Rental key handover in Exeter
Professional rental key handover services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30 mins - 1 hr
Location
Exeter, Devon
Professional key handover to your new tenant. I'll meet them, hand over keys, show them around the property, explain how everything works.
When You Can't Be There For Check-In
You're three hours away when your new tenant's due to collect keys. Or working. Or dealing with another property. Or you just don't want the awkward "here's your new home" conversation.
I meet tenants for landlords all over Exeter, hand over keys, do the property walkthrough, explain how everything works. Professional, friendly, gets them started right.
Particularly useful for remote landlords, holiday lets, or when you've got multiple check-ins on the same day. Tenant gets a proper welcome, you're not scrambling to be in three places at once.
💡 Pro tip: Have me do the key handover AND take checkout photos from the previous tenant in the same visit. Everything documented and new tenant welcomed in one go. Efficient.
Professional Handover vs Keys In The Post
Some landlords post keys or leave them in a key safe. Tenant has no idea how anything works, calls you constantly, or worse - breaks stuff because they didn't know.
| ✅ Proper Handover | ❌ Keys In Safe, Good Luck |
|---|---|
| Everything explained face-to-face | Tenant figures it out (or doesn't) |
| Questions answered immediately | Texts you constantly about basic stuff |
| Meters read, alarms tested | No record of starting readings |
| Good first impression, professional tone | Impersonal, tenant feels uncared-for |
| Quirks explained before they cause problems | Tenant floods bathroom, didn't know the shower quirk |
What You Get
🔧 The Handover Service
| What I Do | Details |
|---|---|
| Meet tenant | Confirm ID, hand over complete key set |
| Test keys | Check they work in all locks before tenant's left alone |
| Property walkthrough | Show boiler, stopcock, fuse box, meters |
| Explain systems | How heating works, any quirks they should know |
| Answer questions | Bins, parking, appliances, wifi - whatever they ask |
📦 You're Left With
- Tenant welcomed properly and professionally
- Meter readings recorded if needed
- Keys confirmed working
- Good start to the tenancy relationship
Pricing Guide
| Service | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard key handover + walkthrough | 30-45 mins | £60 |
| Extended handover (detailed condition check) | 1 hr | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum. If tenant doesn't show and needs rescheduling, you'll be charged for both visits.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Remote landlord - can't get there for check-in
✅ Holiday lets - guest arriving Friday evening
✅ Working - can't take time off for key handover
✅ Multiple properties - several check-ins same day
Why Choose Us for Rental key handover in Exeter?
Professional handover when you can't be there
Property explained properly to tenant
Meters read, alarms shown, quirks noted
Tenant starts on right foot
What to Expect
Step 1: Arrange Meeting
I'll coordinate time and place with your tenant. Usually at the property, but can be elsewhere if needed (though testing keys in actual locks is better).
Step 2: Meet & Greet
Confirm tenant's ID, hand over keys, test they work. Friendly and professional - sets a good tone for the tenancy.
Step 3: Property Walkthrough
Quick tour showing how everything works, where things are, any quirks they should know. Answer questions, make sure they're comfortable.
🔧 DIY Tips
Doing key handovers yourself? Here's how to do them well:
🔧 Essential handover checklist
- Test all keys work in all locks
- Show location of stopcock (in case of leak)
- Show fuse box location (in case of trip)
- Demonstrate boiler/heating controls
- Test smoke alarms with tenant present
- Read all meters, note readings
- Explain bin collection days
📐 Things tenants always ask
- How does the heating work?
- Where do bins go / when's collection?
- Is parking included / where can I park?
- What's the wifi password?
- Can I paint / put up pictures / make changes?
- What do I do if something breaks?
- When's rent due / how do I pay?
⚠️ Common handover mistakes
- Rushing it (makes tenant feel unwelcome)
- Not testing keys properly
- Forgetting to explain quirks (then tenant calls you at midnight)
- No record of meter readings
- Not showing emergency shutoffs
- Handing over keys that don't work properly
💡 Pro trick: Create a "welcome pack" for tenants - printed sheet with wifi password, bin days, your contact info, emergency numbers (plumber, electrician), any property quirks. Hand it over with the keys. Cuts down on basic questions and makes you look organized.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏡 Holiday lets benefit most - guests expect a proper welcome, they're on holiday, they want help not hassle. Meeting them personally (or having me do it) makes a huge difference to their experience and your reviews.
Multiple properties? If you've got several check-ins on the same day, I can stagger them - meet all your new tenants across the day while you do whatever you need to do.
Tenant no-shows do happen. I'll wait a reasonable time and try contacting them. If they don't show, that's still billable time - your call whether you pass that cost to the tenant.
Exeter's student rentals often have multiple check-ins (different tenants, different arrival times). I can coordinate meeting each one as they arrive rather than you hanging around all day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need someone else to hand over keys?
Remote landlord who can't get there for check-in. Working when tenant arrives. Multiple properties on the same day. Awkward tenant relationship (agent-managed but agent won't do handovers). Or you just want it done professionally without the hassle. I meet tenant, hand over keys, show them around, explain everything that needs explaining.
What actually happens during the handover?
Meet tenant at agreed time, confirm their ID, hand over keys and check they work in all locks. Quick walkthrough showing how everything works - boiler, stopcock, fuse box, quirks they should know about. Read meters, test smoke alarms, answer questions. Usually takes 30-45 mins. Professional and friendly - sets good tone for the tenancy.
Do you check the property condition with the tenant?
I can do a basic walk-through noting condition if you want (takes a bit longer). Most landlords have already done inventory photos before the tenant moves in. I'm mainly there to physically hand over keys and make sure the tenant knows how things work. Less formal than a full inventory check.
What if the tenant doesn't show up?
I'll wait a reasonable time (usually 15-20 mins), try contacting them, then update you. We'll arrange another time. Your call whether you want to charge the tenant for a wasted journey - I bill you for my time either way since I was there.
Can you do this for holiday let guests too?
Absolutely - holiday let check-ins are actually more common. Guest arrives, I meet them, hand over keys, show them how heating/wifi/appliances work, explain local parking/bins. They get a proper welcome, you don't have to rush there every Friday evening. Works well.
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Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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