Key Holding Agreement

Home Watch North Devon

Last Updated: July 2026

1. Parties

This Key Holding Agreement is made between:

Home Watch North Devon ("the Service Provider")

and

The Client ("the Property Owner" or "Client")

for the purpose of providing secure key holding services for the property specified by the Client.

2. Purpose

The Client appoints Home Watch North Devon to securely hold keys relating to the Client's property and, where instructed, provide access to authorised persons and attend the property as agreed.

3. Key Storage

Home Watch North Devon agrees to:

Store keys securely.
Take reasonable precautions to prevent loss, theft, misuse, or unauthorised access.
Maintain appropriate records relating to keys held.
Restrict access to authorised personnel only.

Keys may be coded or otherwise identified in a manner designed to protect the identity and location of the property.

4. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

Provide working keys suitable for the intended purpose.
Notify Home Watch North Devon of any changes to locks, alarm systems, access codes, or security arrangements.
Ensure the property remains adequately insured.
Provide up-to-date emergency contact details.

The Client is responsible for ensuring that keys supplied are functional and correspond to the correct property.

5. Access to Property

Home Watch North Devon may access the property only:

During scheduled visits.
During agreed inspections.
For contractor attendance.
During emergency situations.
Upon instruction from the Client.

Access will only be provided to third parties authorised by the Client unless required by law or emergency circumstances.

6. Emergency Access

Where an emergency situation is identified, Home Watch North Devon may attend the property and take reasonable action to minimise immediate risk to the property.

Examples may include:

Water leaks
Storm damage
Security breaches
Fire service access
Utility emergencies

Where possible, the Client will be contacted before any action is taken.

7. Lost or Stolen Keys

In the unlikely event of loss, theft, or compromise of keys under our control:

The Client will be informed as soon as reasonably practicable.
Reasonable steps will be taken to minimise risk.
Any liability shall be subject to the limitations set out in this Agreement and the Home Watch North Devon Terms and Conditions.

8. Liability

Home Watch North Devon will exercise reasonable care when handling and storing keys.

However, we shall not be liable for:

Losses arising from criminal acts by third parties.
Losses resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
Pre-existing defects in locks or security systems.
Consequential or indirect losses.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, our liability shall be limited to the value of the services provided giving rise to the claim.

Nothing in this Agreement excludes liability that cannot legally be excluded under the laws of England and Wales.

9. Insurance

The Client remains responsible for maintaining adequate insurance cover for the property and its contents.

Home Watch North Devon's key holding service does not replace or alter the Client's insurance obligations.

10. Fees

Key holding services shall be charged in accordance with the pricing agreed between the Client and Home Watch North Devon.

Additional charges may apply for:

Emergency attendance
Out-of-hours attendance
Contractor access
Additional visits
Replacement key administration

11. Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement by providing written notice.

Upon termination:

Keys will be returned to the Client or an authorised representative.
Any outstanding fees must be settled before key release.
Home Watch North Devon may require proof of identity before returning keys.

12. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Client Details

Client Name: ___________________________

Property Address: _______________________

Emergency Contact Number: ______________

Date: _________________________________

Client Signature: _______________________

Home Watch North Devon

Representative Name: ___________________

Signature: _____________________________