Tenants Changed Lock Without Permission – Advice Needed

[Iris L.]

Hi everyone, I’m a new landlord and my tenants changed a door lock without asking. They have never told me that they were unhappy about the lock. They emailed me that the lock didn't work well so they changed it, along with a photo afterward, asking me to pay for it. The lease clearly says no alterations or improvements including changing or adding lock without my written approval, and tenants are responsible for any costs or damages from unauthorized changes.

I’m very upset because they didn’t ask for my permission—this is my property—and I also feel uncomfortable with the  request for payment.

I’m worried: if I don’t pay, they might withhold the key; if I do, they might demand more changes in the future. I’m a young woman in my mid-20s, and my tenants are middle-aged men, so I’m nervous about confrontation. I have to visit the house for other issues. So must do it in person. 

I’d appreciate advice on how to handle this safely and protect my rights.

[Joel Bongco]

Quote from @Iris L.:

Hi everyone, I’m a new landlord and my tenants changed a door lock without asking. They have never told me that they were unhappy about the lock. They emailed me that the lock didn't work well so they changed it, along with a photo afterward, asking me to pay for it. The lease clearly says no alterations or improvements including changing or adding lock without my written approval, and tenants are responsible for any costs or damages from unauthorized changes.

I’m very upset because they didn’t ask for my permission—this is my property—and I also feel uncomfortable with the  request for payment.

I’m worried: if I don’t pay, they might withhold the key; if I do, they might demand more changes in the future. I’m a young woman in my mid-20s, and my tenants are middle-aged men, so I’m nervous about confrontation. I have to visit the house for other issues. So must do it in person. 

I’d appreciate advice on how to handle this safely and protect my rights.

Aloha Iris,

I’ve dealt with similar situations with our rentals. First off, don’t reimburse them. Since your lease clearly prohibits alterations without your written consent, you’re within your rights not to cover the cost. If you pay for it, you set the precedent that they can make changes whenever they want and send you the bill.

Seattle law also requires that you, as the landlord, maintain access to the unit. That means you must have a working key. If they don’t give you one, they’re in violation of both the lease and the city’s rental code. I’d send a calm but firm email reminding them of this and requesting a copy of the new key immediately.

You can also point out that if the lock truly wasn’t working, they should have reported it to you first and you would have had it repaired or replaced properly. That way you control the quality of the work and make sure it’s safe and secure.

Since you mentioned being nervous about confrontation, I’d avoid going there alone. Either bring someone with you or require them to deliver the key by mail or leave it in a lockbox. You don’t have to meet face-to-face if you’re uncomfortable.

Bottom line: stay professional, stand by the lease, get the key, and document everything in writing. If they continue to push or refuse, you’ll have a paper trail if it escalates.