Landlords are being warned about a scam involving locksmiths that is becoming increasingly common.
It’s a modern take on the traditional ‘bait and switch’ con and could leave property owners hundreds or even thousands of pounds out of pocket.
And it works like this.
You need a locksmith to fix or replace a lock at your rental*. So you do a quick Google search and find someone offering to do the job promptly and cheaply.
They arrive and start drilling before you’ve had a chance to blink. Once the job is finished, they hand you a bill for an amount that is significantly larger than the price you were quoted online.
This may include charges that you weren’t told about, or fees for unnecessary work carried out without your permission. And it may also include vastly inflated material costs.
The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) says reports of scams and overcharging have risen by 66% in the past five years.
Meanwhile, a BBC investigation found several cases in which the bill was 10 or 20 times the advertised price.
One unlucky couple called a locksmith expecting to pay a £50 fee, only to be hit with a £2,800 bill.
There are also complaints about locksmiths damaging doorframes and doors with shoddy workmanship.
How to protect yourself
- Have a good locksmith in your address book, so that you don’t have to shop around at short notice. (If you use a letting agent, they will have a list of trusted tradespeople on their books and can recommend someone reliable.)
- Ask if the price you’re being given is final or an estimate.
- Always request a clear pricing structure.
- Remember, the cheapest isn’t always the best.
- Use a locksmith who is a member of a trade body or association.
- The MLA also has a price guide listed on its website detailing going rates. View it here https://tinyurl.com/32jv6bne
- Check the locks at your rental during periodic inspections. Upgrade them if they show significant wear and tear.
*What landlords need to know before calling a locksmith
There are laws regarding when a landlord can and can’t change the locks at a rental.
For example, you can change a lock if it’s not working due to wear and tear (although you need to notify the tenant), or if there’s been a burglary.
You can’t call in a locksmith if the tenant is late with the rent or if you’re in dispute with them.
There are also clear rules about when a tenant is responsible for the costs of a locksmith. If they lose the keys or damage the lock themselves, then they’re obligated to cover the costs.
If you’d like more clarity on this or to learn more about our property management services, call us.
