What Landlords Can Charge for Keys
- Cost of cutting new keys for remaining tenants
- Re-keying one lock if a unit key was not returned
- Reasonable locksmith fee for re-keying
What Landlords Cannot Charge for Keys
- Replacing an entire building's lock system for a single unit key
- Brand-new high-security hardware for standard key loss
- Lost key fobs or access cards at inflated prices (must use market rate)
- Keys that were originally provided by a previous tenant (pre-existing issue)
Reasonable Cost Standard
All security deposit deductions must be for reasonable, market-rate costs. A $15 key replacement charged at $200 is not reasonable and is disputable.
Return All Keys to Protect Yourself
The simplest way to avoid this charge is to return all keys, including any copies you had made, on or before your move-out date. Get written confirmation from your landlord that all keys were returned. If you return keys by mail, use certified mail and keep the tracking information.
If You Are Charged an Inflated Key Fee
- 1Request itemized receipts showing actual locksmith costs
- 2Compare against local market rates for re-keying
- 3Dispute any amount above reasonable actual cost in writing
- 4Note this charge alongside any other disputed deductions in your demand letter