Who Pays for the Locksmith?

[Cedric Van Duyn]

I closed on a 6plex about 3 weeks ago, so I am NEW in the business and I currently SELF–MANAGE to learn the ropes...

A tenant got locked out of their apartment and did not have a key. Since I work full–time, I had them come to me to get a key and make a copy. When they got back to the apartment the key only unlocked the bolt, but not the doorknob. Since she was pregnant and her husband was out–of–state, I sent a locksmith to the door to let her in. I got hit with the bill for $86.42.

Since it is technically my responsibility to have working keys, I am guessing that I did the right thing even though: (1) I inherited the previous owner's non–working keys, & (2) it was the tenant's lack of planning that put them in this situation (the tenant's key DOES work, but they did not have it on them).

I know this is not a big deal either way, but just interested in "industry standard practices" on this?

Thanks for any feedback!!!