NSW Lock Change Rules for Landlords & Tenants

Bondi Junction, Bondi and Randwick have some of the busiest rental markets in Sydney. Flats change tenants constantly, share houses turn over every university year, and keys pass through many hands. So one of the questions we hear most is simple: who is allowed to change the locks?

This guide explains the general position in New South Wales for tenants and landlords, in plain language. It is general information, not legal advice. Tenancy law changes from time to time, and individual leases can add detail, so for your own situation check with NSW Fair Trading or a tenants' advice service before acting.

The short answer

In NSW, as a general rule:

• A tenant should not change, add or remove a lock without the landlord's consent, unless there is a reasonable excuse recognised by the law.
• A landlord should not change, add or remove a lock without the tenant's consent, unless there is a reasonable excuse recognised by the law.
• Whoever changes a lock with consent should give the other party a copy of the new key, unless an exception applies.
• The landlord must provide and maintain locks that keep the premises reasonably secure.

Rekeying counts as changing a lock. Adding a deadlock counts as adding one. Even fixing a broken lock with a different model can count as a change.

Why the rules work this way

The rules balance two interests. Tenants are entitled to quiet enjoyment and privacy in their home; a landlord should not be able to let themselves in whenever they like. Landlords own the property and need to be able to access it lawfully for inspections, repairs and emergencies. Mutual consent, and sharing keys, keeps both sides able to do what the law allows.

The landlord's obligation to keep premises secure

Landlords in NSW must provide and maintain locks and other security devices so that the premises are reasonably secure. In practice, that usually means working locks on external doors and, in many cases, on windows that can be accessed.

If a lock on your rental is broken, unreliable or clearly inadequate, report it to your landlord or agent in writing and ask for it to be repaired. A broken external lock is often treated as an urgent repair, because the home cannot be secured. Keep a copy of your request.

If you are a landlord, rekeying between tenancies and repairing failed locks promptly are among the cheapest ways to meet your obligations and protect your property.

Tenants: how to change a lock properly

If you want new locks — because you have just moved in and do not know who else has keys, because a former housemate kept a copy, or because you want a deadlock — follow these steps:

1. Ask in writing. Email your landlord or agent explaining what you want done and why.
2. Be specific. "Rekey the front door deadlock and entrance set" or "add a deadlock to the back door".
3. Agree on who pays. Often the tenant pays for changes they request; sometimes the landlord agrees to share the cost, especially for security upgrades that add value.
4. Get consent in writing before booking the work.
5. Give the landlord a copy of the new key once the work is done, unless an exception applies.
6. Keep the invoice, which shows exactly what was changed.

Most landlords agree to reasonable requests. A deadlock or a rekey protects their property as well as your belongings.

Landlords: changing locks during a tenancy

A landlord who wants to change the locks during a tenancy generally needs the tenant's consent, and must give the tenant a key to any new lock. Turning up and changing locks without consent is not an acceptable way to deal with disputes or arrears; those issues have their own legal processes through NSW Fair Trading and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Between tenancies

When a tenancy ends and the next has not started, landlords commonly rekey the external locks. It is an inexpensive way to make sure former tenants' keys stop working, and it gives the incoming tenant confidence. For landlords with several properties, booking them on the same day reduces the cost per lock. See lock rekeying and our rekeying costs guide.

Domestic and family violence

NSW law includes specific provisions that allow a tenant who is experiencing domestic or family violence to change locks without first getting the landlord's consent in certain circumstances, for example where an occupant is excluded from the premises by an order. The details matter, so speak with a support service, the police or NSW Fair Trading.

If you are in this situation and need locks changed urgently, call us. We will act discreetly and promptly within our hours, 7 days, 8:00am – 7:00pm. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

Share houses

Share houses are common around Randwick and Bondi. If one housemate leaves, everyone remaining may want the locks rekeyed. Points to remember:

• The landlord's consent is still generally needed, even if all current tenants agree.
• Bedroom door locks are also locks; adding one usually needs consent too.
• Agree within the house who pays and how many keys are needed.

Strata apartments

In apartment buildings there is an extra layer: the owners corporation. Entry doors are often fire-rated, and by-laws may control the hardware fitted to them. Common-area doors belong to the owners corporation, not the individual owner. So for an apartment rental you may need:

• the tenant's request,
• the landlord's consent, and
• building approval for changes to the entry door hardware.

Rekeying an existing approved lock is usually the simplest route. See our apartment security guide.

What a locksmith will ask

A responsible locksmith will ask whether you own or rent and, if you rent, whether you have consent. That is not to make life difficult; it protects you, your landlord and us. Have the following ready:

• Proof you live at the address.
• Written consent from the landlord or agent, if you rent.
• Building approval, if needed for a strata door.

If you are a landlord, have proof you own or manage the property.

Common questions

My agent is not answering. Can I change the lock anyway? Generally you should wait for consent. If the lock is broken and the home cannot be secured, report it as an urgent repair and keep records. NSW Fair Trading can explain your options.

Can my landlord keep a key? Generally yes. Landlords are entitled to a key so they can access the property lawfully, subject to notice requirements.

Who pays for a rekey when I move in? It depends on what you agree. Many landlords rekey between tenancies at their own cost. If you request it later, you may be asked to pay.

Can I add a deadlock? Usually with consent. Many landlords agree because it improves security. See deadlock vs deadlatch.

The lock is broken. Who fixes it? Report it to the landlord or agent. Maintaining reasonable security is generally the landlord's responsibility.

Practical tips for agents and property managers

Property managers around Bondi Junction, Bondi and Randwick handle a steady stream of lock requests. A few habits make life easier for everyone:

• Keep a key register for each property: how many keys exist, who holds them and when they were issued.
• Rekey between tenancies as a matter of routine, rather than only when a problem arises.
• Respond to tenant requests in writing, so consent is clear.
• Record the lock brand and model in the property file. It makes future repairs and rekeys quicker.
• Use one trusted locksmith where possible, so the history of each property's locks is known.
• Treat a broken external lock as urgent, because the home cannot be secured.

Documenting lock changes

Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, keep a record of any lock change: the date, what was done, who did it, and how many keys were issued. The invoice from the locksmith is usually enough. At the end of a tenancy, that record makes it easy to show that all keys have been returned or that the locks were changed with consent, which helps avoid disputes over bond.

Where to get reliable information

For current, official information about renting in NSW, go to NSW Fair Trading, which publishes guidance for tenants and landlords and explains the rules on locks, repairs and access. Tenants can also get free advice from tenants' advice and advocacy services. If a dispute cannot be resolved, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) hears tenancy matters. Checking these sources before acting is always better than relying on general information, including this article.

Get help with a rental property

Whether you are a tenant with consent or a landlord between tenancies, call Lizzy Locksmith Bondi Junction on 02 6423 0404, open 7 days, 8:00am – 7:00pm, or send a quote request. We can work directly with your agent and give you an invoice that shows exactly what was done. See also our residential locksmith services.