NSW Landlord and Tenant Lock Change Rules Explained

Coogee, Randwick, Kingsford and Bondi all have large rental populations, so questions about who is allowed to change the locks come up on our phone almost every week. A tenant wants new locks after a break-in. A landlord wants to rekey between tenancies. A housemate has moved out and nobody is sure whether their key still works. This guide explains the general position in New South Wales in plain language, and how a locksmith fits into it.

Important: this is general information, not legal advice. Tenancy law in NSW is set by the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 and its regulations, and the rules are updated from time to time. Before acting, check the current position with NSW Fair Trading, your lease, or a tenancy advice service such as a local Tenants' Advice and Advocacy Service.

The basic principle: security is a shared responsibility

Under NSW tenancy law, a landlord must provide and maintain locks or other security devices that are necessary to keep the premises reasonably secure. Tenants, in turn, must not make changes to locks without following the rules.

In practice, this means locks are neither entirely the landlord's business nor entirely the tenant's. Both have rights, and both have obligations.

Can a tenant change the locks?

Generally, a tenant must not change, add or remove a lock or security device without the landlord's consent, unless they have a reasonable excuse or a specific exception applies.

Where locks are changed, the person who changed them is generally expected to give the other party a copy of the new key promptly, unless an exception applies or a tribunal orders otherwise.

Common situations tenants ask about:

• After a break-in. Many landlords will agree quickly. Ask in writing and keep the reply.
• Feeling unsafe because a former housemate still has a key. Ask the landlord for consent to rekey; most are reasonable.
• Wanting a stronger lock. This is an alteration; ask first.

Can a landlord change the locks?

Generally, a landlord also must not change locks during a tenancy without the tenant's consent, unless they have a reasonable excuse or an exception applies. If they do change them, they would normally need to give the tenant a copy of the new key.

Between tenancies, a landlord can rekey or replace locks before a new tenant moves in, and this is good practice. It means the new tenant can be confident that keys held by previous occupants, cleaners or tradespeople no longer work.

Domestic violence situations

NSW law includes specific protections for people affected by domestic violence. In some circumstances, a tenant or co-tenant can change locks without the landlord's consent, and does not have to give a copy of the key to a person they are protected from.

If you are in this situation:

• Your safety comes first. In an emergency, call 000.
• Contact a support service such as 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for confidential help.
• NSW Fair Trading publishes guidance on the specific rules and the evidence that may be needed.

As locksmiths, we will treat these calls discreetly. We do not need to know the details of your situation; we need to know that you are entitled to be at the property.

Lost keys and lockouts in rentals

If you lose your keys or lock yourself out of a rental:

• Your landlord or agent may hold a spare and may help during business hours.
• If you call a locksmith, you will usually pay for it yourself, unless the lockout was caused by a fault in the lock that the landlord should have fixed.
• If keys were lost with anything showing the address, let the landlord know. Rekeying may be sensible, and who pays depends on the circumstances and your agreement.

Our lockout service explains what to expect when we attend.

Repairs to faulty locks

A lock that does not work properly is a repair issue. In NSW, landlords are generally responsible for keeping the premises in reasonable repair, and certain security problems may be treated as urgent repairs.

If a lock on your rental is faulty:

1. Tell the landlord or agent in writing as soon as possible.
2. Describe the problem clearly, for example "front door deadlock will not lock".
3. Keep a copy of your message and any reply.

If the landlord cannot be contacted for an urgent repair, NSW rules allow tenants in some circumstances to arrange the repair themselves up to a set limit and be reimbursed. Check the current limits and conditions with NSW Fair Trading before doing this.

Our lock repair service covers most faulty locks.

Rekeying between tenancies: a guide for landlords

For owners and property managers, rekeying at every change of tenancy is one of the most cost-effective security habits available.

Why it matters

• You cannot know how many copies a previous tenant made.
• Cleaners, removalists, tradespeople and friends may have held keys.
• New tenants increasingly expect it.

How to do it efficiently

• Rekey every external door, not just the front one.
• Include side gates, garages and window locks where keyed.
• Key the locks alike so one key opens everything.
• Record how many keys were cut and who holds them.

Rekeying is usually much cheaper than replacing locks. See our guide to lock rekeying costs in Sydney and our lock rekeying page.

Share houses and co-tenants

Share houses are common near UNSW and the hospitals in Randwick. When one housemate leaves:

• If they are on the lease, their exit needs to be handled properly with the landlord.
• If their key is not returned, the remaining tenants can ask the landlord for consent to rekey.
• Keep the number of keys clear, and record who has one.

Strata buildings add another layer

In apartment buildings, there are often three different sets of locks:

• Building entry doors and car park doors, which belong to the owners corporation;
• Unit entry doors, which may be fire-rated and subject to by-laws;
• Internal doors and windows within the unit.

A tenant usually needs the landlord's consent for unit locks, and the landlord may need the owners corporation's approval for changes to fire-rated doors or common property. Keys to restricted systems can only be cut through the system holder.

Our guide to apartment security explains strata considerations in more detail.

Fire safety and exit

Whoever changes a lock, the door should still allow quick exit in an emergency. Deadlocks that need a key on the inside can slow escape. For rentals, we recommend locks with a thumb turn or handle inside. This protects tenants and helps landlords meet their obligations to keep premises safe.

Practical checklist

For tenants

1. Ask for consent in writing before changing or adding locks.
2. Give the landlord a copy of any new key, unless an exception applies.
3. Report faulty locks in writing promptly.
4. Keep all messages and receipts.

For landlords and agents

1. Rekey or replace locks between tenancies.
2. Respond quickly to security repair requests.
3. Do not change locks during a tenancy without following the rules.
4. Keep a record of keys issued.

How a locksmith fits in

A locksmith cannot decide who is legally entitled to change a lock, but we can make sure the job is done properly once that is settled. When you call us about a rental:

• tell us whether you are the tenant, landlord or agent;
• let us know whether consent has been given;
• tell us how many keys are needed and who should receive them.

We will ask for reasonable proof that you are entitled to be at the property before opening or changing any lock.

Common scenarios and how they usually work

A tenant's keys are stolen with their wallet. The tenant should tell the landlord promptly and ask for consent to rekey. Many landlords agree quickly. Who pays depends on the lease and circumstances; the tenant is often asked to cover it.

A housemate on the lease moves out and keeps their key. The remaining tenants should talk to the landlord about the change of occupants and ask for consent to rekey once it is sorted.

The front door lock breaks and will not lock. This is a repair issue for the landlord, and a door that cannot be secured may count as urgent. Report it in writing immediately.

A tenant wants to add a deadlock for peace of mind. This is an alteration. Ask for consent in writing, explain what will be fitted, and offer a copy of the key.

A landlord wants to rekey between tenants. This is good practice and does not interfere with any current tenant's rights, because the premises are vacant.

A landlord wants access for an inspection but the lock has been changed. If the tenant changed the lock without consent, or without providing a key, the landlord may have grounds to raise it with the tenant or the tribunal. Talking it through early usually avoids that.

In every case, keeping requests and replies in writing protects both sides.

The honest summary

In NSW, neither landlords nor tenants should generally change locks during a tenancy without consent, and the person who changes them usually needs to share the new key, with important exceptions for domestic violence situations. Rekeying between tenancies is good practice for landlords. Always check the current rules with NSW Fair Trading.

For rekeying, repairs or lock changes in Coogee and nearby suburbs, call Local Coogee Locksmith Service on 02 5023 1337, open 7 days, 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM. You can also request a quote, read about our residential locksmith work or contact us.