Landlord & Tenant Lock Change Rules in Victoria

Rental properties make up a large share of the homes we work on around Burwood East, especially near Deakin University and along Burwood Highway. The questions we hear most often come from both sides: "Can I change the locks in my rental?" and "Do I have to give my renter a key?" This guide explains the general position in Victoria in plain language.

An important note: this is general information, not legal advice. Rental laws change, and individual leases and situations differ. For the current rules, check with Consumer Affairs Victoria, or seek advice from a tenancy service such as Tenants Victoria.

In Victoria the law uses the terms rental provider (landlord) and renter (tenant). We use those terms below.

Rental providers must supply working locks

Under Victoria's rental minimum standards, rental providers must make sure the property meets certain security requirements. These include that external entry doors can be secured with a functioning deadlock, and that external windows that can open are fitted with functioning latches to secure them against external entry, unless an exemption applies.

In practice that means:

• Main entry doors should have a working deadlock or a deadlatch with a deadlocking function.
• Windows that open should have working latches.
• Locks should work properly, not just be present.

A lock that is broken or does not lock properly may mean the property does not meet the standard. Rental providers often ask us to check and repair locks between renters, and our lock repair and lock replacement services cover this work.

Can a renter change the locks?

Generally, renters in Victoria should not change or add locks without the rental provider's consent, except in limited circumstances such as certain family violence situations, where specific protections apply.

If you are a renter and want the locks changed or rekeyed:

1. Ask your rental provider or agent in writing.
2. Explain why: for example, keys were lost, or you are concerned about previous occupants.
3. Once agreed, arrange the work.
4. Give the rental provider a copy of the new key, as required.

Many rental providers agree readily, especially when the renter offers to pay. We can liaise with the agent to confirm consent before we start.

Rekeying between renters

When a renter moves out, there is no way of knowing how many copies of the keys exist. Rekeying between tenancies is a sensible, inexpensive step. Lock rekeying keeps the existing locks but makes every old key useless.

Rental providers and agents often book this as part of preparing a property for the next renter. Students and share houses around Burwood change occupants regularly, so rekeying requests spike around February and July.

Lost keys in a rental

If a renter loses keys, the first step is to tell the agent or rental provider. Who pays for a replacement key or rekeying usually depends on the circumstances and the lease. If keys were lost with anything showing the address, rekeying is recommended for everyone's safety.

Lockouts in a rental

If you are locked out of a rental, you can call your agent or rental provider, who may hold a spare key. Outside business hours, a lockout service can help. You will need to show you are entitled to enter: a lease, a licence with the address, or confirmation from the agent.

If a lock is damaged during a lockout, tell the agent. Replacing a damaged lock may need their agreement.

Family violence situations

Victorian law includes specific protections for renters experiencing family violence, including in some cases the ability to change locks without the rental provider's consent. If this applies to you, please contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Safe Steps (1800 015 188) for support and advice. We handle these jobs discreetly and quickly.

Shared houses and bedroom locks

In share houses, renters often want locks on bedroom doors. Again, this usually needs the rental provider's consent. If approved, we fit locks that open freely from the inside without a key so nobody can be trapped in a fire.

Units and owners corporations

Many unit and apartment buildings use restricted key systems controlled by the owners corporation. Keys for entry doors, letterboxes and common areas may only be cut with authorisation. If your building has such a system, rekeying or new keys may need owners corporation approval as well as rental provider consent.

Tips for rental providers

• Inspect locks at the start of each tenancy and fix any that stick or fail.
• Rekey between renters.
• Keep a record of how many keys were handed over.
• Respond quickly to requests about broken locks, as security repairs may be urgent.
• Consider keying all external locks alike to keep keys manageable.

Tips for renters

• Report broken or sticking locks in writing.
• Ask before changing or adding locks.
• Keep a spare key with someone you trust.
• Tell your agent straight away if keys are lost.

How we help both sides

We work for rental providers, agents and renters around Burwood East, Burwood, Forest Hill, Vermont South, Blackburn South and Glen Waverley. We can:

• Rekey locks between renters.
• Repair or replace locks to help meet minimum standards.
• Confirm consent with agents before working for renters.
• Cut keys for authorised restricted systems.

See our residential locksmith page for the full range of home services.

Get in touch

Call 03 4422 2837 or request a quote online. Our office at 50 Middleborough Rd, Burwood East is open 7 days, 8:00am to 7:00pm (Friday until 7:30pm), and emergency lockouts are handled 24/7.