Locks and keys on a rental property
Rekey between tenants. Replacing hardware every time is money set on fire.
In Western Australia a landlord must provide locks that make the premises reasonably secure — Consumer Protection Western Australia sets out what that means. Between tenancies the right move is a rekey, not new hardware: it changes the pins inside the existing locks so the previous tenant’s keys stop working, at a fraction of the cost, and the hardware stays on the door for decades.
- The rule
- Locks that make the premises reasonably secure
- Between tenants
- Rekey, do not replace
- Typical property
- Six to eight locks, about an hour
What managers keep forgetting
The obligation
Consumer Protection Western Australia sets out minimum security requirements for rental properties, covering locks on external doors and windows. If you manage property and are not certain a place complies, that is where to check. We can go through a property and tell you what is missing.
Rekey, do not replace
A rekey changes the pins inside the lock so a new key works and the old one does not. Between tenancies that is exactly what is needed: the outgoing tenant’s keys stop working, the incoming tenant gets a fresh set, and you have not bought a single piece of hardware. Replacing locks every tenancy costs many times more and achieves the same thing.
How many keys
Cut enough. A property with two tenants needs more than two keys once you count the agency copy and a spare, and being short is how keys get copied at a counter without anybody knowing. We cut them on site, so tell us the number when you book.
The doors that get missed
Rekeys get done on the front door and stop there. The back door, the laundry door, the garage personnel door, the side gate and the security screens all need to be on the same key or the exercise is pointless. Screens are the most commonly forgotten, and they are the door a tenant actually uses every day.
Screens and sliding doors
Rental screen door locks take a hammering and are the single most common repair we do on managed properties. We fit and repair Lockwood, Whitco, Austral and Doric. Sliding patio doors are the other one — a worn sliding door that lifts out of its track is a security problem regardless of what lock is on it.
Digital locks on rentals
Worth considering if a property turns over often or is let short-term. A code per tenant ends the key handover entirely, and you are no longer paying for a rekey every few months. Every lock we fit keeps a key as a backup.
Multiple properties
If you manage a portfolio we would rather do several in one run than one at a time, and the same applies to a block of units. Letterbox banks in unit blocks are the one master-keyed job we do, so a common key for the bank with individual keys for the doors is something we can arrange.
Local pages
Suburbs where many homes are rented. Tap yours for the local detail.
What customers say
Tap any review to read it on Google.
“I highly recommend Magnus from Amco Locksmiths. He was very quick to respond to my enquiry and was able to see me the next day. He showed up on time, had great communication and was very professional and friendly throughout the process.”
Read on Google →“I recently moved to a new house and wanted to change the locks for security. Magnus arrived on time and worked efficiently to do just that, also cutting more windows keys and rekeying the garage remote. He even oiled the squeaky garage door at no cost! I would use Amco again in a heartbeat.”
Read on Google →“Great communication advising when he would arrive. Quick, friendly service and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended.”
Read on Google →“Very friendly and replies fast! Definitely recommend!!”
Read on Google →“I needed an emergency locksmith today (Friday) and Magnus from Amco came to the rescue. Absolutely pleasant man very friendly and curteous. Explained everything including cost upfront. Completed the job professionally. Will definitely recommend Amco Locksmiths and Magnus anytime.”
Read on Google →Straight answers
Does a landlord have to change the locks between tenants?
Consumer Protection Western Australia sets out minimum security requirements a landlord must meet. Rekeying between tenancies is the practical way to make sure the previous tenant’s keys no longer work.
Is rekeying cheaper than new locks?
Considerably. A rekey changes the pins inside the locks you already own. The hardware stays on the door, so you are not buying it again every tenancy.
How many keys should I get cut?
More than you think — one per tenant plus an agency copy and a spare. We cut them on site, so tell us the number when you book.
Do the security screens need doing too?
Yes, and they are the most commonly forgotten. A rekey that leaves the screen on the old key has not really been done.
Are digital locks worth it on a rental?
On a property that turns over often, yes — a code per tenant removes the key handover and the repeat rekeys. Every lock we fit keeps a key as backup.
Can you do several properties at once?
Yes, and it works out better than one at a time. Same for a block of units.