Landlord must provide locks or security devices

Landlords must provide and maintain locks (or similar devices) so the property is reasonably secure.

Landlords and tenants can’t remove, add to or alter any locks without the other person’s consent. If you don’t have consent or a reasonable excuse, it is unlawful. If you’re then taken to the Tenancy Tribunal you may have to pay a penalty.

Locks and locking devices in boarding houses

Tenants must return all keys and remotes

Tenants must return all keys and other security devices (eg garage remotes and pass cards) to the landlord at the end of the tenancy.

If the tenant can’t return all the keys the landlord gave them, the landlord can ask them to pay for replacement keys or locks. You might agree to split the cost of replacing lost keys or locks.

If the property isn’t secure

If you’re the tenant, let the landlord know if the property can’t be reasonably secured. If it’s not the tenants fault, the landlord needs to replace or repair the locks.

If the landlord doesn’t do this, the tenant can get the work done and ask the landlord to pay them back.

Alarm systems

If a landlord provides a security alarm system they are responsible for maintaining it.

If there is no security alarm and a tenant would like to install one, they must get the landlord’s permission. The tenant is then responsible for maintaining the security alarm system. When the tenancy ends, the tenant needs to remove the alarm system and make sure it doesn’t cause any damage.

Adding fixtures to the rental property