My neighbor handed me a spare key “for emergencies” without asking if I wanted the responsibility. Can I give it back?

My neighbor pressed a labeled key into my hand while we were both bringing in groceries.

“For emergencies,” she said. “You’re the only person nearby I trust.” Then she picked up her bags and went inside before I understood that I had agreed to anything.

The key is now in a kitchen drawer. It opens her front door. I know because she told me, not because I tested it.

We are friendly neighbors but not close friends. We exchange numbers, water each other’s porch plants occasionally and text if a garage door is left open. I do not know her family contacts, alarm instructions or what she considers an emergency. I also travel for work and may not be home when she expects help.

Holding the key makes me feel responsible in ways she never described. Am I supposed to check the house if she does not answer? Let in a locksmith? Feed a pet? Respond to an alarm? Keep the key indefinitely? If it disappears from my drawer, I become part of a security problem.

I texted to ask what she wanted me to do with it. She replied, “Hopefully nothing! Just nice to know someone has it.” That is emotionally understandable and operationally vague.

My partner does not want another household’s key in our home. He thinks I should return it immediately and suggest a lockbox or family member. I agree that the arrangement needs consent, but handing it back may feel like rejecting the trust behind the gesture.

I would be willing to hold a key for a defined two-week trip with clear instructions and a backup contact. I do not want to become a permanent emergency plan by default. The distinction matters even if I never use it.

My proposed conversation is: “I appreciate that you trust me, but I cannot be the standing holder for your house key. I can help occasionally when we agree in advance, and I need to return this one.”

Is that enough explanation? Would you offer a limited alternative, or return the key without creating a new role? How do you decline responsibility when the other person framed it as a compliment?