A practical Queensland guide for tenants, landlords and property managers on rental-property locks, keys and security. This section deals with residential tenancies; commercial rental-property security will be covered separately.
Rental security is more than having a lock on the door
Queensland rental law requires the property manager/owner to supply and maintain locks necessary to ensure the premises are reasonably secure. Minimum housing standards also require functioning locks or latches on external doors and windows that can be reached from outside without a ladder.
Source: Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority – Locks and security and RTA – Minimum housing standards.
Who must receive keys?
For a general tenancy with more than one named tenant, each named tenant must receive the keys needed to enter the premises and normally access the property or building. At least one named tenant must receive a key for every lock that forms part of the premises, including items such as a mailbox, shed, lockable room or built-in cupboard where applicable.
Read the full guide to rental-property keys in Queensland →
Key entitlement is not the same as key control
A complete handover of the required keys does not necessarily establish how many working copies exist. Previous tenants may have had additional keys cut. Contractors, family members or other authorised people may also have held copies during an earlier tenancy.
Queensland law does not automatically require every rental property to be rekeyed between every tenancy. However, rekeying is a practical way to restore known key control where the history of existing keys cannot be established.
Should rental locks be rekeyed between tenants? →
Changing locks during a tenancy
Outside the specific exceptions provided by law, a tenant or lessor cannot simply change a lock without following the required process. The legislation provides for changes by agreement, where there is a reasonable excuse, in an emergency, under a tribunal order, and in certain domestic and family violence circumstances. When a lock is changed, the other party must generally be given a key unless an exception applies.
Read the guide to changing locks during a Queensland tenancy →
Can an owner or property manager keep keys?
Property owners and managers commonly retain access keys for lawful management of the property. Importantly, possession of a key is not permission to enter whenever they choose. Queensland entry rules still apply, including valid reasons and notice requirements unless an exception applies.
See the RTA – Entry to the property.
Minimum security standards
All Queensland residential rental properties must meet minimum housing standards at the start of and throughout the tenancy. For locks and security, this includes functioning locks or latches on external doors and windows that can be reached from outside without a ladder. The RTA also notes that each property should be assessed case by case to ensure reasonable measures have been taken to make it secure.
Read the rental-property minimum security guide →
When a tenancy ends
The RTA says all property keys, remotes and access cards, including copies made during the tenancy, must be returned when the tenancy ends. If keys are not returned, the tenant may be invoiced for replacement keys and potentially the cost of changing the locks.
Source: RTA – Rent, keys and other.
Queensland government sources
- Residential Tenancies Authority – Locks and security
- RTA – Rental premises use, condition and repairs
- RTA – Minimum housing standards
- RTA – Entry to the property
- RTA – End-of-tenancy keys
- Queensland Legislation – Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008
This page provides general security and tenancy information, not legal advice. Queensland rental law can change; check the current RTA and Queensland legislation for your circumstances.
Need a rental property rekeyed or checked?
Abetta Mobile Locksmith can inspect locks, rekey compatible cylinders, replace unsuitable hardware and help landlords and property managers establish better key control across Sunshine Coast rental properties. Contact Abetta to arrange service.