Left apartment keys in mailbox, now landlord charging me to rekey apartment!?

Question

When moving out I left my apartment keys in the mailbox, as the lease didn't specifiy a way to return them to the landlord. Now my landlord is saying they never got the keys and charging me to rekey the apartment! How is this any different than mailing the keys?

Also, wouldn't they have to rekey the apartment regardless of if they got the keys? Should I be charged for this, as there is no mention of this in the lease?

Answer 1

The landlord can't legally remove anything from your mailbox.



Since you did not return the keys to him this is an appropriate charge.

Answer 2

Mailing the keys or leaving the keys in the mailbox are both equally bad. You should not have made an assumption that you could just leave the keys in the mailbox. Yes you should be charged for this even if it is not dictated in the lease. Your keys should have been turned over to a leasing agent in person.

Answer 3

Also, wouldn't they have to rekey the apartment regardless of if they got the keys?...I'd say most definitely they should but i wonder how many bother?????

Answer 4

Careless with landlord's property and NO he would not have to rekey the unit. Pay up

Answer 5

Anyone could have taken the keys. If you mailed them they would go to HIS address. There is no such word as "re-key". He has to get the lock changed. No, if he has the keys in his possession, no one else could get in and he would not have to change the lock.



He will deduct it from your security deposit. It does not have to be in the lease if it is usual and customary.

Answer 6

Get it done yourself and give him copies of all the keys.