When to Replace Door Locks in Rental Units
A good landlord that cares about his tenants should know that it is very important to ensure that your rental property is safe and secure. One way to do this is by keeping the door locks in proper condition as they are crucial for your property’s security and the safety of your tenants.
Here are the signs that your locks may need immediate replacement:
Old Locks
Many landlords don’t replace their door locks for years because they seem to work fine and they think it unnecessary to spend money if they still work, but even though locks might seem like they going to last forever their average lifespan is about 7 years. So if the locks haven’t been changed in a long time that goes beyond 7 years, it’s about time to replace them and with it’s important to keep all locks updated as lock technology advances quickly as well.
Lost or Stolen Keys
If your tenant loses their keys don’t assume that if you have a spare key all problems are over because it can still compromise the security of your rental unit. Don’t think no one will try to use the key to access the unit as it is exactly what’s going to happen. To avoid breaking and entering risks in situations like this it’s best to replace the locks on the tenant’s door. It is a simple step that helps to ensure that no one but you and your tenant cannot get in. Since the loss of the keys is the tenant’s responsibility the cost of changing the locks should be covered by them, but it is your responsibility to make sure it is done.
Crime Rate
Break-ins are on the rise making it even more important than ever to change locks and upgrade their security level. Even if your neighborhood used to feel very safe, it is always a good idea to increase the level of security.
Damaged Locks
If a lock sticks and doesn’t close properly it might stop working at any given moment, rusty damaged locks can put your tenants at risk of getting locked out. Replacing the locks before they completely break down will protect your tenants and show you do care about them.
Tenant Transition
When a tenant moves out of your rental unit it is a wise decision to change the locks, even if they bring back all their keys. There is no way to know if another copy was made by a third party related to the tenants. Replacing the locks will give you the peace of mind you as a landlord need and to the new tenants as well.
