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Rental unit locks and keys

Last updated on December 7, 2023

If the landlord has not changed the locks after the last tenant moved out, the tenant can request that they be changed. The landlord can’t charge the tenant for changing the locks.

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Rekeying locks for new tenants  

New tenants can request the landlord to rekey the locks for free to prevent previous tenants' access. If multiple tenants are moving into the rental unit, each person has the right to receive their own keys.   

Keys to common areas 

Landlords must provide all tenants with keys to any common areas included in the tenancy, such as: 

  • Laundry facilities 
  • Storage lockers 
  • Gyms 
  • Mailboxes

Tenants can seek dispute resolution if their landlord doesn't provide keys or blocks their access to these areas. Dispute resolution is a process to help resolve conflicts between landlords and tenants. 

Key replacement fees

If the key is the only way to access the home 

Landlords can't charge tenants any key-related fees if the key or access device (like a fob) is the only way to enter the rental unit. 

Example: A tenant rents an apartment that is only accessible through the front door. The key to this door is the only way the tenant can enter the rental unit, so the landlord can't charge the tenant any key-related fees. 

If there are multiple entries to the rental unit  

If there are multiple ways to enter the rental unit, the landlord can charge a fee for the key or device. However, landlords must refund this deposit when the tenants return them. 

Example: A tenant rents a bottom-floor suite that is accessible through the basement door and the garage. In this situation, the landlord can charge the tenant a refundable deposit for the garage door fob. 

This deposit can be no more than the cost of the fob and must be paid back when the tenant returns the fob. 

Fees for replacement and extra keys

Landlords can charge tenants a fee for providing a tenant extra keys or replacing lost ones. The replacement must not be more than the actual cost of the key itself. 

If a tenant is charged a replacement key fee, they should ask the landlord to see the receipt to ensure the cost of the key isn't more than the cost of the key. 

Broken locks must be fixed 

A broken lock is a safety and security issue for tenants. Landlords must treat damaged or defective locks as an emergency repair. If a tenant has a broken lock, they should contact the landlord and request repairs immediately. 

Locks and evictions 

Landlords can't lock a tenant out of a rental unit, even during an eviction. 

If a landlord locks a tenant out of their rental unit, they can contact:

Learn more about illegal lockouts. 

Tenant role, rights and responsibilities 

Replacing the locks without permission can lead to eviction 

Tenants can only replace the locks on a rental unit if they have written permission from the landlord or an order from the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB). If a tenant replaces the locks without written approval or an order, they could be face eviction. 

Damage during emergency entry

If a tenant changes the locks without permission and is away during an emergency, the landlord or emergency personnel may remove the door to enter the unit. The tenant is responsible for covering the repair costs to reinstall the door.  

Requesting an order to change the locks 

Tenants can apply to the RTB for an order to change the locks on a rental unit. Unlawful landlord entry to the rental unit is a common reason tenants request an order to change the locks. 

Returning keys at the end of a tenancy 

Tenants must return their keys, including copies, to the landlord at the end of a tenancy. Even if the tenant obtains an RTB order to change the locks, they must still return the keys to the landlord.  

Landlord role, rights and responsibilities

Keeping a set of keys for emergency access 

Landlords should keep a copy of all keys to the rental unit for emergency access if needed. 

Verify that the tenant's keys and access devices are working 

Monthly condition inspections are a good opportunity to verify that all the tenant's keys and access devices are properly working. Landlords test keys, access devices and inspect the condition of the locks. 

Providing keys to each tenant 

Landlords must provide keys to each tenant who lives in a rental unit. The landlord can't charge a fee for providing these keys. 

Talk to the tenant if they changed the locks

Landlords should immediately communicate with a tenant who has changed the locks without permission or an RTB order to resolve the issue. The landlord can ask the tenant in writing to change the locks back within a reasonable time.

Sometimes, the tenant can give the landlord keys to the new locks, this only works if the lock doesn't use a master key.  

Seek dispute resolution if the tenant doesn't respond 

If the tenant ignores the written notice to change the locks or provide a key, the landlord can seek dispute resolution. 

Resources ​

Policy guidelines

Previous legal decisions 

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