Most landlords consider it routine to re-key the locks before renting an apartment to a new tenant. However, this isn't always the case. Maybe the landlord insists that all the keys to the apartment were turned in... but how can you be sure?

I heard a humorous story about a man (we'll call him Bob) who lived in a complex which didn't re-key the locks. Bob had lived in the same apartment for several years, and while he was there, he made a copy of the key for his friend (we'll call him Joe). Bob had moved out of the apartment, and Joe still had a key. Well, one night, Joe partied a little too hard, and, knowing Bob wouldn't mind if he spent the night at the apartment, Joe went on over. It was really late at night, so Joe crept in quietly and made it back to the guest bedroom without saying hello. In the morning, Joe woke up to hear the voices of several women in the living room. Confused, he peeked out of the bedroom, and suddenly realized what he had done. It turns out that because Joe was a wee bit intoxicated, he failed to remember that Bob had moved out several months before. Joe had unintentionally broken in to a complete stranger's apartment by using the key for Bob's old apartment. So, just as quietly as Joe sneaked in, he sneaked back out, and the new tenants never knew he was there. Can you imagine going into your bedroom in the morning, and finding a strange man sprawled across your bed? This could happen to you if your landlord didn't re-key your apartment!

Even if the previous tenant did return all the keys they had deliberately given out, there could still be copies floating around out there. It is incredibly easy to make a copy of a key. If the previous tenant left their entire set of keys at an auto mechanic's garage rather than just the car keys, there is a chance that someone copied the house key.

When moving into a new apartment, you should ask if the lock has been re-keyed. You might feel better if you went and bought a new lock regardless of the circumstances just to be sure you have no problems with it. If the lock on the front door isn't a double and doesn't have a dead bolt lock, it should definitely be replaced. It is worthwhile to install a good lock with at least a one-inch bolt and be put in using nonstrippable one-way screws.

If your landlord doesn't offer to replace the, you can purchase a good dead bolt for under $20.00. Home Depot offers simple step by step instructions on dead bolt installation. Or, if you don't feel confident installing the lock yourself, you might call your local locksmith for a price quote on installation.

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Published: October 11, 1999

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