Emergency lock replacement in a rental unit, Who pays?

Jun 23rd, 2018 10:33 pm

#1

fabricatordog [OP]: Newbie; Sep 23, 2017; 94 posts; 49 upvotes

Jun 23rd, 2018 10:33 pm

Emergency lock replacement in a rental unit, Who pays?

Hope everyone is having a good weekend. We just had a fairly new experience with an emergency lock replacement in a house that we are renting in Toronto.

Short story: went out with my son before his bedtime for a short walk, as we returned home we could not get back in as the deadbolt was stuck and the key did not turn. To make things even easier our land lord lives abroad. So as it was getting late we had no other choice but to call an emergency lock smith, got dinged with a pretty nice bill for it being a late Saturday evening, I did not get a chance to even notify him before going ahead with this.

We are going to contact the landlord shortly, but wondering if it's landlords responsibility to reimburse us?

Jun 23rd, 2018 10:55 pm

#2

flafson: Deal Addict; Oct 29, 2010; 4395 posts; 743 upvotes

Jun 23rd, 2018 10:55 pm

Did he also need to replace the lock/deadbolt or just unlock the door?

No other way to get in like the garage or basement (if there are any)?

My personal logic would be if something happens then it's probably on you but if something needs maintenance or replacement then it's probably on him.
But I don't know to be honest.

Jun 23rd, 2018 11:03 pm

#3

fabricatordog [OP]: Newbie; Sep 23, 2017; 94 posts; 49 upvotes

Jun 23rd, 2018 11:03 pm

So unfortunately all windows and backyard door were closed. So front door was only access and locksmith had to drill out old lock and install new one.

Jun 24th, 2018 8:37 am

#4

Guest12548754: Member; Jul 22, 2015; 291 posts; 116 upvotes; Toronto, ON

Jun 24th, 2018 8:37 am

Landlord has to cover.

Jun 24th, 2018 9:07 am

#5

flafson: Deal Addict; Oct 29, 2010; 4395 posts; 743 upvotes

Jun 24th, 2018 9:07 am

I would think he would at least owe for the replacement.

Jun 24th, 2018 10:29 am

#6

BryceS: Deal Addict; Dec 28, 2008; 1377 posts; 164 upvotes; Toronto

Jun 24th, 2018 10:29 am

Landlord.

Jun 24th, 2018 12:30 pm

#7

Furcorn: Deal Addict; Jun 7, 2017; 1043 posts; 834 upvotes; BC

Jun 24th, 2018 12:30 pm

Landlord.

Jun 24th, 2018 1:14 pm

#8

Super_Chicken: Deal Addict; Sep 4, 2005; 3493 posts; 1378 upvotes; Toronto

Jun 24th, 2018 1:14 pm

By the sounds of it the locksmith probably billed you for single line item (drill and replace). I would say it's landlord 100%.

If he didn't drill it and billed you as "unlock" with another line item "replace faulty lock" I could argue the bill would be split.

Jun 24th, 2018 1:37 pm

#9

track2: Member; Dec 29, 2017; 407 posts; 445 upvotes

Jun 24th, 2018 1:37 pm

Pass bill to landlord, no questions.

Jun 24th, 2018 1:58 pm

#10

JayLove06: Deal Expert; Feb 29, 2008; 19393 posts; 17859 upvotes; Tarrana & The Ri…

Jun 24th, 2018 1:58 pm

landlord will have to swallow that.

Jun 25th, 2018 4:24 pm

#11

Piro21: Deal Expert; Nov 15, 2004; 20610 posts; 4336 upvotes; Toronto

Jun 25th, 2018 4:24 pm

The lock provided wasn't in good order. That's the landlord's problem, not yours.

Jun 25th, 2018 7:51 pm

#12

craftsman: Deal Expert; Jan 27, 2006; 20728 posts; 14186 upvotes; Vancouver, BC

Jun 25th, 2018 7:51 pm

Piro21 wrote: ↑ The lock provided wasn't in good order. That's the landlord's problem, not yours.

That's as long as the landlord is reasonable and doesn't question renter by saying that they broke the lock. I would get an statement from the locksmith stating that the lock didn't break due to abuse from the renter (ie. key wasn't broken in the lock).