If you are a landlord, the safety of your tenants is of utmost importance. While there are many factors involved, one of the most important is to ensure suitable locks are fitted in the property.
But rental properties are all different and therefore have different requirements, and this is especially true when it comes to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
So, what do you need to know about locks in HMOs and other rental properties?
Internal Locks in HMOs – Thumbturn Locks
If you own an HMO that you rent out to tenants, you need to make sure that the locks in the internal doors are suitable.
For safety reasons, tenants must be able to open the doors from the inside. If there is a fire or other emergency, they may need to get out fast. If they have to look for a key to open the door, this could be dangerous.
The doors should therefore lock when they are closed for security reasons but be easy to open from the inside without the use of a key. This is the same for common entrance doors and locked bedroom doors. Emergency exits must also be in place and open from the inside without a key.
Our Locksmiths in Newcastle regularly help landlords by providing and installing thumbturn locks, which can be opened and closed from the inside with ease. They are also called turn-and-release locks, and they lock and unlock doors without needing a key. These thumb turn lock cylinders provide privacy in bedrooms and bathrooms for example. When the lock is turned it throws a bolt giving the security that is needed.
Contact your Local Authority for full details on HMO regulations. You should also talk to your insurance company because they will have rules about the locks that should be fitted in the property.
Other Lock Concerns for Landlords
What about in standard houses rather than HMOs? There are lots of things that landlords have to keep in mind when it comes to locks and security.
For example, you may want to fit new locks to the doors when new tenants move in. Old tenants may still have the key to the property, and you want to provide your tenants with a new lock so they know they are the only people who have the key for greater peace of mind.
If your tenants lose the keys, you may want to fit a new lock in the front door, even if you have a spare key. You don’t know who has the key or who can access the property, so you can get more control over the property by getting a quick lock change.
Don’t just think about the main building. Does the property come with a shed? Make sure it can be locked. Tenants will appreciate being able to lock away their bikes and tools.
Keep Your Tenants Secure
You have a duty to your tenants to keep them safe and secure, and that means ensuring they can lock up their homes safely and get out quickly in the event of an emergency.
Whether you own an HMO property or a standard property that you rent to tenants, find out how we can help you with all your locks today, from fitting thumbturn locks to changing your front door lock in an emergency.
Contact your local locksmith in Newcastle today for help!
