Inheriting Tenants. Should I change locks?

Question

Hello,

I am abut to close on my investment property and will be inheriting tenants. Should I change the locks after I close the property? My agent told we should not as tenants are currently living. I was thinking it to be a new start by changing the locks. Appreciate BP communities thoughts.

Thanks

Vinny

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Why change locks on current renters? The risk of someone sneaking in is less than getting hit by lightning. And if someone else has a key, they probably got it from the current renters.

I don't see any liability here. Tenant controls who has copies of the keys. Change the locks as tenants change over.

Theresa Harris · Answer

I wouldn't.  It is the same people living there and why have an unnecessary expense?

Jill F. · Answer

We so rarely get correct copies of all keys that we usually do switch all new doors over to kwikset control key (816) locks so that we can use our "landlord" key for maintenance. We also switch all common entry door locks to kwikset smart key pushbutton locks.

Vinny Joseph · Answer

Thanks everyone!

Travis Blinkiewicz · Answer

If house hacking, change the locks.

If not house hacking, wait till vacant to change.

If you can't wait to change for some reason, get it all lined up with a good handy man that can do the work fast/efficient to be convenient for the the tenants vs. trying to do it yourself.

Joe Splitrock · Answer

I would change locks. Anyone could have a key. If someone enters their property with a key and you failed to change locks after taking ownership, you could be liable for what happens. No different than changing locks between tenants.

Install Kwikset Smart Key and when they move out, you can rekey the lock yourself in a few seconds.

Vinny Joseph · Answer

Thanks a lot Eric and Scott for responding.

Scott M. · Answer

We generally do not until there is a vacancy but we do that understanding the risks....others may have keys to the home.  So as long as you make an educated decision cool.

Eric James · Answer

I wouldn't.

Inheriting Tenants. Should I change locks?

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