Changing locks on a rental property need not be a complicated process, nor anything to worry about. Whether you’re a landlord renting out real estate or the tenant inhabiting the space, it’s a good idea to get a handle on your legal rights – after all, no one wants to land themselves in hot water.
As such, this guide aims to clarify the legalities and best practices involved in switching up your locks, ensuring everyone understands their rights and responsibilities. Now, let’s get down to business.
When do the locks need to be changed on a rental property?
Locks might need to be changed on a rental property for a whole host of reasons, including after a tenant moves out, when a new property is bought, following a break-in, or if the keys are lost or stolen.
For landlords, ensuring the security of the property is paramount, while tenants may want to change locks for personal safety or privacy reasons. In both cases, it should go without saying that reasonable notice must be given before changing locks on the rental property along with a legitimate reason to do so.
Some of the most common reasons for changing locks on a rental property are as follows:
- Previous tenants failed to hand in all their keys
- To increase security between tenancies
- Locks and/or keys are damaged or broken
- Previous tenants were disreputable
- Security and/or privacy concerns were raised by tenants
- A break-in or attempted break-in occurred
- The locks require upgrading for better safety and performance
Knowing your rights
You might be surprised to know how few tenants are unaware of their legal rights – a recent study by the TDS Charitable Foundation found that 83% of tenants are unaware of recent changes to tenancy legislation, and, in turn, their legal rights and obligations. Don’t let this be you! Carefully read on to understand what you can and can’t do in terms of changing locks.
*Disclaimer* The following is not intended to be legal advice; if you’re uncertain, it’s best to consult a legal specialist for more information.
Your rights as a tenant
As a tenant, you might wonder, “Can I change locks on a rental property?” The answer varies depending on the terms of your lease and housing laws. In most cases, tenants must seek permission from their landlord before making any changes to the property, including altering, adding and removing locks.
This is in part because of the landlord’s statutory obligation to ensure the property is safe for habitation. They need access in order to conduct regular health and safety inspections, including electrical and gas appliances. Similarly, they may need to provide keys to tradespeople contracted to repair or renovate the building.
This said, it’s important to note that, while landlords maintain the right to access their property for the reasons outlined above, they can’t come and go willy-nilly. Proper notice needs to be given to the tenant in writing before the landlord enters the property and they must provide all the keys if changes to the locks are made.
In the rare instance that a landlord disrespects their tenant’s right to “quiet enjoyment”, which is enshrined in law, and continues to enter without adequate notice and in such a way that the tenant feels sufficiently threatened, it would be justified for them to change the locks.
If you find yourself in this situation, we recommend contacting organisations such as Citizens Advice or housing charities like Shelter, who even provide letter templates for this scenario.
Landlord responsibilities
As a responsible landlord, it is imperative to guarantee the safety and security of your rental property for your tenants. The locks on your rental property are the primary defence, safeguarding your property, tenants, and their possessions. Diligently maintaining these locks is crucial to fulfilling this responsibility.
Landlords have the right to access their property in case of emergencies but must provide 24-hour notice for routine inspections or repairs. While this is crucial for respecting tenant privacy and well-being, it is also a legal obligation.
When a tenant requests a lock change, landlords should respond promptly and reasonably, balancing security concerns with the tenant’s right to privacy. Even if you’re saddled with an anti-social tenant who has become difficult or perhaps stressful to manage, there are certain obligations you must follow.
The Protection from Eviction Act 1977 ensures that tenants have the right to remain in their homes and prevents landlords from unlawfully evicting them. Changing the locks while the tenant is out is considered an unlawful eviction and can lead to serious legal consequences, including a compensation claim from the tenant.
If a landlord needs to evict a tenant, they must follow the correct legal process by serving a Section 8 or Section 21 notice under the Housing Act 1988 and obtaining a court order for possession. This process also applies if a tenant gives notice and fails to leave the property; landlords must still secure a possession order before changing the locks. Generally, landlords can only change the locks once the tenant has vacated the property or if there is a legitimate reason, and reasonable notice has been given.
How much does it cost?
Changing locks on a rental property can vary widely in cost, depending on several factors, including the type of lock, the complexity of the job, and the timing of the service. Basic budget locks start at around £25, while more secure options like euro cylinder locks or mortice locks can range from £35 to £45. High-security or smart locks are significantly more expensive.
On top of the raw cost of the locks installed, labour costs vary: during standard work hours (Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm), you can expect to pay around £80, while unsocial hours, weekends, and bank holidays will increase this cost, ranging from £100 upwards.
Additional charges may also apply, such as call-out fees for emergency services, which can add to the overall expense. Emergency boarding up can cost around £200, and changing all property locks might set you back approximately £350. To avoid unwanted surprises, it’s crucial to get multiple quotes, check for locksmith certifications, and ask about hidden fees such as VAT. By understanding these factors, you can ensure you’re getting a fair price for changing the locks on your rental property.
Understanding the process
Changing locks is generally a straightforward process, but the time required can depend on the complexity of the lock and the availability of the locksmith. Typically, a locksmith can arrive within an hour if it’s an emergency and complete the lock change in about 30 minutes to an hour. For planned changes, scheduling an appointment can help ensure the process is smooth and convenient for both tenants and landlords.
Best practice for changing locks for landlords
As a landlord, this might be the first question you ask yourself: “Can I change locks on rental property at any time? And, if so, how much notice do I need to provide my tenants?”
First up, as long as you give reasonable notice to your tenants and arrange the lock maintenance with their full prior knowledge, you can change the locks whenever you please.
Always inform your tenants well in advance of any planned lock changes. Clear communication helps maintain a good landlord-tenant relationship and ensures there are no surprises, so explain the reason for the lock change and provide a timeline for when the work will be done.
Once the locks have been changed, ensure that all tenants receive their new keys immediately. Delays in providing new keys can cause significant inconvenience and could potentially be seen as an unlawful eviction if tenants are unable to access their homes.
3 steps for changing locks for tenants
1) Seeking permission
Before doing anything at all, tenants should review their tenancy agreement and seek written permission from their landlord – after all, replacing locks counts as a major change to a property. This step helps avoid any potential disputes or violations of the lease terms.
2) Hiring a professional locksmith
If permission is granted, it’s advisable to hire a reputable locksmith to change the locks. Professional locksmiths ensure the job is done correctly and can provide new keys for both the tenant and landlord, so you can access your home and they can carry out any necessary checks and maintenance.
As tempting as it sounds to do a DIY lock change, we promise you, it’s not worth it. Even if you feel 100% competent, it’s better to leave it to the professionals for your own peace of mind. If the property is damaged at all in the process, whether that’s a scratch to the door or something more extensive, you may be asked to cover the cost of the damage either outright or from your deposit.
3) Documenting the change
Tenants should document the lock change by keeping a copy of the new key and a receipt from the locksmith. Informing the landlord in writing about the change and providing a copy of the new key helps maintain transparency and trust, and ultimately protects you as the tenant.
What about emergency scenarios like lock-outs and break-ins?
In emergency scenarios such as lock-outs or break-ins, immediate action is required. Tenants should contact their landlord and an emergency locksmith service. Many locksmiths offer 24/7 services and can provide rapid assistance to secure the property and restore access. It’s absolutely crucial to report break-ins to the police and obtain a report, which can be useful for both legal and insurance purposes.
What are the best locks for rental properties?
When it comes to changing the locks on any rental property, remember that the doors and windows will be the weakest points of entry, and by extension, the areas most targeted by potential intruders. One of the best home security tips we can give you is to simply pick the top-performing products; this goes for both the type of doors and windows themselves as well as the individual locksets.
The best locks for rental properties balance security, ease of use, and cost. Whichever type of door lock you lean towards, know that they must conform to BS3621 Standard in order to be considered insurable. With an insurance-approved door lock in place, you can ensure your property is secure to an appropriate standard and remains compliant with the law.
The key takeaways
Having just perused this article, you should be well up to speed with the topic of changing the locks on any rental property, whether you’re a landlord or a tenant. Remember to always communicate clearly, read up on your legal rights and responsibilities, and consider hiring the services of a trusted local locksmith to ensure the job is done correctly and securely.
For more home security topics and lock-related guides, explore the rest of our blog.
