Changing Door Locks & Keys
Answers for Renters

Before you accept the keys to your new rental home, ask the property manager or rental owner whether the door locks have been changed. They should be concerned about your safety and have taken the precaution of changing the locks on all doors that provide access to the rental unit.
         
If former residents or their guests have a key, they could use it to enter your unit. The potential liability to the property owner or manager if that happens should be enough incentive for them to change the locks.
         
Changing doors locks is not difficult or too expensive. Some owners and managers purchase extra sets of door locks and change the locks themselves. Others use a locksmith to re-key all the locks. Re-keying involves changing only the key mechanism instead of replacing the entire lock, so that a different key is needed to open the door. Locksmiths typically charge less than $100 to perform this service.
         
Renters may change or re-key the door locks, but you should contact the owner or manager in advance. Some rental agreements prohibit renters from changing locks without prior approval, but property owners and managers should think twice before denying such a request. If you change the locks, give a new key to your property manager or owner to allow them access to the unit in case of an emergency.