Can a renter change the locks in Victoria?
Yes, with consent. Consumer Affairs Victoria states that renters may change locks, that they must get the rental provider's consent first, and that they are responsible for organising and paying for the change.
“The rental provider must have a good reason to say no — they cannot unreasonably withhold consent.”— Consumer Affairs Victoria, Locks and security
Where consent is refused and the renter disagrees, the dispute can go to VCAT.
The key-sharing rule that catches people out
If a lock is changed, copies of the new key must be given to the other party as soon as possible — in both directions. If the rental provider changes a lock, the renter must get keys. If the renter changes a lock, the rental provider and any other renters must get keys.
What the property has to have in the first place
Victoria's rental minimum standards set a floor. Consumer Affairs Victoria states that each external door must have a working deadlatch with at least one cylinder, and that where a deadlatch is not feasible, the door needs a locking device operated by a key from the outside which may be unlocked from the inside with or without a key.
For windows: all external windows that can be opened must have a working lock, and where there is no lock the window must have a latch to secure it against external entry.
There are specific exceptions to the deadlatch requirement — screen doors, heritage properties and doors already blocked by another security barrier among them. If you think your place falls short, read the source rather than taking anyone's summary, including this one.
The practical version, for a normal move-in
- Ask the agent in writing how many keys exist and who holds them. The answer is often revealing.
- If you want the locks changed, ask for consent in writing and keep the reply.
- A rekey is usually the sensible request rather than a replacement — it cancels every old key and keeps the rental provider's hardware, which makes consent much easier to obtain.
- Budget for giving the agent a copy of the new key, because you are required to.
- Check the external doors and the openable windows against the minimum standards while you are looking. It is the best moment you will get.
Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria, "Locks and security" and "Minimum standards for rental properties", read 9 August 2026. Rules change — check the current page before relying on any of this.