Living in Newfoundland and Labrador means knowing your rights and taking practical steps to protect your safety as a renter. One common worry is whether a landlord must change locks between tenants or if previous keys might still work. This guide explains how the local Residential Tenancies Division approaches lock changes, what responsibilities landlords and tenants usually have, and practical steps you can take if you are concerned about entry or security. It also points to the official forms and tribunal contacts you may need, and how to document requests and responses so your safety concerns are clear. If you feel unsafe, act promptly and follow the steps here to preserve your rights.
Can a landlord change locks between tenancies?
Landlords commonly rekey or replace locks when a tenancy ends to protect the new tenant and to reduce risk of unauthorised entry. Newfoundland and Labrador tenants should know, however, that whether a landlord must change locks depends on the lease terms and safety considerations under provincial rules. The Residential Tenancies Division handles disputes about unlawful entry or security concerns and can consider requests about locks and keys.[1] The governing legislation also outlines landlord and tenant obligations around access and repairs.[2] For practical best practices, landlords and tenants can look to clear lease clauses and written requests to avoid disputes. Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained
When landlords should change or rekey locks
- After a prior tenant reports lost or stolen keys, landlords normally replace or rekey locks to protect new occupants.
- When there is a credible safety concern about who holds keys, rekeying can be reasonable to ensure tenant privacy and security.
- Some leases explicitly require landlords to provide new keys or change locks between tenancies, and those clauses are enforceable when clear.
What tenants can do if they are worried about lock access
- Contact your landlord promptly and request that locks be changed or rekeyed in writing, keeping a copy of the message.
- Document any safety concerns, lost-key reports, or unauthorised entries with dates, photos, and witness details.
- If the landlord refuses and you feel unsafe, ask about next steps and your right to apply to the Residential Tenancies Division for an order.
If you are a tenant moving in and worried about prior key holders, you can also request a clause in future leases that the landlord will rekey between tenancies. Landlords can follow a checklist of post-tenancy tasks to protect both the property and the incoming tenant, including changing locks and documenting key distribution. What Landlords Should Do After Finding New Tenants: A Post-Lease Checklist
FAQ
- Does a landlord have to change locks between tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador?
- Not automatically in every case; many landlords do so for safety, and the Residential Tenancies Division can review disputes about security and access.[1]
- Can I change the locks myself if I feel unsafe?
- Changing locks without landlord permission can violate the lease unless you have a written right to do so; always ask in writing first and keep copies of communications.
- How do I file a complaint or request an order about locks?
- You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Division for an order to address entry, safety, or repair-related security issues; include evidence such as messages, photos, and witness information when you apply.[1]
How-To
- Gather evidence: record dates, photos, messages, and any witness names showing why you are worried about lock access.
- Send a written request to your landlord asking that locks be changed or rekeyed and keep a copy of the message and any reply.
- If the landlord does not respond or refuses, prepare an application to the Residential Tenancies Division with your evidence and the written request you sent.
- File the application and attend any scheduled hearing, bringing originals and copies of your evidence and correspondence.
- If the Division orders a remedy, follow the order instructions and keep records of compliance or further problems.
