Keys missing at settlement

I collected the front door key for my new PPOR a month ago. The vendor had a number of other keys neatly laid out, all good so far. I have belatedly realised that there are no keys for the two garage roller doors. Is there an expectation or requirement for the vendor to have keys for all locks? If so, does the vendor pay for the locks for the roller doors?

The vendor is an elderly lady, and I'm reasonably comfortable leaving the locks with the same keys. I cannot see the vendor or her adult children burgling the place. Is it usual to change the keys after settlement? TIA.

 

Not sure in other states but in SA its too bad.

Changing keys is a great idea regardless... you never know if previous owners gave a copy to their friends/family/neighbours/etc so best to have new ones for your own sanity

 

You have settled now so too late.

 

Thanks. It will cost maybe $100 to change the two double deadlock keys, and the locksmith can cut some extra keys at the same time. It's been a bit busy and there's a renovation in progress. Strangely, the insurer asked only if there were deadlocks, not if anyone else may have keys, such as the vendor.

The fact that missing keys is common and that it can be the "cost of doing business/purchase" is most useful. I did not know that the keys would be missing until after settlement.

I met the vendor, nice lady. Some of her neighbours and friends who may have a key may not be nice. I'll put changing the keys higher on the priority list. One PITA is the sliding door locks. These fit the bottom of the door and have anti-screw fittings - I'm unsure of the name. they cannot be unscrewed and will have to be drilled out. Both sliding doors open onto the back yard, so they should be reasonably safe for now. The back yard access involves going through the house or climbing, and I'm making climbing hard with a bigger fence. There's also security lights with sensors ... as soon as the power is on and the sparky returns.

 

If it is your PPOR, spend a bit more and have the whole property keyed alike.
Only one key!
For everything!
Best money we ever spent.
Marg

 

Out of interest, how much did that set you back? I'd be interested in doing that once I move into my PPOR

 

It was 5-6 years ago.
Around $400 from memory.
6 locks plus about 10 keys.
Marg

 

The anti screw fittings may be able to be removed with the correct tool - like with car number plate screws.

 

The front and back doors are the same key, and will be the the same key after keying. The window locks come in packs of four, so this means two sets of keys, not worth having them all the same. The window locks have several keys, eight from memory, ample.

I was unaware that tamper-proof screws could be removed with a tool. This might be easier than drilling.

 

Hows your case of suing the bank Burramys?

 

Terry, it's slow. I sent draft Particulars of claim in late November, no reply. Late on Christmas Eve a lawyer emailed me, they are acting for the bank. Then they lawyer went on holidays for two weeks. On 7 January I sent the lawyer a further draft, quite detailed, asking for a reply by 15 January. Then I can revise the Particulars and formally submit them. It will be good to see what they deny or challenge.

A lot of the Particulars is of the form "On date at time the Respondent said ..." The online chat sessions lend themselves to copying and taking screen shots. Emails are good evidence as well. This case is very solid, about 20 counts.

There's a hearing in February, and I'm asking for a mediation led by a VCAT member. This gives good input from the court to both parties, tells us what is and is not reasonable. This should suit the bank as mediations are private; hearings are usually not. It suits me as I have a rough idea of the damages and costs, but nothing certain. A VCAT mediator can advise on this point.

At least I now have a new PPOR, slowly renovating,delayed by two months due to the delayed settlement and me being very distracted before then, not sure that I would be able to buy the place.