Changing Locks on Rented Property Question

RHemmings

This isn't a question for myself. I'm asking on behalf of a friend. (For real: I am no longer a tenant). 

My friend is concerned about the landlord letting themselves into the flat without warning. Note: this has not (yet?) happened, it's just a concern. 

One thing a tenant can do is to change the locks of course, but this can lead to friction and of course requests for the new keys from the agents and landlord, and back to square one with a potentially affected relationship. 

Given that the locks are eurocylinder locks, it takes a matter of tens of seconds per lock (two in house) to change the lock. 

So, one potential solution to this is: Change the locks. But, every time the landlord or estate agent gives notice of visiting the property, change them back to the originals again. Once visit is over, change back to the new locks. 

In theory this could both give my friend security against illegal entry by the landlord. And also maintain an illusion that the locks have not been changed. 

One potential downside is that the landlords and agents cannot enter the property in a genuine emergency. However, my friend says that they are prepared to take that risk. 

The doors cannot be locked from the outside without a key, so there is no chance of confusion as to locking oneself out having forgotten which lock is installed. All family members would carry both 'new' and 'old' keys on their key rings. 

Are there any other potential downsides to this strategy? 

FlorayG

If the landlord can't access the property in an emergency I would think your friend would be held liable. Imagine your friend on holiday, neighbours call the landlord to say a pipe has burst and water pouring into the property. A quick entry could limit damage to a couple of hundred pounds. Not being able to get in could increase that to thousands. Your friend may be 'willing to take the risk' but have they actually considered the cost of that risk? I wouldn't take it

Grumpy_chap

That sounds perfectly reasonable.

The T is entitled to their own peaceful use of the property and they gain an element of peacefulness through security.  No reason at all not to change the lock barrels.

The T may also have times when they wish the LL to have access to the property for maintenance and such like.  These occasions should usually be planned.  The T can agree to provide access by being present (which may not be convenient) or giving a key to the LL (who may then copy the key) or switching the lock barrels back.  

Most emergencies requiring the LL to attend will be with the T in attendance as the T will usually have to have notified the LL that there is an emergency situation.
The LL not having access for an emergency and the T not at the property is no different to anyone who owns their own house - if there is an emergency situation requiring access by third party to the property, the previous owner or selling EA does not have a key.  It would come down to the necessary persons effecting a forced entry.

For LL that included Letting Agent or Tradesperson acting for the LL.

bobster2

RHemmings said:

Are there any other potential downsides to this strategy? 

Depends on how often.

If it's a traditional surface mounted night latch / rim lock - then repeatedly unscrewing the body of the lock and remounting it will widen/loosen the screw holes in the wood. So it will start wobbling.

Eventually will need bigger screws, or to pack the holes with something - or re-drill and move the lock.

On the plus-side - accessing the house in an emergency could be a doddle! Just give the door a push and the lock should fall off

Seriously though - how many times is too many? All depends on the wood (hard or soft). Commonly I've found that after I've taken a lock off and refitted more than about 3-4 times - then it starts to get loose so needs a fix.

RHemmings

Thanks @Grumpy_chap

One thing I forgot to mention - when the EA visited for an agreed inspection, they opened the door with a key rather than knocking. So, if the same happened again, just changing the lock and not saying anything might be revealed on a visit. 

The locks would be changed back for all visits, including tradepeople. 

RHemmings

bobster2 said:

RHemmings said:

Are there any other potential downsides to this strategy? 

Depends on how often.

If it's a traditional surface mounted night latch / rim lock - then repeatedly unscrewing the body of the lock and remounting it will widen/loosen the screw holes in the wood. So it will start wobbling.

Eventually will need bigger screws, or to pack the holes with something - or re-drill and move the lock.

On the plus-side - accessing the house in an emergency could be a doddle! Just give the door a push and the lock should fall off

Seriously though - how many times is too many? All depends on the wood (hard or soft). Commonly I've found that after I've taken a lock off and refitted more than about 3-4 times - then it starts to get loose so needs a fix.

They are standard looking PVC doors. No wood that I'm aware of. I don't know how many visits are happening, but I only heard of one inspection. When I changed the locks on my similar looking doors, it all seemed quite firm. But, I haven't done so repeatedly. 

I'll ask about frequency of visits once my friend is active on WhatsApp. Thanks for raising this; it's a good point. 

CurlySue2017

RHemmings said:

Thanks @Grumpy_chap

One thing I forgot to mention - when the EA visited for an agreed inspection, they opened the door with a key rather than knocking. So, if the same happened again, just changing the lock and not saying anything might be revealed on a visit. 

The locks would be changed back for all visits, including tradepeople. 

Ah, I was just about to say that the only way the LL would ever know if the lock had been changed would be if they did try to enter without prior notice.  But this is a good point!
However to me, even if a visit is planned and pre-arranged, it would still be courteous to knock and wait to be let in rather than using a key.....that in itself would put a niggle in my mind. 

FlorayG

RHemmings said:

Thanks @Grumpy_chap

One thing I forgot to mention - when the EA visited for an agreed inspection, they opened the door with a key rather than knocking. So, if the same happened again, just changing the lock and not saying anything might be revealed on a visit. 

The locks would be changed back for all visits, including tradepeople. 

Not the landlord then? I would be making a very serious complaint to the EA company; that's just not on and they know it

user1977

RHemmings said:

One potential downside is that the landlords and agents cannot enter the property in a genuine emergency. 

Of course they can, it just won't be as easy. It's normal for example in leases of commercial properties for landlords to retain the right to enter in an emergency, but they wouldn't typically be trusted with spare keys.

Mutton_Geoff

I'd be more concerned about previous tenants having copies of the keys.

Changing locks for this reason is perfectly legitimate and as you have two locks, an opportinuty to have them "keyed alike".

Just do it properly, provide keys to appropriate people and hold head high.

bobster2

RHemmings said:

bobster2 said:

RHemmings said:

Are there any other potential downsides to this strategy? 

Depends on how often.

If it's a traditional surface mounted night latch / rim lock - then repeatedly unscrewing the body of the lock and remounting it will widen/loosen the screw holes in the wood. So it will start wobbling.

Eventually will need bigger screws, or to pack the holes with something - or re-drill and move the lock.

On the plus-side - accessing the house in an emergency could be a doddle! Just give the door a push and the lock should fall off

Seriously though - how many times is too many? All depends on the wood (hard or soft). Commonly I've found that after I've taken a lock off and refitted more than about 3-4 times - then it starts to get loose so needs a fix.

They are standard looking PVC doors. No wood that I'm aware of. I don't know how many visits are happening, but I only heard of one inspection. When I changed the locks on my similar looking doors, it all seemed quite firm. But, I haven't done so repeatedly. 

I'll ask about frequency of visits once my friend is active on WhatsApp. Thanks for raising this; it's a good point. 

Ah ok - I'm only familiar with wooden ones. It might be possible to change lock cylinders on a uPVC door with no damage - e.g. if mountings are metal screws going into metal holes.