Once you’ve been informed that your settlement is complete, you’ll naturally want your new keys.

There is a formal process that must be followed, prior to handover. In most circumstances the keys are collected from the real estate agent, but there are a few protocols that need to happen before the agent can do anything.

1. Settlement must be completed (unless other agreements have been made).

2. The agent must receive an “order on the agent” from the vendor’s conveyancer. This is written confirmation that settlement has been completed.

3. As your conveyancer, we ring you to confirm that settlement on your new home has been completed.

4. You can then contact the agent to confirm that your keys are ready to be collected.

We do recommend you change your locks as a priority. You can never be sure if the previous owners gave any spare keys to friends, neighbours or relatives. Lock changing gives you extra piece of mind.

Did you know

There is nothing in the contract that says the vendor has possession of ALL keys to every lock to every window or door at the property. If the vendor only ever had one key to the property, then it would be sufficient for the vendor to hand over that one key at settlement to give you access to the property.

Check the available keys with the agent BEFORE you exchange contracts.

If you have any questions about your situation, contact me via leah@stevensconveyancing.com.au or call 0414 894 031 to discuss.

Please note that the information contained in this article is of a general nature only and does not constitute legal advice. Stevens Conveyancing does not take responsibility for any errors or omissions obtained from the use of this information.