Rental property - should windows lock?

[TheReluctantCountess]

We rent a bungalow and I need some advice. The windows are the old style double glazing, with the metal frames. They don't lock. I have trawled the internet but cannot find anything to help me - should the windows have locks fitted on them?

Hi there - I don't think it is a requirement that the windows lock, but it is certainly something insurers ask about when setting premiums, as they do with door locks. In a bungalow you are right to be concerned about security and any sensible landlord would look into getting this sorted out for you and it protects their property so there is a benefit for them.

I replaced all the locks on our UPVC windows when we moved in because there was no key for any of them - it was an easy job. I bought the new locks from a trade counter place that sells all sorts of window and door parts. However, with the metal window frames you have I don't know what the solution is, i.e. what kind of locks can be fitted and how complicated and costly it is.

If I were you, I would speak to the landlord or the landlord's agent and ask that locks are fitted. If they are not willing to do it, ask how they feel about you having locks fitted and sending them the bill.

Thank you for the advice.

ask local police for a security assessment and recommendations for locks content.met.police.uk/Site/windows

in my old house we didn't have any locks on any of our windows, there was a catch so it closed securely but that was it. our new double glazing doesn't have locks either come to think of it, only a lever handle.

If you rented the place without locks on the windows that is the deal you signed up for.

if there were locks and you then discovered that they didn't work, that would be different.

that said, suitable locks are not expensive, but bad fitting can cause wreckage. Contact your landlord and have a discussion.

Thanks everyone.
I'm just in a bit of a conundrum - the landlord has decided we should leave windows open when we are out at work and when we go away on holiday to avoid condensation!!! I don't think so!

I don't think so either!! Asking you to do this is unreasonable and unenforceable.

ventilation takes a few minutes a day, plus use of extractor fans, not drying washing indoors, not showering for hours etc.

Your landlord is talking out his arse.

We've been here two and a half years and they have just decided they have some issues. The garden is completely paved over and they are now saying we can't have pots because they mark the patio. They suddenly want to do an internal inspection, despite it being mid-agreement. Fine, they can come, but I shall not be walked over.

if your home is damp, due to something you have done such as draping wet washing indoors, you can ventilate by leaving the loft hatch open. I summer there will be convection which draws warm and moist air up and out.

This should not be done in winter because the roof will be cold therefore will get condensation in the loft.

Our loft is sort of an upstairs room, if that makes sense, with a staircase and a door. I suspect they were doing to make a big bedroom up there at one point but never did. There isn't any damp in the property.

if the pots are such a big issue, they just need to provide some stands for them. Not rocket science.

good landlords do check properties out every so often (not all tenants will spot or report problems) but access is with your permission and at your convenience.

I was thinking about getting the little feet for the pots to raise them off the ground. They've never mentioned it before and this is our third summer here.