Introduction

When tenants change locks without the landlord's knowledge, it can create unexpected problems when a tenancy ends. Even if possession of the property has been legally regained, the keys returned may no longer operate the lock, preventing access and delaying inspections, cleaning or preparation for new tenants.

Fortunately, in many cases, access can be restored quickly without damaging the door or its locking mechanism.

The Call-Out

I was contacted by an estate agent who had just regained possession of a flat following an eviction.

The property should have been ready for inspection, but there was one major problem—the key they had been given would not operate the front door.

Without access, they were unable to assess the condition of the property or begin preparing it for the next tenant.

Identifying the Problem

After inspecting the door, it quickly became apparent that the key simply didn't belong to the lock fitted to the property.

At some point during the tenancy, the former tenant had replaced the euro cylinder without informing either the landlord or the managing estate agent. When the property was handed back, the key supplied no longer matched the cylinder installed in the door.

Although the multipoint locking mechanism and the rest of the door were in good condition, the incorrect cylinder meant the property remained inaccessible.

Gaining Access Without Damage

As the estate agent had legal authority to regain access, I used a specialist lock removal technique to open the door.

The cylinder was removed cleanly without causing damage to:

• The uPVC door.
• The multipoint locking mechanism.
• The handles.
• The frame.

This allowed the door to be opened quickly and safely, avoiding the unnecessary expense of replacing additional components.

Restoring Security

Once access had been gained, the old cylinder was replaced with a new anti-snap euro cylinder to restore the property's security.

The new lock was carefully fitted, tested and checked to ensure:

• The key operated smoothly.
• The cylinder was correctly sized.
• The locking mechanism functioned properly.
• The handles lifted effortlessly.
• All locking points engaged correctly.

Five new keys were supplied so the landlord and estate agent once again had full control over access to the property.

Why This Happens

Although tenants may have genuine reasons for changing a lock, it is important that landlords or managing agents are informed and provided with replacement keys where required under the terms of the tenancy.

When this doesn't happen, it can result in:

• Delays regaining access.
• Additional locksmith costs.
• Lost time preparing the property.
• Security concerns over unknown key holders.
• Unnecessary disruption between tenancies.

The Importance of Changing the Lock

Whenever possession of a property changes hands, replacing the lock provides peace of mind.

It ensures:

• Previous keys no longer work.
• The landlord controls who has access.
• New tenants receive a complete set of keys.
• The property's security is restored immediately.

It's also an excellent opportunity to upgrade older cylinders to modern anti-snap locks if required.

Conclusion

This was a straightforward job, but one that highlights a situation landlords and letting agents encounter more often than many people realise. A lock that had been changed during the tenancy left the property inaccessible despite possession having been returned. Using non-destructive entry techniques, I gained access without damaging the door or locking mechanism, fitted a new anti-snap euro cylinder and supplied five new keys. The property was quickly secured, access was fully restored, and the estate agent was able to continue preparing the flat for its next tenant without unnecessary delay.