Am i legally binded to giving a key to a realtor?

Question

I am leasing a house and my landlady is selling it but she lives in oklahoma and she hasn't ever met this realtor we are moving out of the house in two weeks and this guy she got off of some website wants us to give him a key. My landlady said she didnt know about a key but then finally said for us to give him one. AND in the lease it says she is not resposible for any damaged or stolen property.

Answer 1

The key you give to the realtor is probably for the lockbox that he will put on your door so that other realtors can show the home to their clients easily. Otherwise you would have to be there to let them in every time someone wanted to show the house, which is inconvenient for you and makes the buyers uncomfortable. This is a typical practice. If the association of realtors in your area uses the same kind of lockbox mine does, they are very secure as they can only be opened by using an electronic key with a passcode.

However, since unfortunately not all prospective buyers are honest, you will want to lock up any valuables as well as any prescription medications while the home is on the market. Some people will look in medicine cabinets for painkillers, etc. so you want to keep stuff like that somewhere else.

If you don't give him a key your landlady probably will, otherwise it would be very difficult to market the home. If you are worried about whether this agent is legitimate, check with the local association of realtors to make sure he is a member. All Realtors are bound to a common code of ethics & professional standards. (Agents who are not association members cannot call themselves Realtors.)

Answer 2

Your responsibilities will be specified in your lease. it may say something about it in reference to allowing house to be shown to new tenants or cooperating w the landlord's "agents"

Everyone can probably tell you a horror story, but I've dealt w dozens of realtors & they are above average as far as honesty.

All leases have a clause about the landlord not being responsible for your stuff. It's too late now as you are moving, but tenant's ins is about $100 a year or so & is worth every penny trust me.

Since you are moving in two weeks you can probably get away w stalling the realtor....I don't have an extra key, & have them schedule any showings when you are home. Good Luck!

Answer 3

I wouldn't think so - but most realtors should be able to include details with the listing, like what times the house is available to show, and whether to call first or not - which I always had them do, because I didn't want anyone in my home when my dog was there (he doesn't take kindly to strangers). The realtors prefer to show the house when nobody is home.

Answer 4

You don't need to give the realtor the key to your house. The realtor can put a lockbox on the outside that requires a code to enter.

With notice, you are legally required to let people in to see the house. Don't leave valuables out, and that includes bills or other documents with identifying information on it.

I know it's a drag, but that's the law.

Answer 5

perfect situation for you. besides the laws on proper notice for someone entering the the house and telling the Realtor where you will leave a key (but you never do) and excuse after excuse and always being home if they want to show the house you will have already left.

Answer 6

If the realtor is licensed, you are okay. They have a serious code of ethics to abide by.

note: the key goes in the lock box. so the realtor would need it. but he does not keep the key.

Answer 7

You are obligated to allow them into the home with proper notice.