If the resident asks, do you need to change or re-key the locks?
The plain answer is no, you are probably not required to change the locks upon request. However, it is important to consider the potential consequences of failing to do so.
As the property owner, you are responsible for providing your Moorpark residents with the means to secure the home. After residents have signed the lease, you supply them with keys, garage door openers, or passcodes for them to access the property as well as to secure the property. Residents typically produce multiple copies of their keys for family members or even neighbors, and once they move out of a rental home, they may not always remember to gather and properly get rid of these copies.
If you don’t change or re-key the locks, and someone is able to illegally access to the residence, you can be hit a lawsuit and held responsible for damages. Particularly in cases of domestic abuse, divorce, or family problems, or even if an old roommate is a concern, changing the locks between residents is an essential step in preventing legal liability.
Of course, the locks are just one piece of the system of a rental home. Garage door openers, keypads, and other access devices are possible risks as well. Residents may share entry codes with babysitters, repairmen, or others who need access to the home when they aren’t present. Careful management of passcodes, remote controls, and so on must be part of your property management strategy, including changing codes or replacing remote controls when necessary to help guarantee the safety of your residents.
At Real Property Management Ventura County, we want to make sure that the only individuals who can enter your rental properties are your residents. That is why we consider lock changes between residents an essential component of our property management services. Our approach is intended to safeguard you and your properties with the best practices in the industry. To know more, contact us online or give us a call at 805-387-3682 today.