Question of Locks - LL obligations

Prothet_of_Doom

BTL purchased Dec 2105
Tenant moved in Friday



I got a text last night, (sat) although I didn't see until this morning. I quote :

Sorry to be a pain, and messaging you again but I was just wondering if the locks were definitely changed from the last tenant? There was a woman with a key she sounded like she was trying to put a key in the lock of the front door and then by the time we Got our key in the door to see what she was up to she was walking briskly down the road. Other than that no problems and are all settled in. J & S.


Not sure what to say to that. No the locks were not changed. I just got Timpson to make 2 copies. Have you phoned the police ? Last person in the house moved out in May 2015 according to council tax office.

theartfullodger

Apart from anything else YOU probably want YOUR insurance to pay out & if there's entry with no force & evidence (you just quoted it) of someone else having the keys they probably won't: Place burns down, total loss of building & contents, no payout when you claim, you stuffed.

In your shoes I'd change the locks: I usually do so anyway on change of tenant.

Further, HHSRS has this so there is legal concern...

12
ENTRY BY INTRUDERS
This hazard is concerned with keeping a dwelling secure against unauthorised entry
and maintaining its safety.
Health effects
These include mental harm/stress/anguish (emotional impact after burglary affects
more than 75 per cent of victims). The worry and fear of being burgled tends to be
caused by knowing people who have been burgled and by publicity about crimes
(assessed as Class IV harm). Injuries where the victim is attacked by the burglar
(aggravated burglary).
Causes
• Location – where local area has high levels of poverty and crime;
• Poor lighting around dwelling area;
• Doors and windows – poorly constructed/fitted/in disrepair/inadequate locks;
• Lack of viewers to external doors;
• Lack of/broken security chains to external doors;
• No caretaker/entry phone system to block of flats; and
• Lack of/defective burglar alarm systems
Preventive measures that can affect likelihood and harm outcomes:
• Design of estate/area around dwelling to reduce hiding places, as far as
possible (e.g. fences etc.) for burglars and intruders;
• Well-lit and defined pedestrian routes;
• Dwelling made safe against unauthorised entry so as to delay and deter
intruders and make the occupants feel safer;
• Window locks/dead locks;
• Security lights/indoor grilles; and
• Spy holes/chains on entrance doors.
Hazard assessment
Links level of physical security features at dwelling to local overall crime rate. Fear
of crime as well as risk of actual burglary should be taken into account.
Note: Balance has to be made between security risks from other hazards, e.g.
locked doors and windows and means of escape in the case of fire.
What about flats and HMOs?
Concierge, caretaker systems and entry-phone controls have been found to reduce
crime/fear of crime.
Assessment should look at whole building security as well as that between
individual residents of the same building.

davidmcn

theartfullodger wrote: »

evidence (you just quoted it) of someone else having the keys

I read the OP as evidence of somebody else trying a key which doesn't fit...

Prothet_of_Doom

davidmcn wrote: »

I read the OP as evidence of somebody else trying a key which doesn't fit...

Indeed. 99% likely that someone tried the door, to see if there was a handbag just inside rather than actually having the actual key.

DaftyDuck

I would certainly have changed the locks - it's cheap, secure and quick. I routinely change the barrel of any Yale latch on a rental (have a box of spares, so they do just get rotated).

Is it your obligation to do so? Probably not. However, you are protecting your property, not just the tenant's, you are helping the tenant (who appears decent from the text) and, if you don't and tenant does, they may not give you a key AND keep their new lock on leaving, so you are back with locks yet another tenant may have copied.

I'd change them, keep the old, and cycle them. If you had to have more keys cut, it's likely you didn't get them all back.

anselld

Prothet_of_Doom wrote: »

Indeed. 99% likely that someone tried the door, to see if there was a handbag just inside rather than actually having the actual key.

No. The T was definitely questioning if the locks had been changed which deserves an honest answer. Get it done before anything more serious happens!

AnotherJoe

Your answer should be "I'm getting it done asap" and follow through.

Your BTL was void for several weeks you were open to squatters all that time.

robatwork

To whom did the previous tenants give their keys?

Answer 1: Butcher, Baker, Candlestick maker.
Answer 2: You don't know.

So as far as you know, anyone in your town, county, world has the keys to your property, and knows what property the keys are for.

I would ask the current tenant to change the locks at my expense, keep the barrels and put them back after they move out.

Marvel1

Prothet_of_Doom wrote: »

I got a text last night, (sat) although I didn't see until this morning. I quote :
Sorry to be a pain, and messaging you again but I was just wondering if the locks were definitely changed from the last tenant?


Not sure what to say to that. No the locks were not changed. I just got Timpson to make 2 copies.

There is your answer.

G_M

good grief!

What a question!

Just change the lock. It'l take you half an hour (plus travelling time) and cost £5 - £20 depending on the lock (plus £3 for a screwdrive if you don't have one).

DaftyDuck:I would certainly have changed the locks - it's cheap, secure and quick. I routinely change the barrel of any Yale latch on a rental (have a box of spares, so they do just get rotated).

Ditto.

kinger101

If it's a Yale lock, she might have been trying to "bump" it (though she'd also need to strike the key with something).

http://www.walkerlocksmiths.co.uk/blog/the-truth-about-bump-keys-and-bumping-locks/

Worth spending a few more quid on a more robust lock IMO.