As a landlord, maintaining the safety and security of your property should always be a top priority. One question that often comes up between tenancies is whether or not you should change the locks. While it might seem unnecessary if the previous tenants returned all keys, it’s important to think about the potential risks.
Over time, keys can be lost, copied, or passed to friends, family, or tradespeople. Even if your tenants were trustworthy, there’s no way to guarantee every key has been returned. For peace of mind and protection against unauthorised access, many landlords choose to have their locks changed between tenants – and that’s where professionals like Delta Forge Locksmiths can help.
Common Reasons Landlords Change Locks
There are several practical and safety-related reasons why landlords decide to change the locks when tenants move out. Beyond preventing access by former tenants, a lock change can also serve as part of your property maintenance routine.
For example, if a tenant lost a key during their tenancy or if the lock has started to stick or show signs of wear, replacing it ensures the new occupant isn’t dealing with a faulty or insecure entry point. Changing locks is also a small cost compared to the potential issues caused by a break-in or unauthorised entry.
Typical reasons landlords choose to change locks include:
- Lost or unreturned keys.
- Damage to the existing lock or door mechanism.
- Signs of attempted break-ins or tampering.
- Tenants moving out on poor terms or being evicted.
- Peace of mind for new tenants.
- Upgrading to more secure or insurance-approved locks.
Taking these steps helps demonstrate your commitment to property safety and can even make your rental more attractive to prospective tenants.
Legalities and Responsibilities of Landlords
In most cases, landlords are not legally required to change locks between tenancies – but they are responsible for ensuring that the property is secure and meets the relevant safety standards. Providing a safe home is part of your legal duty under landlord and tenant law, and this includes preventing unauthorised access.
If you suspect that a previous tenant or third party could still have access to the property, you may be held accountable if a security issue arises and you failed to take reasonable precautions. In these situations, updating the locks is a sensible preventative measure. It shows you’ve acted responsibly to protect your tenants and your investment.
Landlords should also keep in mind that insurance policies often expect “reasonable steps” to secure a property. If your insurer deems a lock change necessary and it hasn’t been done, any related claims could be questioned. By hiring a trusted local locksmith like Delta Forge, you can ensure all locks meet insurance and British Standard requirements.
Can Tenants Change A Lock?
Sometimes tenants may wish to change a lock themselves, particularly if they’re concerned about privacy or personal safety. While this is understandable, it’s not always straightforward. The ability for tenants to change locks depends on what’s stated in the tenancy agreement.
Most tenancy contracts include a clause preventing tenants from altering or replacing locks without the landlord’s permission. This ensures landlords retain access for maintenance or emergencies. If a tenant changes the lock without consent, they could be in breach of their agreement. However, if the landlord refuses a reasonable request, tenants may still proceed if there’s a legitimate security concern – for example, if they’ve experienced harassment or feel unsafe.
Good communication is key. If a tenant wants to update a lock, it’s best that both parties agree on the process and use a qualified locksmith. Delta Forge Locksmiths regularly works with both landlords and tenants to manage lock changes in a fair and compliant way.
Who Bears The Cost Of A Lock Change?
The cost of a lock change usually depends on the circumstances surrounding it. When a landlord replaces locks as part of routine maintenance or to enhance property security, it’s generally considered their responsibility. Regular updates to locks help ensure the property remains safe, secure, and compliant with insurance or safety standards, so it’s treated as part of standard upkeep for incoming tenants. This small investment can also improve tenant confidence, showing that you take security seriously and value their peace of mind.
However, when a lock change becomes necessary due to tenant actions – such as losing keys, damaging the lock, or changing it without permission – the financial responsibility typically shifts to them. In these cases, landlords are within their rights to deduct the cost from the tenant’s deposit or request reimbursement directly. It’s always best practice for landlords to make these terms clear in the tenancy agreement from the outset, avoiding confusion or disputes later. Open communication and professional support from a trusted locksmith like Delta Forge help ensure any lock issues are handled quickly and fairly.
Need Your Locks Changing? Contact Delta Forge Locksmiths Now
If you’re a landlord preparing for new tenants or simply want to upgrade your property’s security, Delta Forge Locksmiths in Waterlooville is here to help. We provide fast, reliable, and fully insured locksmith services across the local area, offering expert lock replacements, lock repairs, upgrades, and emergency callouts for landlords, tenants, and property managers. Contact us to book your service today and keep your property safe, secure, and ready for your next tenants.
