Who Can Change the Locks on Your Property?

There are occasions that require locks to be replaced and as Property Manager/Landlord, this would mean employing the services of a contractor on behalf of the client.

The replacement of locks must comply with the RTRA Act as well as take into consideration common law.

Section 210 of the RTRA Act outlines the lessor’s responsibilities to ensure the property is ‘reasonably secure’, as well as their obligation to supply and maintain all locks and provide the tenant with keys.

‘Reasonably secure’ may relate to:

• the risk to a tenant’s personal safety
• the ability of a tenant to obtain home and contents insurance
• the likelihood of break-ins
• local community standards about adequate security for properties
• the physical characteristics of the property and adjoining areas

Locks can only be changed if the tenant and property manager or owner agree, in case of emergency or by QCAT order.

An example of occasions where locks may require to be changed (not limited to)

• Tenants have vacated and not all keys are returned.
• Keys have been lost or stolen.
• The property has been abandoned.

A handyman may be employed to save on costs, but can a handyman rather than locksmith change the locks and is it legal? The short answer is no.

Section 9 of the Security Providers Act 1993 (Qld) prohibits non-licenced persons from carrying out the functions of a security provider and a person from engaging another person to carry out the function of a security provider.

In Queensland, all locksmiths are required to hold a security equipment provider licence to ensure they are adequately qualified.

Locksmiths are expensive compared to handymen, but they are not only licenced, but also have trade-specific insurance and superior lock hardware, which may not normally be available over the counter at a hardware store.

Security isn’t something to be gambled with and it’s only sensible then to choose a locksmith’s services.