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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To be shocked a tenant isn't allowed to change locks?

53 replies

ParkingFeud · 13/02/2021 20:14

Even if they give a new key to the landlord/agency?

If you don't know when the locks were last changed and have no idea who would own keys surely it makes sense to change the locks?! But apparently this counts as a breach of tenancy...I'm pretty shocked on discovering this.

YABU - tenants shouldn't be allowed to change locks even if they give spare keys to the landlord
YANBU - It's bonkers that tenants are expected to leave financially or emotionally important possessions in a potentially insecure property

OP posts:

Blue565 · 13/02/2021 20:17

Yes you can change locks, keep the old ones to put back when you move out

AStudyinPink · 13/02/2021 20:18

You are.

Daphnise · 13/02/2021 20:21

Firstly much depends on your security as a tenant.
If you have poor security changing the locks may result in notice being given.

However I was in a very similar situation some while back, and I took advice, which was yes change the lock and advise the landlord that access can be given with 24 hours, or other reasonable period of notice and yourself present- after all why should they want to enter except for a legitimate inspection?

doctorhamster · 13/02/2021 20:21

Tenants are allowed to change locks.

DobbyTheHouseElk · 13/02/2021 20:22

You can change the locks. You might raise the suspicion of the LL unless you explain why you are doing it.

Greenmarmalade · 13/02/2021 20:24

Such a good point! I have so many keys lying around from previous houses. I would never use them, but surely some people would, or pass them on,

MsVestibule · 13/02/2021 20:24

Who told you you couldn't change the locks?

Greenmarmalade · 13/02/2021 20:25

Actually, I think it’s such a good point that property owners should do this for each new tenant. I will be offering this from now on.

NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 13/02/2021 20:26

There are loads of reasons why.

A landlord may have insurances for the property which are based on locks of a particular type and grade.

The landlord has various legal obligations regarding the property and needs access.

A tenant may cause damage to the property or existing locks by installing new ones.

I dont see why a tenant wouldnt simply ask the landlord for permission to do this and explain why. This enables the landlord to ensure they agree on appropriate new locks and can update any insurance criteria accordingly. It also means they can discuss who should install etc to minimise risk of damage.

Original poster

ParkingFeud · 13/02/2021 20:26

That's both interesting and positive! I've read if it's in the contract that you can't, then you are in breach of tenancy and could be evicted. I'll admit I'm not even renting at the moment and am fairly lax about security generally but it occurred to me that if I was to rent, as a now lone female I would want to change them.

OP posts:

Original poster

ParkingFeud · 13/02/2021 20:31

@NoIDontWatchLoveIsland

There are loads of reasons why.

A landlord may have insurances for the property which are based on locks of a particular type and grade.

The landlord has various legal obligations regarding the property and needs access.

A tenant may cause damage to the property or existing locks by installing new ones.

Oh I agree you should ask first and get them professionally done if needed but don't think that should be unreasonably withheld and seen as susp6ucious. Rental properties round here are flying at the moment and two I have enquired had 10 plus people lined up to view so I wouldn't want to say anything that made me seem difficult, but was surprised this wasn't a basic ok sure go ahead.

OP posts:

Original poster

ParkingFeud · 13/02/2021 20:32

@MsVestibule

Who told you you couldn't change the locks?

Many rental contracts say you can't!

OP posts:

DobbyTheHouseElk · 13/02/2021 20:37

I’m a LL if someone wanted to change the locks for the reason you mentioned, I’d get it done. But, I would need the new keys and so would the LA.

19lottie82 · 13/02/2021 20:37

Many rental contracts say you can't!

Just because something is in a contract, doesn’t make it legal.

You’re legally allowed to change locks, as long as you replace the old ones at the end of a tenancy.

Basically, statue law trumps contract law.

19lottie82 · 13/02/2021 20:40

I’m a LL if someone wanted to change the locks for the reason you mentioned, I’d
get it done. But, I would need the new keys and so would the LA.

I understand why you would want a set, however, neither yourself nor the LA would have a legal right to a copy of the new keys. If you’re a LL I suggest brushing up on your legal knowledge re renting out a property.

DobbyTheHouseElk · 13/02/2021 20:43

@19lottie82

I’m a LL if someone wanted to change the locks for the reason you mentioned, I’d get it done. But, I would need the new keys and so would the LA.

If I’m paying for the locks to be changed, I will have a set and so will the LA.

If the tenant chooses to get it done and paid for it, I wouldn’t need a set.

Original poster

ParkingFeud · 13/02/2021 20:43

@Greenmarmalade

Actually, I think it’s such a good point that property owners should do this for each new tenant. I will be offering this from now on.

That's so lovely of you and a big thank you from single female tenants (and of course anyone who else has possessions they care about!) :)

OP posts:

AStudyinPink · 13/02/2021 20:44

I’m a LL if someone wanted to change the locks for the reason you mentioned, I’d get it done. But, I would need the new keys and so would the LA.

You’d want keys. You’re not entitled to them.

DobbyTheHouseElk · 13/02/2021 20:45

Ooh let’s all pile on the LL. FFS.

Creamcrackersandricecakes · 13/02/2021 20:48

We rent - we haven't changed the locks, but we installed a video doorbell instead, which sends an alert to both of our phones if someone approaches the front door. We had an incident when we first moved in where the carpet in one room was being replaced and the fitter just let themselves in, (I was at home, car on the drive, he didn't even knock!). Apparently the letting agent had just handed the keys over. They got fairly short shrift from me...
So anyway, if you are worried about changing the locks, get a video doorbell instead, it also acts as a deterrent to any dodgy characters.

Screwcorona · 13/02/2021 20:52

I've said yabu but not because your reasons are unreasonable...just that you need to request the landlord to change locks, if its something you're requesting you might need to pay though.

I think it would be sensible for landlords to change locks after each tenant though

MapGirlExtraordinaire · 13/02/2021 20:54

Who is piling on the LL? PP are simply explaining the law re renting. If you take that to be 'piling on' then you might want to think about what that says about you.

OP I've had my rented flat burgled fairly soon after moving in, no visible signs of entry. The police said its relatively common in the area I was living in (N4) and was likely to be a person with keys, do either previous tenant or LL/LA.

In fact one flat I looked round, I was handed a folded up Rizla by the current tenant asking me to return to chat.

I did so and the tenant told me that every flat in the block got broken into soon after new people moved in, no signs of entry, and she suspected the LL and warned me off him.

If I rented again I'd change the locks on moving in, it feels very risky not to.

DobbyTheHouseElk · 13/02/2021 20:56

I’m fully aware of the law thanks.

SpudsandGravy · 13/02/2021 21:00

I think it will depend on what's in the tenancy agreement.

MapGirlExtraordinaire · 13/02/2021 21:00

So what on Earth are you complaining about people piling on to the LL for? I've glanced back and you're imagining things.

I'm bored in lockdown too so you have some sympathy...

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