Lock Change in Atlanta

Switching out locks between tenants is extremely important for landlords. Doing so will help protect your rental unit from theft, break ins and burglaries. Disgruntled tenants who can access your property after eviction could vandalize the home or attempt to live in the unit without paying rent. Even when renters leave under positive circumstances, the tenant could have lent spare keys to neighbors, friends, family members and maintenance service providers that have unethical intentions. Here’s a few tips on how to properly change out your locks so you can keep your rental property safe. 

Include Lock Changing Policies in Your Lease

In many states, the tenant can change the locks and not give you a key, unless you state otherwise in your lease agreement. Be sure to make it clear if they can change their locks, or under what circumstances you can change the locks. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a situation where the tenant has abandoned the property and changed the locks and you would have to break and enter your own property to gain access. Breaking into your rental unit when the home is still technically occupied, even if they have already removed their belongings, could be illegal and grounds for a lawsuit. Protect yourself ahead of time by clearly stating your lock change policy right from the beginning. 

Know the Law

Familiarize yourself with local state and city laws and ordinances. Changing the locks after a tenant has left, but before the lease has ended can be perceived differently based upon the properties location. Not all tenants leave under the best circumstances. Some disgruntled renters have been known to purposefully destroy the property during the eviction process as a form of revenge. Knowing your rights ahead of time will give you a chance to prepare for all possible scenarios, whereas changing the locks without knowledge of the law could place you in unexpected legal trouble. 

Choose Locks that Allow You to Change the Pins 

If you own a multifamily complex or have a relatively high turnover rate, there’s a chance you’ll be requesting many lock changes over the years. Switching out the entire unit every time can add up quickly. By choosing pin and tumbler locks that can be changed without a complete replacement will save you a lot of time and money. A professional locksmith can change the locks for your entire residential or commercial rental property very quickly and affordably. 

Use a Reputable and Reliable Local Locksmith Company 

One of the best ways to prepare for a lock change is to employ the services of a trusted, dependable locksmith near you. Lock changes during evictions for example, require a certain level of experience. You may need to work closely with law enforcement and a locksmith who can change the locks quickly and effectively during high stress situations. It’s also important to find someone who will not take advantage by overcharging during emergency situations. You may find out at the last minute that you’ll need new locks on a property, and you want to work with a company that offers 24 hour emergency assistance without charging outlandish fees. 

Are You an Atlanta Real Estate Investor in Need of Professional Locksmith Services? 

Are you a landlord that owns rental properties in the Atlanta, Georgia area? If so, then call the expert technicians at Top Atlanta Locksmith today. Our professional team is highly trained and experienced in lock changes. We also offer 24 hour emergency lock change and lockout services for residents and businesses in Atlanta, Brookhaven, College Park, Smyrna, Dunwoody, and all other Metro Atlanta area communities. Contact us today to see how our services can help you.