Tenant responsibility in the event of key loss
If you lose your key, it can quickly become expensive.
Missing keys: What to do?
- Think about where and when you last saw the key and search everything thoroughly. If the key could have fallen out of your jacket pocket, it may also be worth going back the way you came.
Key got stolen: What to do now?
- In case the key got stolen together with a document containing your address, immediate action is necessary! The lock should be replaced immediately!
- If necessary, notify the police.
- Notify your landlord and the building management of the key loss. The address on your ID makes it easy for the thief to find and enter your apartment.
The key is still missing: What to do now?
- Notify the landlord or the building management.
- If a misuse of the key is possible, the lock should be replaced immediately.
- If a misuse of the key is impossible, the lock does not need to be replaced. In this case it is sufficient to make a copy of the key.
- Please note, that the tenant must not make a copy of the key without the landlord´s approval.
- Call the police or the lost-and-found office if anyone has returned your key.
- In case the landlord is not informed about the key loss, a partial deduction of the deposit at move-out is possible. If the landlord suspects a misuse of the key, the building's entire locking system may be replaced.
The tenant can prevent such high costs by taking out a private liability insurance in advance.Please check if other keys and the replacement of entire locking systems is covered as well.
