cash for keys
n.— «Contractors say the damage at vacant homes can be significant, though it is not always clear who the culprit is. It could be an angry homeowner upset about losing a home, but it also could be vandals and thieves scouring homes for copper plumbing, which they can sell. To limit losses, a few mortgage companies are making offers called “cash for keys” to delinquent borrowers if they leave their homes quickly and in good shape.» —“Contractors Are Kept Busy Maintaining Abandoned Homes” by Vikas Bajaj in Jacksonville, Florida New York Times May 27, 2008. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
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