In plain English
It refers to a key for shared parts of a residential building that support building services, not for a resident's own unit. The key is defined by opening utility or service areas rather than an individual dwelling.
In context
Here, "utility key" labels a key type meant for opening utility or service areas in a residential building rather than an individual dwelling.
- Situation
- Managing move-in, move-out, inventory, keys, deposits, and condition reports
- What it communicates
- labels a key type for utility or service access.
Meaning limits
The term itself does not identify the particular utility or service area the key is for.
Examples
“The caretaker opened the boiler room with a utility key, but it did not fit any apartment door.”
“Please leave the utility key with the porter after the gas meter cupboard has been checked.”