A landlord should usually give the keys on the tenancy/lease start date , after the agreement is signed and the required upfront payments (like deposit and first rent) are paid.

Key handover basics

  • Keys are normally handed over on the date the tenancy officially begins, as written in the lease or rental agreement.
  • Before that, landlords typically require:
    • Signed tenancy/lease agreement.
* Security deposit and/or first (sometimes first and last) month’s rent paid.
  • Many agencies recommend doing the key handover after an inventory/check‑in inspection on the start date, so both sides agree on the condition of the property.

Situations that change timing

  • If the property is still occupied by a previous tenant, keys are usually only given once that tenant has fully moved out and the place is ready.
  • If the contract sets a specific handover time or extra pre‑move‑in tasks (repairs, cleaning), the landlord may wait until those are done.
  • Handing over keys before any contract is signed can effectively give the tenant possession and make it much harder for a landlord to regain the property if something goes wrong.

If the landlord won’t give the keys

  • If you have signed the contract, paid what’s due, and reached the official start date, withholding keys may amount to the landlord failing to give you possession on time.
  • In that situation, tenants often:
    1. Ask in writing for immediate handover and note any costs (hotel, storage, movers).
2. Seek local legal or tenant‑advice services, since the exact remedies depend on the country or region.

End of tenancy and returning keys

  • At the end of the lease, tenants usually return keys on or before the last day of the tenancy, once they’ve fully moved out and cleaned.
  • Returning keys early can shorten your right to occupy; returning them late can risk extra rent or fees, especially if the landlord must change locks.

TL;DR: In normal cases, the landlord should give you the keys on the start date in the contract , after you’ve signed and paid what’s required, and once the previous tenant has gone and check‑in is done.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.