- March 18, 2026
- |Home Safety, Smart Locks
- | 0
When moving into a rental property, most of us focus on the lease, the bond, and the condition report. We often overlook the locks installed on the doors and windows.
Yet locks play an important role in both security and legal compliance. In Victoria and across Australia, rental properties must meet certain minimum standards, including basic security requirements for entry doors.
👉 Learn more – https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/repairs-alterations-safety-and-pets/keeping-the-property-safe/locks-and-security
👉 Learn more – https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/repairs-alterations-safety-and-pets/keeping-the-property-safe/locks-and-security
If you’re a Melbourne resident, understanding the types of locks typically installed in rental homes can help you know what level of security to expect and when upgrades might be necessary.
The Minimum Lock Requirements for Victorian Rental Properties
In Victoria, rental properties must meet minimum standards under the Residential Tenancies Regulations. One of these standards relates directly to door security.
For most rental homes, the main external entry door must have a working deadlock or similar locking device. This ensures the property has a reasonable level of protection against unauthorised entry.
While the regulations do not require high-end security systems, they do require functional, secure locks in good working order.
For older properties, this may mean upgrading outdated hardware to meet modern standards.
The Most Common Locks Found in Rental Properties
Across Melbourne, a few lock types appear far more frequently than others in rental homes.
Deadlocks on External Doors
Deadlocks are one of the most common locks used on front doors in Australian homes. Unlike standard door latches, deadlocks rely on a solid metal bolt that extends into the door frame when locked.
Here’s what a deadbolt looks like:
https://youtube.com/shorts/vtEXSbi2a8o?si=gly8RHS9Bs77xWjW
Because they are more resistant to forced entry, deadlocks are often required to meet minimum rental security standards.
Many landlords install double-cylinder deadlocks or single-cylinder deadbolts, depending on the door design and safety considerations.
Knob and Lever Locks
Many rental properties also use key-in-knob or key-in-lever locks. These locks are built directly into the door handle and are commonly found on both interior and exterior doors.
While they are convenient and inexpensive, they are typically less secure than a deadbolt. For that reason, they are often paired with an additional deadlock on the same door.
Window Locks, Garage Door Locks and Sliding Door Locks
Most Melbourne properties use simple keyed window locks or pin locks that prevent the window from being opened from the outside.
Sliding doors usually include a latch mechanism combined with a secondary pin lock or security bolt. Garages may use a combination of internal locking mechanisms or keyed external locks, depending on the door type.
These additional locks help prevent intruders from bypassing the main entrance.
Can Tenants Change the Locks in a Rental Property?
One of the most common questions renters ask is whether they can change the locks after moving in.
In Victoria, tenants are generally required to obtain the landlord’s or property manager’s permission before changing locks. This ensures the owner retains authorised access to the property.
However, tenants may request lock changes if there are valid security concerns, such as:
- lost keys
- previous tenants retaining access
- safety concerns
In many cases, landlords will approve a rekeying service, which allows the lock to be adjusted so that old keys no longer work without replacing the entire lock.
Helpful blog post: When to change or rekey your locks
Whether you are a tenant wanting peace of mind or a landlord preparing a property for new occupants, ensuring the locks are secure and functioning properly is an important step.
If you are unsure about the security of your rental property, Vic-Locks can help assess your current locks and recommend solutions such as rekeying, repairs, or upgrades.
Our team works with homeowners, renters, property managers, and businesses across Kew and greater Melbourne, helping ensure properties remain secure and compliant.
Contact Vic-Locks today to discuss your lock and security needs