I think what Mrs D was trying to tell you is that it is likely ther ei smore than 1 key existing and if you ask, you may just be lucky that this turns up and you do not have to pay.
You are typically given 2 keys at least, more for bigger flat
We got a few extra made and indeed it is abut 60 CHF as they are highly secured keys.
I would ask your Verwaltung and claim your insurance asked you or something. Get them to say in writign no others exit. Then you are also covered in case of issues.
Yes, for our flat in Adliswil, we were given 4 housekeys, and 2 mailbox keys. I find it very unusual that you were given only one key. You should follow up with the landlord to find out where the other key(s) is(are). Check your contract; it might specify how many keys you are to be provided.
I am getting fed up of members suggesting where to have keys cut when it is against the terms of a rental contract to cut your own keys, particularly security keys?
They are called security keys for a reason !!! Copying them is illegal. *
As a tenant you have the right to ALL the keys. The landlord cannot keep a key to your flat without telling you. If you want the landlord to keep a key, you can agree to this. All keys given to you should be fully documented on the lease start inspection report.
Many discover the landlord has a key when they lose theirs and suddenly the landlord comes to the rescue with a key.
If you really don't want to pay for an extra key, ask the landlord to pay for it, and be sure it is added to the key inventory list. That way the landlord gets the key back when you vacate the flat.
No reputable key company in Switzerland will copy a security key without proper documentation. It is also very difficult to find out how many keys actually exist because this information is confidential. However, if there is a reason for requiring this information, such as insurance purposes, it can be given out.
*in breach of the terms of your rental contract and grounds for terminating the contract.
Naah, not illegal. Against the 'rules', sure and possibly in breach of contract, but not against the law as such. Keeping them once you've moved out may be, but that's a different matter altogether.
Paying out the small fortunes required to get official copies made is ridiculous, and suggesting that we should pay three or four times the actual cost of a key just to comply with a contract is, IMO, equally so.
Well of course they won't, otherwise they'd risk losing the monopoly that allows them to charge such high prices.
Oh man, I didnt realise making a duplicate key in Switzerland would such a big hassle. I am sure my super has 2 more spare keys with him, but when asked, he said he isn't supposed to just give it to me unless I pay the 60 CHF. But he also said that, if I return the spare key, I will get back the 60 CHF too. So, I will go with that option now.
And I wasn't aware of the kaba key and the security involved with it until yesterday. So I apologise if I have ticked off any EF members by asking this questions.
And thank you all for helping me out here. I really appreciate it.
Before you give him the 60 CHF deposit, ask the landlord how many keys he is obligated to provide you, per contract. I think it is a bit silly to have to pay a deposit for a second key. If it were a third or fourth key, then yes, I would be more understanding. What if you had a pet (not even a cat or dog, but something like fish or birds) and you went on holiday? You'd have to leave the only key with a neighbor/friend so they could get in to feed your pet. This means that you'd have to arrange your departure plan in a way suitable to giving the key to your petsitter and you'd have to retrieve the key before being able to enter your apartment. As we all know, this is not the easiest thing to do when you're trying to make a train/plane.
What is so wrong with wanting to keep a close control on who has your house keys? If you were a house-owner you may think differently. Actually, even as a tenant it is good knowing who has the keys to my apartment.
Your attitude towards this is small-minded, cheap and short-sighted,
Actually, if he ANY keys at all to your apartment you are entitled to them. End of story. The landlord is only allowed to hold on to a key with your express permission (and that is law). Also, from an insurance perspective (and perhaps even in your rental contract) you have to guarantee access to your apartment if you are away for some time and something happens (water leak, etc). If you only have one key, how can you possibly comply with this requirement?
Because the key company has the owner's name on file and not that of the tenant. The keys don't actually "belong" to the tenant, but they do belong to the owner.
I didn't gather that he is 'against' keeping close control of keys; instead I saw it as being against using this security measure as a reason for monopolistic price-controlling...
I full agree with you - but isn't that a slight disconnect to your post 32 ? How can a lessee possibly know that he received all the keys without knowing the total number of keys ?
Granted, but if you consider that it givers some peace of mind and that the key manufacturer needs to keep and administer records...it all costs more than just making a key.
Also, there is no obligation to use the Kaba Security keys on the part of the owner. They can also use cheaper models which can be copied.
Personally, as a house-owner (but not a landlord thank goodness!) I am happy to pay a bit more to have that security. Let's face it, I will only have to pay a) at the beginning and b) if I lose a key.
Also, as a tenant, if you lose a key the insurance will cover it (the tenant's liability insurance), so to be honest I don't see why anyone is getting hot under the collar about how much it costs.
The owner is under an obligation to provide all the keys. You can also ask him for the key list. My point was that the key manufacturer wouldn't provide the data because they only have a contractual relationship with the owner and not with the tenant. However, it may not get your tenancy off to a flying start if you start off by accusing him of trying to cheat you...
If you had reason to suspect that he hadn't given you all the keys (evidence that someone had entered your apartment without your knowledge, etc), you could ask for proof that he had given you all the keys and he would be obligated to show you the key list. Of course, even more so if there was theft without there actually having been a break in. This is probably one of the first questions the insurers (and police) would ask: who has keys?
Most landlords will comply, albeit begrudgingly, once the tenant has pointed out their legal obligation. Of course you can agree to let the landlord keep a key, perhaps in a sealed enveloppe or something only to eb used in case of emergency.
If you ever own a rental property, I hope you have tenants who show the lack of respect for a rental contract and make illegal copies. You will never know about it and of course they will keep them after the property has been handed back. What else are they going to do? Give them to the owner.
Using your logic it is fine to make unauthorized copies because asking you, to do so, as the owner, is "ridiculous". Imagine showing some respect for a property owner.
I have corporate client who are blocking EF access to their employees from the office. Is it any wonder?
Most landlords prefer not to rent to foreigners. I have stopped asking why.