Landlord & Tenant Lock Changes

In most cases we can attend the same day, and because we operate around the clock we can also accommodate early-morning or evening appointments that fit around tenant checkout and check-in times. When you call 020 3757 6199, we will confirm availability and an exact quote before dispatching a technician. We are usually with you within about 30 minutes of the call, though we do not give a guaranteed arrival time.

There is no specific law in England that compels a landlord to change the locks between lettings, but failing to do so carries real practical and insurance risk. Many home insurance policies require British Standard-grade locks to be in place, and a policy may not pay out if it can be shown that the security of the property was not properly maintained between tenancies. Beyond insurance, leaving the previous tenant's keys in circulation is simply poor practice that exposes the incoming tenant and the landlord's property to unnecessary risk. We strongly advise a lock change at every tenancy changeover.

This depends on the door type. Timber front doors are most secure when fitted with both a Yale-type nightlatch and a 5-lever mortice deadlock that meets BS3621 — the standard most home insurers recognise. uPVC and composite doors, which are common on many of the newer builds and converted flats around Orpington, use a multipoint locking mechanism paired with a euro cylinder. For these, we recommend an anti-snap, anti-pick cylinder rated to TS007 3-star, because standard euro cylinders are vulnerable to snapping. Our technicians will assess your door and recommend the most appropriate option when they attend.

No. Changing the locks to prevent a current tenant from accessing their home without a court order is an illegal eviction under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and can result in a criminal prosecution or a civil claim. Chelsfield Locksmith will not carry out any lock change that appears intended to unlawfully exclude a person with the right to occupy a property. If there is any uncertainty about the status of a tenancy, we will ask the relevant questions before proceeding. If you are a tenant who has been locked out in this way, you should seek legal advice as a matter of urgency.

The final quote depends on several factors: the type and number of locks being replaced, the parts required for the specific door, the time of day or night the work is carried out, and the travel distance to the property. There is also a call-out charge, which we explain clearly on the phone. We confirm an exact price before any work begins, so you know what you are agreeing to before the technician arrives. There are no additions made to the agreed amount at the door.

Yes, and we already do this for a number of managing agents operating in and around Orpington. If you have a portfolio of rental properties and need a reliable, insured locksmith who can respond quickly to tenancy changeovers, emergency lockouts, or uPVC door lock repairs, we are well placed to help. Call us on 020 3757 6199 to discuss your requirements and we can explain how we typically work with letting agents and housing associations in the area.