What triggers the start of a landlord's obligation to provide new locks?

The obligation for a landlord to provide new locks is typically triggered by a new tenant occupancy. This is rooted in the idea that when a new tenant moves into a rental property, the landlord has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the tenant. Change of occupancy means that the previous tenant's keys may no longer be in the landlord's control, which poses a potential security risk if those keys have not been retrieved.

When a new tenant occupies the property, the landlord should install new locks to prevent unauthorized access by the former tenant or others who may have had keys. This practice helps to establish trust and reassurance for the new tenant regarding their personal safety and the security of their belongings.

Factors such as changes in property management or tenant requests do not inherently trigger the landlord’s obligation to change the locks, as these situations do not necessarily affect the security of the new tenant. Additionally, the expiration of old locks is not a direct trigger for changing locks, as many locks can function properly for extended periods without needing replacement simply due to age.