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Updated almost 7 years ago on . Most recent reply

Tenant Turnover - Key / Lock Question
Hello BP!
We are turning over our first tenant.
Do we need to change the locks / re-key the unit before giving the keys to the new tenant?
If not required by law do any of you do thIs?
Reading through the Georgia handbook regarding tenant / landlord law there isn’t anything specific to this question.
Thank you in advance for your insights!
Most Popular Reply

Wesley W.
#1 General Landlording & Rental Properties Contributor
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Whether or not required by law, I think it is prudent to do so. It will give your tenant some peace of mind at the beginning of a (hopefully) long business relationship with you. I also think it makes you come off as a professional, rather than a "mom and pop."
Secondly, if there is a larceny (or worse), you want a clear conscience (and no culpability) if you are ever asked by LE or courts whether you changed the locks or not.
I know some people on here don't like them, but I have had good results with the Kwikset Smartkey system, which makes this a 30 second job.
It's really a small price to pay for great return via goodwill and safety.