Should landlords change the locks between tenants?

Changing the locks is not a specific legal requirement between tenancies, however it is a sensible, low-cost thing to do and can protect your property, new tenants and yourself.

The rental market is a significant portion of the overall housing market. According to the English Housing Survey conducted by the government, in the years 2023 to 2024, the private rental sector comprised around 4.7 million households in England, which represents 19% of all households in the country. This number can vary from region to region, with London having a much higher percentage than many other regions. With as many tenancies starting and ending as there are in the country, security after a tenancy has ended is important everywhere. This means that a locksmith Bishop Auckland or Bognor Regis is likely to be needed as much as one in Birmingham or Bristol.

End of tenancy

You have no way of knowing whether all copies of the keys are returned by the outgoing tenant. Copies can have been made by the tenant for friends and family, for the cleaner or for tradespeople. This can put the security of your property and the safety of your new tenant at risk.

Replacing the lock cylinder between tenancies is often a quick and low-cost process, especially for uPVC/composite doors with euro cylinders, as these can be changed without having to change the whole lock.

Routine maintenance

Lock changes can also be part of your maintenance programme during a tenancy. If keys are lost, a lock has become stiff or there are signs of damage or attempted entry, replacing the cylinder is advisable. Upgrading to BSI level, insurance-approved locks can strengthen security and appeal to prospective tenants.

For timber doors, insurers typically require a mortice deadlock to British Standard BS 3621. uPVC and composite doors with euro cylinders should have a cylinder that is rated TS007 3 star or Sold Secure Diamond, which are tested against snapping, picking, drilling and bumping. It’s always best to check the specific requirements of your landlord insurance policy.

Always use a reputable, accredited locksmith, such as //lockwork24-7.co.uk/locksmith/bishop-auckland/.

Legal obligations

It is the landlord’s responsibility to make sure that any rental property is safe and suitable for occupants. In England, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) used by councils to identify potential hazards includes ‘entry by intruder’ as one of the hazards. Poor quality doors, windows and locks can negatively impact a property’s rating. Failure to act when you know unauthorised keys may be in circulation could leave the landlord exposed in the event of a break-in.

If locks were not changed, or did not meet the policy standard where that was clearly needed, an insurer may query a claim. For most landlords, the cost of changing locks is a small investment to minimise risk and give assurance to tenants.

A lock change checklist for landlords

• Change or rekey external door locks between every tenancy.
• Check that locks meet the standard your landlord insurance requires.
• Record how many keys are issued, and to whom, on the inventory.
• Do not keep unlabelled spare keys on a hook in the office.
• Give tenants notice before entering, and never use your keys to enter without permission except in a genuine emergency.
• Replace any lock that is stiff, damaged or shows signs of tampering.

Frequently asked questions

Can a tenant change the locks themselves?

Check the tenancy agreement, as it is often a condition that the landlord is consulted first before locks are changed. Where the landlord agrees to locks being changed, the tenant should be asked to supply a copy of the new key for the landlord’s use in case of an emergency or repairs. Changing locks without agreement can cause disputes and may break the terms of the tenancy.

Who pays for changing the locks?

Between tenancies, the landlord usually pays, as it protects the property and the new tenant. If a tenant loses keys during a tenancy, the agreement may allow the landlord to pass on the reasonable cost of replacing the lock. Check what the tenancy agreement says.

Where to go next

If you are on the other side of the agreement, our tips for finding a suitable property to rent may help.

Understanding the locks on your property

Before changing locks, it helps to know what is fitted, as some insurers, and some landlord policies, specify minimum standards. Mortice locks sit inside the door and are often required to meet a particular British Standard for insurance. Nightlatches, the familiar latch locks on many front doors, lock automatically when the door closes; deadlocking versions can only be opened with a key from either side. They are meant as a secondary lock, used alongside a mortice lock.

Most uPVC and composite doors use a multi-point locking system, where turning the key throws several bolts or hooks along the edge of the door at once. These are operated by a cylinder lock, which is good news for landlords, as the cylinder can be replaced quickly and cheaply without changing the whole mechanism. Older cylinders can be vulnerable to a break-in method known as lock snapping, so when replacing them it is worth choosing anti-snap cylinders rated to a recognised security standard.

Lock standards and home insurance

Locks matter for insurance as well as security. If the locks on a property do not match those specified in the insurance policy, the premium may be higher, and if something goes wrong a claim may be refused altogether.

Most people do not know exactly what locks they have, because they came fitted and seem to work. Yet many policies offer lower premiums for well-secured homes, so substandard locks can mean paying more each year than necessary. Where a policy was bought online through a self-assessment form, the expected locks will be set out in the small print and need to be in place.

Most insurers require external doors to have at least a five-lever mortice lock, and some insist it meets the BS3621 standard. A professional locksmith can quickly confirm whether a lock qualifies. These rules are not there to trip people up. A three-lever lock may look sturdy, but a burglar can learn to pick one with only a few hours of practice.