UK Landlord Forum / Life

As a fairly inexperienced landlord, can someone advise me if it is normal and/or sensible that I should hold a set of keys for my property while there are tenants in residence?  I have, of course, assured them that I will never enter the property while they are absent, without first pre-arranging with them.
Regards
jonkyl

Both normal and sensible.  Have you protected the deposit within 30 days yet?

Dear Riptide
Thanks for the reply.  That's helpful.  Tenant didn't seem too happy when I told him I would be holding keys.
And yes, deposit all protected.

Absolutely you hold keys.

This is normal. Entirely. You, as Landlord, have certain rights of entry. Tenants unhappy about this would raise my eyebrows. I would be thinking "here's an odd fish, do I want them as my Tenant?" Plus, the number of times a Tenant has locked themselves out and really appreciated me being able to come around and let them in... well, OK, it's 3 times... but still, they appreciated it.

Is it his first time renting? If not, I'd be curious to know what his previous landlord did about keys. In one sense I can sympathise with him - it's nice to have that feeling of certainty that comes from being the only keyholder - but that's just how the business works.

If he's that bothered, he can replace the locks with his own cylinders at his own expense, provided he doesn't cause damage and replaces the old ones when he leaves, but that's just a load of faff for all concerned.