Tenant

[Annonymou]

Hi, everyone, I have the property rented out, just spent nearly 7K to replace all the windows, and my tenant doesn't want me to have the keys, I told her you only need 2 keys, the rest is mine for self-keeping. Her reasons are in case she has emergencies. Told her you only locked the windows when you were away. I need those keys in case she leaves the property and I have nothing to open or give to the next tenant. She went crazy all I can think is what an ungrateful person she is. She still got the keys, she never gave me some of those. Please advise.

YABU. Each individual window needs a key, as it should be kept locked when not opened. In case of emergency she may need to open a window without searching for a key.
You need to get further keys cut so you have a set also.

The windows lock with a key?
so if there is a fire and someone needs to exit via the window, they need to find the key first?

the tenant needs one at every window.
if you need extras you should get copies.

Is it just the window keys, each window should have its own key to lock and open in emergencies , you only need one surely. Is this a reverse. The window fitter can supply you more if you want them. Why would you think she won't leave them when she moves.

Get some spare keys from the company that installed the new windows.

Told her you only locked the windows when you were away.

What does those mean?

She's right, she needs the keys in case there is an emergency and she needs to get out of the window,

Thanks everyone for all your advice. I don't think she needs all those keys stuck to all the windows just next to each other, especially the one that opens the top. One key fits all. My worries as well I trusted the last one she had all the keys when she left the property everything was locked and she would not tell me what happened to all the keys.

They are standard keys, you can buy them off ebay.

It's easy to get new keys for window locks. You are entitled to a set of keys, but you only need one, so get one cut for you and give the tenant the rest.

To be honest, if this is your only gripe with this particular tenant, count yourself lucky and give the keys.

This!

With the greatest respect OP, you are running a BUSINESS, and you need to act like you are. Your tenant doesn't need to be 'grateful', she's a client.

Ok. So one key may fit all, but what if a fire breaks out and she is trapped upstairs, the windows are locked, and the only key to unlock them is in a downstairs window? What then OP? How does she get out?

But you didn't say that to her. You said she only needed two keys.

Yes, I did say it to her, she only needs 2 keys for the windows that open wide for emergencies. I'm sure she doesn't need all those keys at the top of the windows. She will not give any keys at all. Anyway, I call the company to give me a spare key. Thanks for all your advice guys.

It's a bungalow and all the windows that are fitted are just next to each other, 2 windows that open wide for emergencies, and the rest is at the top. That's why I told her she only needed two keys. I know now that you can call the company to get a spare key. She will not give even one key.

HappiestSleeping · Today 21:13

It's easy to get new keys for window locks. You are entitled to a set of keys, but you only need one, so get one cut for you and give the tenant the rest. She will not give even one key to the one that opens the top. Anyway just phone the company and they will give me the spare keys.

Anneta ·

Get some spare keys from the company that installed the new windows. Thank you Anneta.

I don't think she needs to be grateful, but I do think she needs to remember you are the LL, they're your flipping windows.
If she has keys to lock and unlock as needed then you've met her need haven't you?

I gave her a favor to replace the windows at the front because I saw some mist, and told her to put some heating sometimes and not, put all wet clothes on the radiator, yes I admit I'm new to this business, and I don't want my tenant health to be in trouble but sometimes they have to take responsibility as well.

It's a bungalow, and I replace all the windows at the front. 2 wide open for emergencies and the rest is at the top of the windows. I'm sure she doesn't need all those keys at the top. She will not give me even one. That is why I told her that she only needs 2. I did not know tell now that I could get a spare key from the company.

They mist up because the seals deteriorate over time.

It's ludicrous to suggest that you have replaced the windows because of something your tenant has done wrong.

What are you going to do next? Put a new roof on because she didn't weed the path?

I gave her favour? Ungrateful person? WTF?

Landlord here, and you need to think hard about what being an LL means: be better informed and keep it professional. While it costs, I think you need a reputable agent to manage this.

You need to keep spares. Your tenant's contents insurance may be invalidated if they don't lock the windows.
You've told her not to put clothes on the radiator? That should be in writing.

Take yourself over to LandlordZone. It's free and full of useful advice.

https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/

I’m a bit confused as to why you even need advice on this. I am not surprised she was mad at you because your logic is completely insane. She must have felt like she was talking to a brick wall. You need to provide her keys for each window for her safety and for the safety of her belongings. If something happens to either, you could be held responsible. You owe her an apology because it sounds like you caused her undue stress. Just giver her the keys and make extra copies for yourself.