Landlord charging me for returning keys late: who helps?

Summary

A landlord charging you for late key return must show a real loss. In England, the Tenant Fees Act only allows a key charge if your tenancy agreement includes it, and the amount must be the landlord's reasonable cost, backed by evidence. If a new tenant had already moved in and spare keys were used, daily rent for those days and a lock change are hard to justify. If the landlord takes it from your deposit, use the deposit scheme's free dispute service.

Key information

• Default fees: a charge for lost or late keys is only allowed if it is in your tenancy agreement, and it must be a reasonable cost with written evidence.
• Rent after the end: a landlord can only claim for real loss. If the new tenant moved in and paid rent, there may be no loss.
• Lock change: only reasonable if keys were lost or security was at risk. Ask why it was needed.
• Evidence: messages showing when the keys were returned, when the new tenant moved in, and that spare keys were used.
• Deposit dispute: protected deposits in England have a free dispute service through the scheme.
• Not from your deposit: if the landlord claims separately, they would have to take you to court and prove the loss.
• The deposit scheme can: run a free dispute service. An adjudicator decides on written evidence. See the schemes on GOV.UK: tenancy deposit protection. They will not decide claims for money beyond the deposit.
• Shelter can: explain tenancy deposits, deductions and fees landlords can charge. They will not always speak to the landlord for you.
• Citizens Advice can: explain how to get your deposit back. See getting your deposit back. They will not represent you.

Practical guidance

• Gather the messages about when keys were returned and when the new tenant moved in.
• Write to the landlord or agent: ask which tenancy term allows the charge, and for receipts proving the cost.
• Point out that the new tenant moved in, spare keys were used, and you returned the keys.
• If it is taken from your deposit, raise a dispute with the deposit scheme.
• If the landlord threatens court, get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice.
• Ask the Shaman to order the steps.

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