The landlord is responsible for the property having a minimum level of security in place. The minimum security includes:

• door locks
• window locks
• exterior lights

Landlords must:

• meet minimum security standards  under rental laws
• provide and maintain locks or security devices
• give each tenant on the rental agreement a copy of the key, fob or device to open any lock or security device on the home.
• Not remove or change locks without the tenant(s) consent.

Tenants must

• return all keys and other security devices at the end of their tenancy.
• ask permission to change or add security devices and give a copy of codes or keys to the landlord.
• pay for installation and maintenance of any upgrades they want.

Upgrading or changing locks 

A tenant(s) or landlord can change or upgrade security if:

• they both agree
• a device needs replacement
• there is a good reason such as an emergency, break-in or family and domestic violence.

Requests and changes should be put it in writing and signed by both landlord and tenant(s).

If the tenant wants change or upgrade the security device, then they will need to cover the costs.

Family and domestic violence

Tenants affected by family violence can change locks without permission, but they must pay for it.

They must provide the landlord a copy of the new key(s) within seven days unless the landlord is the alleged perpetrator.

The landlord must not give a copy of the key(s) to anyone the tenant has told them in writing not to. More information see Violence in a rental home page.

Minimum security standards 

Minimum security standards are set by the Residential Tenancies Regulations 1989.

Main entry door:

The main entry must have a key lockable door. The minimum required security is either a:

• deadlock
• AS 5039-2008 compliant key lockable security screen door.

The deadlock can be either a single cylinder or double cylinder. A single cylinder deadlock can be opened from the inside simply by turning the handle or a knob. This will allow a person to exit the house quickly in case of an emergency.

The deadlock can be separate to the door handle or it can be incorporated into the handset.

 

All other external doors

The minimum required security is either a:

• Deadlock
• patio bolt lock if a deadlock cannot be installed. It does not need to be key lockable
• AS 5039-2008 compliant key lockable security screen door.

Windows

Windows must be fitted with a lock which prevents the window from being opened from outside the premises.

Windows do not have to have keyed locks.

All openable windows must have one of the following in working order:

• latch
• closer
• lock

Windows with an Australian standards (AS 5039-2008) compliant security screen do not need to have a window lock fitted.

Windows must be secured from being opened from outside the premises. It does not have to be key lockable.

Louvered windows

Louvered windows must have a working lock. If they don't, another mechanism must be installed to lock the lever in the fully closed position.

External lighting 

There must be at least one electrical light which must be:

• at or near the main entry
• capable of lighting the main entry to the home
• operable from the inside.

This doesn't apply if the property is a flat or apartment and the lighting is the responsibility of the strata body.

Security lights need to cover the main entry.

Apartments/Units and multi-storey homes

All doors and windows on the ground floor must meet all the minimum security requirements.

Windows which cannot be easily accessed from the outside do not need locks.

Balconies which can only be accessed from inside the home do not need security.

Apartments which are not on the ground floor will need a main entry door lock. Windows must have a lock if they can be easily reached such as windows facing a public access way.

Security standard exemptions

Homes listed as agricultural, rural or heritage listed do not need to meet the minimum security standards.

They must still have locks or other devices provided and maintained to ensure the home is reasonably secure.