Key loss - who is liable?

The "VdS Schadenverhütung" has calculated that due to the approximately 800,000 lost keys per year a total damage of almost 100 million euros. This results in an average damage of 125 euros. However, anyone who loses a master key - for example for the locking system of an apartment building - must expect significantly higher costs.

What to do if they key it lost?
In any case, the tenant must immediately inform the landlord or the property management. The tenant may not have a duplicate key made without having previously spoken to the landlord.

Who bears the costs?
By handing over the key, the landlord grants the tenant full power over the apartment. The tenant assumes a so-called care obligation, which applies equally to the apartment as well as the key.

If the tenant has to answer for the loss of the key, the landlord can exchange the lock at the expense of the tenant. This also applies if third parties - friends or a cleaner - lose a key that the renter has handed over to them. For a locking system, the entire system may need to be replaced.