Best Locks for Perth Rental Properties: A Landlord's Guide
- •Deadbolts on every exterior door are non-negotiable — knob locks alone are a liability on rental properties.
- •Rekeying between tenancies is faster and cheaper than full lock replacement — and just as effective when hardware is sound.
- •Restricted keyways prevent tenants from copying keys without your knowledge.
- •A licensed locksmith ensures installation meets professional standards and protects your insurance coverage.
- •Lost or stolen keys during a tenancy require an immediate response — don't wait.
You’ve handed over the keys to a new tenant — but do you actually know who else might have a copy? Lock management is one of the most overlooked responsibilities for Perth landlords, and getting it wrong exposes both your investment and your tenants to real risk.
Which Lock Types Should You Install on a Perth Rental Property?
The lock you choose determines how well your property resists forced entry.
Deadbolts are the minimum standard for every exterior door on a rental property — front door, back door, and any garage entry. A knob lock on an exterior door alone is a security gap that any experienced burglar will exploit.
Interior doors — bedrooms and bathrooms — suit knob locks or lever handles with a simple privacy latch. You don’t need heavy security hardware on every internal door, but exterior entries must be deadbolted without exception.
Sliding doors and glass panel entries require specialist locks or security bars — standard deadbolts won’t fit the frame. If your rental has these, ask your locksmith about the full range of lock options suited to each door type.
Older Perth properties — particularly those built before the 1990s — often have outdated lock cylinders that no longer meet current security standards. A lock inspection before listing your property is a smart first step.
Should You Rekey or Replace Locks Between Tenancies?
The right answer saves money without compromising tenant security.
At every tenancy changeover, either rekeying or replacing your locks is essential. The previous tenant, their guests, or contractors may still hold key copies — you have no way to know unless you act.
Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration of the existing cylinder so all previous keys stop working. It’s typically the faster and more cost-effective option when your lock hardware is in good physical condition — no rust, no stiffness, no visible damage.
Full lock replacement is the right call when hardware is corroded, damaged, or a lower security grade than your property warrants. Perth’s coastal climate accelerates corrosion on exterior locks, so inspect them closely between tenancies rather than assuming they’re still sound.
What Is a Restricted Keyway — and Do Rental Properties Need One?
Standard keys can be copied at any key kiosk — restricted keys cannot.
A restricted keyway uses a patented key profile where key blanks are only available through licensed locksmiths registered to that system. Tenants cannot walk into a hardware store or shopping centre kiosk and cut a copy — every duplicate is logged and authorised through the registered key holder.
For a single rental property, a standard deadbolt with a rekey each tenancy may be sufficient. But if you manage multiple properties or a multi-tenancy building, restricted keyways give you genuine control over who holds copies of your keys at any point in time.
If you’re managing several doors across a rental property, a locksmith can configure all cylinders to one master key during rekeying — giving you single-key access while tenants hold individual keys to their own entry points only.
Does Lock Installation Quality Actually Affect Your Insurance Coverage?
A poorly installed deadbolt can be as risky as no deadbolt at all.
Some home and landlord insurance policies in Australia require professionally installed locks on external doors. A DIY installation — even a competent one — can create a gap in your coverage. Always check your policy wording before self-installing any external lock hardware.
A licensed locksmith also ensures the strike plate is secured with long screws reaching into the wall stud, not just the door jamb timber. This is the single most common installation shortcut that turns a good deadbolt into an easy kick-in.
In Western Australia, locksmiths must hold a valid licence to work legally. Ultimate Lock carries Police License SA51285 and Installers License SG33024 — ask any locksmith you hire to provide their licence numbers before work begins.
What Should You Do If a Tenant Reports Lost or Stolen Keys?
Don't wait to see if the keys turn up — act the same day.
A lost key during a tenancy is a key control event, not a minor inconvenience. You don’t know where those keys are or who might find them — and your property address is often identifiable from the key tag or lease documents.
If the lock hardware is in good condition, a same-day rekey is the fastest and most cost-effective response. If the lock is aged or the key was stolen alongside other identifying information, replacement is the safer call. Ultimate Lock operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — call 0481 365 802 for an immediate response.
Landlord Lock Questions — Answered
Straight answers to the questions Perth landlords ask most about rental property security.
Am I legally required to rekey between tenancies in Western Australia?
Western Australian tenancy legislation places obligations on landlords to provide a property that is secure and in a reasonable state. While specific lock requirements can vary, rekeying between tenancies is widely considered best practice and a basic duty of care to incoming tenants. Speak to your property manager or a legal adviser for guidance specific to your lease terms.
Can a tenant have locks changed without my permission?
Generally, tenants in Western Australia cannot change locks without the landlord’s consent. If a tenant has changed locks without your approval, you are typically entitled to request a key and to have the original lock configuration restored at the end of the tenancy. Document any unauthorised changes promptly.
Is rekeying always cheaper than replacing locks on a rental property?
Rekeying is typically less expensive than full replacement when the lock hardware is in good condition. However, if your locks are corroded, mechanically stiff, or a low security grade, replacement delivers more value — you’re paying a callout fee either way, so upgrading hardware at the same time makes financial sense.
What type of lock is best for a rental property's front door?
A deadbolt is the minimum standard for any exterior rental door. Single cylinder deadbolts — key outside, thumb-turn inside — are the most practical for tenants and allow quick exit in an emergency. If the front door has glass panels near the lock, discuss a double cylinder option with your locksmith, keeping the egress implications in mind.
Ready to Secure Your Perth Rental Property?
Whether you need a rekey between tenancies, a deadbolt upgrade, or advice on restricted keyways, Ultimate Lock is available 24/7 across Perth — call 0481 365 802 or get in touch online for a transparent quote.