry.

And key safes- I know about those and the security number is registered with the care provider. It can be changed at any time (ie after being used in an emergency or when carers leave.)

And....my late FIL was burgled by a carer entering his house, outside of the usual time they ought to be there, and stealing from his wallet. The police were involved.

Well she can speak to her insurer. It will be fine, it’s Normal practice. And you also normally leave the keys with the agent when you complete. It’s part of the service you’re paying for.

I think this is why it’s worth shopping around and using a reputable estate agent you trust

I think you just have to trust that the estate agent will act in a professional way and keep the keys safely.

I'm sure as part of their set up they will also have insurance that you can claim on if anything untoward did happen. The estate agent will presumably be with the viewers at all times and should have taken their details beforehand. I guess make sure they dont leave valuable items out on display/ lying around that could easily be swiped.

Its like giving your car keys to the mechanic at the garage when you put your car in for service/MOT - you just have to trust that they will act honestly!