Is the Landlord required to change the locks before a new tenant moves in?
When completing the condition inspection report at the move-in there is a section of the report for identifying how many keys were provided to the new tenants. At the end of the tenancy the tenant is required to return the same number of keys when moving out. What you as a Landlord are unaware of is did they make any more keys while they lived there and if so how many and who has a key to the property. Most tenants will return additional keys they have made during the tenancy since they no longer require them.
Protecting your property and future tenants is important so when a new tenant occupies your rental unit changing the locks should be a regular routine. Section 25 of the residential tenancy act states the Landlord must re key or alter the access given to previous tenants. What this means is if a tenant requests the locks be re keyed or changed you are obligated to meet this request. I have found it best to perform this task while completing the move in inspection. If the locksmith is at the property changing locks while completing the move in inspection the tenant will be fully aware the keys are new and nobody else has any access to the unit. Most locks can be re keyed by a locksmith without removing the door knobs. There is a cost associated with re keying locks but failing to perform this could result in increased costs if the tenant changes the locks on their own or if a previous tenant tries to access the rental unit.
Other options are available today with non key locks allowing Landlords to change access to the unit without the need of a locksmith or changing the lock. Landlords could install a keypad lock and change the code each time a new tenant moves into the property. These locks are initially more expensive but may be more cost effective over the long run if your unit is a permanent rental. The downside to these locks is the tenant could change the code after they move in leaving the Landlord without access to the unit. If your rental unit is within a strata you may need permission from council to change the door lock as many strata’s have bylaws requiring the locks all look similar in style and colour.
Protect your property and your tenants rights by changing the locks when a tenant moves into your property.
Renting your strata lot can be confusing. Cartref Properties can assist you, call today to discuss your needs or find more information about us at: www.cartrefproperties.com
Rekeying locks for new tenants
25 (1) At the request of a tenant at the start of a new tenancy, the landlord must
(a) rekey or otherwise alter the locks so that keys or other means of access given to the previous tenant do not give access to the rental unit, and
(b) pay all costs associated with the changes under paragraph (a).
(2) If the landlord already complied with subsection (1) (a) and (b) at the end of the previous tenancy, the landlord need not do so again.
