Your Guide to Lawful Lock Changes
Lock changes are a common and necessary procedure for commercial buildings, residential properties, and vehicles. Depending on the circumstances and who owns a given property, lock changes may be off-limits. Locksmiths are only allowed to change locks for businesses, private residences, and vehicles if certain criteria are met. Keep reading to find out when lock changes are okay for various types of property.
Residential Locks
Homeowners that are able to prove they own their homes can change their locks whenever they deem it necessary. A locksmith will ask for proof of ownership before replacing or installing new locks. Homeowners may decide to change their locks to upgrade to electronic locks, replace broken locks, or to increase their home security.
Apartment dwellers should not change their locks for any reason. If it is necessary to do so because of a broken or faulty lock, you will need to discuss it with your apartment management. Most rental contracts forbid residents from changing their apartment locks for safety reasons. For example, if a maintenance issue occurred inside your apartment and you swapped out the locks, a maintenance crew would be unable to get inside your apartment easily to address the problem.
Vehicle Locks
As with homeowners, as long as you own your vehicle, you are free to change the locks whenever you see fit. Broken locks, faulty locks, or other issues may require you to change your vehicle locks. As long as you provide a locksmith with proof of ownership of your car, you can have the locks changed any time.
If you are renting a car, you should refrain from changing the locks for any reason. You may receive a hefty fine if you change the locks on a rental car. If you notice a problem with the locks on a vehicle you are renting, talk to the rental service first to have them address the problem for you.
Commercial Property Locks
Business owners may or may not be able to change their building locks. If you own the space where your business is located, you can likely change the locks without any problems. If you are renting your business space, you will need to discuss any lock changes with the building owner. If your business is located in a historical building or property, you may be under certain restrictions for what kind of locks you can use or install.
Need a Lock Replaced for Your Property in Atlanta?
Are you looking to change, upgrade, or replace your property locks? If you are in the Atlanta, GA area, our professional locksmiths are here to help and provide your needed information with lock replacements and upgrades for homeowners, vehicle drivers, and business owners. If your not in Atlanta, Ga, you can always find locksmith experts near you and ask for information or estimate for the locksmith service you need. Replacing locks may be necessary any time, day or night. That is why most locksmith companies offer 24-hour services seven days a week. You can always rely on your local locksmiths for any lock change requests or other needs. Give your trusted locksmith a call today!