LANDLORDS BEWARE!
Not long ago, I was called out on a routine job when the tenants shared a story that stuck with me. One morning, they came downstairs to find a stranger fast asleep on the sofa. Naturally, they panicked—until it turned out the man was a friend of the previous tenant. He’d had a few too many drinks the night before, still had a key, and thought he’d crash at his mate’s place. Only problem? That friend had moved out the week before.
It was a harmless mistake, thankfully. But it got everyone thinking—just how many spare keys to that house were still out there?
Change the Locks
The simplest way to prevent anything like this is to change the locks each time tenants move out. It doesn’t have to cost the earth—especially if your doors are fitted with nightlatches or multipoint locks. Most of the time, it’s just a case of swapping out the cylinders. It’s quick, clean, and affordable.
If you're a landlord and want a no-obligation quote, feel free to get in touch with me at [email protected]. I’m happy to help and can usually give a price quickly.
Use Restricted Profile Locks
If you want extra peace of mind, consider fitting restricted profile locks. These use registered keys, which means only authorised people can get spares cut. If you hand your new tenants four keys, you’ll know exactly how many are in circulation—and when they move out, nothing goes unaccounted for.
The cost is slightly more than a standard lock, but it’s still very manageable—and you can even add it to the tenancy agreement as a clause. That way, if keys go missing, you’re covered for the cost of replacement.
Master Suite Locking System
For landlords with multiple properties, a master suite system can be a game-changer. It allows you to access all your properties with a single master key, while still giving each tenant a unique key for their own space. These systems also use restricted keys, so unauthorised copies can’t be made.
Although slightly more expensive upfront, the system pays off in ease and security. And yes, I can supply cylinders with a split clutch, meaning you can still open the door from outside even if a key has been left inside.
If you'd like a quote or want to explore your options, visit www.locksmithromsey.co.uk or email [email protected].
Stay safe, stay smart—and make sure you know exactly who has access to your property.
