Anyone ever hear of a lanlord charging $ for a key? (lease, condos)

[long101]

I just wanted to get everyones thoughts on this before I start getting pissed at my lanlord. So I moved into a complex with my gf and was only given 1 key to open all of the main doors. I thought that they had a code you could enter out front to open the door so I didnt complain about getting another key. Well it happens that they do not have a code you can enter to open the doors. So we have 1 key for 2 people which obviously means that if 1 person is not home the other persons not getting in the main door. So the association charges $250 for a key to be made and the lanlord said its my responsibility. Well wtf 2 people moved in shouldnt we get 2 keys? Am I out of line with my thinking? I understand why the association charges but should I really have to pay for this? I mean when I move out obviously the key is useless.

[eevee]

wow, that is a lot of money for a freaking key! I would assume that each person on the lease gets a key for free

[DogStar5988]

I've heard of landlords charging for another key but I've only heard of a $20-$50 charge. Why would it cost so much for another key when you can go and have one made for maybe $10 at a hardware store?

[long101]

Originally Posted by DogStar5988

I've heard of landlords charging for another key but I've only heard of a $20-$50 charge. Why would it cost so much for another key when you can go and have one made for maybe $10 at a hardware store?

It says do not duplicate all over the key. Its the association that charges to have the key made but I think the lanlord should pay for it since ill have to give the key back after my lease. Its a big building with around 100 condos in it. I kind of want to go to a hardware store and give slip the guy $20 to make it, I dont know if I can get in trouble for that though

[DogStar5988]

Yeah just find some sleezy joint to make it. I'm not sure if you can get in trouble either

[Samantha S]

$250? That's crazy!

Is it an actual fee? Or is it a deposit?

I could kind of see it if it were a deposit - because if they give you two keys and you move out and leave only one, then they have to pay to have the locks changed because they can't account for the other key.

But a $250 fee would be outrageous. If there are two names on the lease, there should be two keys issued.

[Drover]

I've heard for charging for extra keys, but usually something nominal like $10-25. $250 is usurious.

[long101]

Yea its definetly a fee. I would understand a deposit since the lanlord would be stuck with the fee as well if you lose it, but if I buy the key what am I going to do with it when I move out? Give it back? Hell no it cost me $250 bucks! Maybe if times get tough I will camp out in the hallways. Its not even the fee that bothers me as much as it is the lanlord for their lack of common sense. 2 people living their= 2 keys. Its kind of like paying someone to mow your lawn and they only mow half of it. Well you never told them to mow the entire thing but its implied.

[Samantha S]

Originally Posted by long101

Yea its definetly a fee. I would understand a deposit since the lanlord would be stuck with the fee as well if you lose it, but if I buy the key what am I going to do with it when I move out? Give it back? Hell no it cost me $250 bucks! Maybe if times get tough I will camp out in the hallways. Its not even the fee that bothers me as much as it is the lanlord for their lack of common sense. 2 people living their= 2 keys. Its kind of like paying someone to mow your lawn and they only mow half of it. Well you never told them to mow the entire thing but its implied.

Does your lease speak specifically to the issue of keys?

[Avengerfire]

Go to a small independent shop that makes keys. I am sure they will do it without you having to bribe them. It should cost $1-$2.

Do not go to Home Depot or something of the sort. Do not give the copy back to the landlord when you leave-throw it in the trash or give it to someone that makes creative uses out of unwanted keys.