Safe Deposit Box Malfunction

Lock Malfunction

Occasionally a safe deposit box will have a lock malfunction. Click on the tabs below for more information on rented box and unrented box malfunctions.

Rented Box

If a rented safe deposit box has a lock malfunction, the box must be closed and a new box must be rented to the client. Follow the procedures below to close the existing box and transfer to a new box.

  1. Obtain approval from the Internal Control Specialist for the scheduled box drilling if the lock must be drilled. See Drilling Safe Deposit Boxes for more information.
  2. Schedule an appointment with the locksmith and the client to drill the box.
    1. The client MUST be present at the drilling.
    2. DO NOT allow the client to select the locksmith.
  3. Obtain valid identification on the safe deposit renter. Refer to Identification Verification Procedures.
  4. Follow the Renting a New Box procedures to rent another box for the client.
  5. The client, locksmith and associate must sign the Vault Entrance Log.
  6. The associate MUST stay in the vault with the locksmith and client at all times.
  7. The locksmith opens the safe deposit box and the client takes possession of the box contents. The client must maintain possession of the contents until the items are transferred into a new box.
  8. The associate must verify that the new box is empty prior to allowing the client access.
  9. The associate must verify that old box is empty once contents are removed.
  10. Have the client signs to surrender the existing box on existing contract, page 2.
  11. Follow the Close Box Procedures for the old box.
  12. Client signs the new contact and access card for new box.
  13. Collect the full rent due on the new box.
  14. Refund any unused rent from the damaged box to the client.
    1. Rent is based on a 12 month lease.
    2. Divide the rent by 12 to obtain the monthly rental amount.
    3. Multiply the monthly rental amount by the number of months left in the contract.
    4. Refund this amount to the client.
    5. Debit Safe Deposit Box Settlement General Ledger account number 340 170425 6315 000 for the amount of the refund.
    6. Credit the refund to the client’s checking account.

Unrented Box

If an unrented/unoccupied box has a lock malfunction, the lock must be repaired and/or replaced. Follow the procedures below:

  1. Verify that the box has not been previously drilled and rented to another client by reviewing the following:
    • Safe Deposit Box Inquiry – Silverlake
    • Unoccupied Box Inquiry – Silverlake
    • Safe Deposit Box Contracts
    • All Rentable/Un-rentable box keys
  2. Obtain approval from the Internal Control Specialist for the scheduled box drilling if the lock must be drilled.
  3. Schedule an appointment with the locksmith to drill the box
  4. The associate and locksmith must sign the Vault Entrance Log.
  5. The associate must stay in the vault with the locksmith at all times.


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