Tenant Wants to Hand Keys In Early

Member since 2022 · 6 posts · 1 vote

My tenant wants to hand the property back to me ~3-4 days early. They don't want to hand them to me in person. They want to leave the keys in the house. Is there anything I need to be careful with here?

I'm wondering if they want to get back into the house after they give the property back if I need to let them. Also, could they claim that any fixes done before the official lease end date actually can't be charged back to them because the lease was still active?

Do I need to get them to sign something saying that they are handing the keys in early or is that irrelevant? I do have it noted via text. Maybe I just need it acknowledged via email?

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John UnderwoodPro Member

Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes

I get keys back like this all the time with no issue.

They got moved out early. Since they don't want to meet they likely know there are things that need to be repaired and don't want a confrontation.

Document any damages and send the required letter stating if any or all of their deposit is being used and an itemized list of damages and the cost of each and if their deposit doesn't cover all the damages.

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Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
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Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
3y
@Brent R.
If they don’t want to meet you for a walkthrough that’s typically a sign.
They can turn it over early but make sure they don’t think there is a discount
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John UnderwoodPro Member
Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
3y
I get keys back like this all the time with no issue.
They got moved out early. Since they don't want to meet they likely know there are things that need to be repaired and don't want a confrontation.
Document any damages and send the required letter stating if any or all of their deposit is being used and an itemized list of damages and the cost of each and if their deposit doesn't cover all the damages.
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Paul De Luca
Real Estate Agent · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3y
@Brad R.
I like to get the keys back this way out of convenience. It's easier for everyone to just have the tenant leave the keys inside the unit so you can pick them up whenever rather than trying to coordinate a time to collect the keys.
The tenant should have removed all their possessions before leaving you the keys so if they did forget something and they want it, they will have to come back another time. Of course you want to avoid that so you should confirm with them when they have officially moved everything out.
If there is obvious damage from the tenant when comparing your move in photos vs move out photos, then you know they caused that.
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Konstantin GinzburgPro Member
Member since 2021 · 376 posts · 242 votes
3y
Once they have turned over their keys, you can and should change the locks out of the apartment unit. There is a key turnover receipt that I have had some tenants sign in the past which documents that they are forfeiting rights to the property and they left the keys plus signed receipt in the unit without ever directly meeting us but this was more of a precaution than requirement for us. Once they have left, just follow your normal move out process of noting damages and repair costs and send them back an itemized receipt for their security deposit charges if there are a lot of repairs needed. Personally, half of my move out tenants simply leave the keys in the unit as well and I have not had issues to this point.
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Phillip AustinPro Member
Property Manager · Denver, CO · Member since 2023 · 236 posts · 204 votes
3y
@Account Closed This is somewhat common in our industry! Yes, turning keys in early can be perceived as suspicious, however, in my experience, it's most likely circumstantial and not an indication that they damaged the home.
With that said, make sure you document EVERYTHING in writing. When ALL tenants turn in keys, they are essentially relinquishing possession of the property and you are legally regaining possession. Make sure you communicate expectations in writing and let them know they're not permitted to re-enter once they turn in keys.
Regarding the repairs done before lease end date, you have every right to make any necessary repairs and deduct any damage from their security deposit as long as you have definitive proof they caused the damage REGARDLESS of lease end date.
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Melanie ThomasBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · San Antonio · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 489 votes
3y
This is common practice in my market. As long as you have a documented inspection with date/time stamped photos as proof of the condition it was left in and the text confirming they have vacated you are golden. I would make it best practice to send emails vs texts. Once tenants turn over possession of the property, they are not allowed re-entry. Good luck & happy investing.
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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
3y
This is pretty common for me, too. It really depends on the crime level and what you are comfortable with. My policy is to set foot in the property no later than 24 hours after Tenant vacates. No refund if they depart early. No going back in after they turn in the keys, unless the law requires you to allow them back in for additional cleaning.
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Theresa HarrisPro Member
Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
3y
That's fine. Get them to say they are handing in the keys on X day and will either meet you at the house or leave them in X spot by X time-then go by and check on the house and get the keys. Also in that have them say they have moved out on X date, so that you have it in writing and can then go in and do the inspection and get it ready for the next tenant.
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