Returning Your Keys
At a Glance
Your tenancy doesn’t usually end simply because you’ve moved out. In most cases, you’ll also need to return all keys to your landlord or letting agent.
Returning your keys promptly and keeping evidence that you’ve done so can help avoid disputes over your tenancy end date, rent liability and your tenancy deposit.
When Should I Return My Keys?
You should normally return your keys on or before the final day of your tenancy, unless you’ve agreed a different arrangement with your landlord or letting agent.
If you’re attending a check-out inspection, you’ll often hand the keys over at the end of the appointment.
Before returning them, make sure you’ve:
- Removed all of your belongings.
- Taken final meter readings.
- Photographed the property’s condition.
- Checked every room, cupboard and storage area.
- Locked all doors and windows where appropriate.
Once the keys have been handed over, you may not be able to re-enter the property.
Which Keys Should I Return?
Return everything that was provided at the start of your tenancy, including:
- Front door keys
- Back door keys
- Window keys
- Garage keys
- Shed keys
- Mailbox keys
- Parking permits or access fobs
- Electronic entry cards or key fobs
If you’ve had additional copies cut during your tenancy, check your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord whether these should also be returned.
How Should I Return the Keys?
Follow any instructions provided by your landlord or letting agent.
Common methods include:
- Handing them over in person.
- Returning them to the letting agent’s office.
- Using a secure key drop.
- Returning them during the check-out inspection.
Avoid leaving keys inside the property or posting them through the letterbox unless you’ve been specifically instructed to do so.
Whatever method you use, ask for written confirmation that the keys have been received.
If you’re returning the keys in person, a simple receipt or email confirmation can provide valuable evidence if any disagreement arises later.
What if I Lose a Key?
If you’ve lost one or more keys, tell your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be responsible for the reasonable cost of replacing the lost key or, where justified for security reasons, replacing the lock.
If a deduction is proposed from your tenancy deposit, ask for a breakdown of the costs and supporting evidence.
What Happens if I Return the Keys Late?
Returning your keys after your tenancy has ended can sometimes cause problems.
Depending on the circumstances, your landlord may argue that:
- the tenancy continued until the keys were returned
- additional rent is due
- extra costs were incurred because they couldn’t access the property
Returning your keys on time and keeping evidence of when they were handed over can help avoid unnecessary disputes.
Proof of Return
Whenever possible, keep evidence showing when you returned your keys.
This could include:
- An email confirming receipt.
- A signed receipt from the letting agent.
- A dated photograph of the key return point (if appropriate).
- A witness who was present when the keys were handed over.
Keeping this evidence can be particularly helpful if there’s later disagreement about when your tenancy ended.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving the keys inside the property without permission.
- Forgetting to return window or mailbox keys.
- Returning the keys several days late.
- Assuming moving out automatically ends your tenancy.
- Failing to obtain proof that the keys were returned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I post the keys through the landlord’s letterbox?
Only if your landlord or letting agent has agreed to this.
Where possible, follow the return instructions they’ve provided and keep evidence that the keys were returned.
What if I’ve lost one of the keys?
Tell your landlord as soon as possible.
You may be asked to contribute towards the reasonable cost of replacing the key or, in some cases, changing the lock if it’s necessary for security.
Do I need to return every key?
Yes.
Return everything that was supplied with the property, including any garage keys, window keys, fobs or parking permits.
Should I ask for a receipt?
Yes.
Having written confirmation that the keys were returned can be useful if there’s any later dispute about your tenancy ending or your deposit.
Key Takeaways
- Return all keys on or before your tenancy ends.
- Follow your landlord's or letting agent's instructions for returning them.
- Return every key, fob and access device provided with the property.
- Report lost keys as soon as possible.
- Always obtain proof that your keys have been returned.
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