Lost a key as a tenant: who pays for the lock system?
When you pay for a new master key system, what your liability insurance covers, and why the key count from move-in matters.
You only pay for a new master key system if the landlord really replaces it because of a risk of misuse. Count the keys when you move in. When you move out, hand them all back and get a receipt.
Which keys to count
Write down each type of key separately when you move in. When you move out, you hand back exactly that number.
- 1
Flat door keys
You usually get two or three keys for the flat door. They are often part of a master key system.
- 2
Front door key
The front door often opens with the same key as the flat door. Sometimes it has a separate key.
- 3
Letterbox key
The letterbox key is small and often forgotten when you move out.
- 4
Cellar and attic keys
The cellar and attic can have separate keys, or a padlock on your storage unit.
- 5
Garage and bike room
Count every key, fob or remote for the garage and bike room, if they are part of your tenancy.
- 6
Fobs and cards
Transponder fobs and cards for the door or the laundry room count like keys.
Why this matters
A missing key quickly becomes a reason for the landlord to hold back part of your Kaution (deposit). If the key count from move-in is written down and confirmed in the Einzugsprotokoll (move-in record), it is clear whether a key is missing at all.
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay for a whole new master key system if I lose a key?
You only pay for the whole master key system if the replacement is needed because of a risk of misuse and the landlord has actually carried it out. You do not pay on the basis of a quote alone (BGH, VIII ZR 205/13).
Does liability insurance pay for a lost flat key?
Liability insurance only pays for a lost flat key if your policy includes the loss of keys that belong to someone else. Check the terms and report the loss at once.
Can the landlord deduct the cost from the Kaution?
The landlord can only deduct a loss they can prove. For a master key system, that means only after the replacement and with an invoice.
Also in this topic: Moving out of a Studentenwohnheim: Abnahme and KautionHandover protocol apps: how BildProof is differentDo I have to sign the Übergabeprotokoll?The Übergabeprotokoll in court: what counts as proof?All guides: Handover & viewings
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