Window Locks: tenant responsibility

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My son is about to move into a private rental property with a friend. The property is a ground floor flat with window locks. However, he has now had a message from the landlord saying the locks have been disabled at some point, but they are welcome to upgrade them if they want. I would have thought this would be a landlord responsibility. Not least, because presumably there would be nothing stopping them locking all the windows when they leave & taking all the keys. Online advice seems conflicting. The best I can find is the landlord has a responsibility to keep the property secure - although this is largely from locksmith sites!

Is the house secure? Can the windows be opened from the outside?

If they function then I would say the landlord has done their job, although not to a good standard. If they are faulty where they eg can't be opened or they don't lock at all and can be opened from the outside then the landlord needs to fix as that's clearly a security / fire risk.

Thank you. The window locks don't work at all. I've just looked over his tenancy agreement, which is pretty standard, and it states both that the tenant* must get contents insurance (which I'd have thought will be difficult if the windows don't lock) and also that the tenant must lock all doors and windows *if everyone is out. My partner used to rent out property and he thinks there is possibly a case that the landlord isn't fulfilling his part of the agreement.

What does the inventory say? If it states working window locks then it’s the LL’s responsibility. Either way, it’s a bit tight if the LL not to have working locks.

But do the windows work or not? Can they be opened and closed with a handle and not opened from the outside?

I had no window locks until last year. Made no difference whatsoever on my insurance price.

I just asked my Landlord and he confirms that it is the responsibility of any Landlord to to have all locks working, secure and in place as their insurance and yours would not be valid if not!

Landlord confirmed that they would never dream of renting out the flat without locks on the windows that do not actually lock!

Check the TENANT MATTERS UK Facebook page as it is very, very informative.

Is the 'Deposit' protected and did you also receive a 'How To Rent Guide' as these are both now legal requirements for any landlord.