(edit title) Changing a door lock ...as a second-hand tenant Options

[elk200]

Hi everone,

I still remain reluctant to trust anyone Stockholm's undoubtedly fucked-up rental market. I signed a contract for a second-hand rental - almost everything was legitimate, I checked back with the company owning the building etc.
However, that company could not tell me how many keys to the flat exist, because they had only recently bought the apartment building from another company.

Now, I received only 1 key from the first-hand tenant, who assured me that that was really the only key when I asked about it. Also, it's not a "registered" key, so even if he tells the truth I don't know if any former tenants have copies, as you can just have them made without formal permission. That being said, how many flats really exist with only 1 key to them?

So, I am now considering to have a locksmith change the lock - I would then keep the old lock and key and change it back into place before I would move out (presumably in a year's time or later).

- Does anyone have any experience or idea if I can just have this done without notifying the tenant or the company owning the house?
- Can anyone recommend a locksmith or a website to look one up?
- Any idea (roughly) where I might end up cost-wise?

Thanks in advance!

elk200

[Bender B Rodriquez]

It can be done as I have done so myself when I accidentally lost my keys, but if the housing company has a spare key for the current lock they would probably want one for the new lock too.

A locksmith would probably come and do it for 1000-1500 kr.

[Gamla Hälsingebock]

Don't go to a locksmith!

Go to Youtube and see how it's done...changing lock cylinders/locks.

Or:

Best way is to get a replacement lock that fits existing screw holes and just put a new one in...they come with keys...

[elk200]

Thanks for 2 helpful replies already!

Bender: Did that locksmith help you without further questioning, or did it depend on great explanations and perhaps his/her goodwill to do it for you?

Best way is to get a replacement lock that fits existing screw holes and just put a new one in...they come with keys...

Do you have any specific recommendations here? I would have to get a better look at the lock when I've moved, right now I only know it's an Assa (big surprise there).

[Gamla Hälsingebock]

Hej!

I am not there with with you, but locks are locks!

I'm the USA.

You can change the cylinder or the lock itself.

Just go to Youtube...It's not that hard to do...trust me on this.

[Bender B Rodriquez]

Bender: Did that locksmith help you without further questioning, or did it depend on great explanations and perhaps his/her goodwill to do it for you?

The locksmith of course checked that I actually lived in the apartment. Since it was a second hand lease my name was not in the entrance, but I had my passport and a rental contract in the apartment that I could show him once he had drilled through the lock and was in the apartment.

[Puffin]

I think you will need to inform the landlord that you are changing locks and you may need to provide the landlord with a spare key for emergency access

[elk200]

Is that an actual Swedish law that I can check?

[byke]

I think its more a house policy in relation to the contract of the apartments in that building.
(Its fairly common)

Be warned that second hand contracts are plagued with cynicism in relation to crimes often committed in them such as brothels, drugs cultivation or use and other socially unacceptable situations.

So get permission from the house before you change the locks, and hand them a spare key.

[Hamsterdam]

Be warned that second hand contracts are plagued with cynicism in relation to crimes often committed in them such as brothels, drugs cultivation or use and other socially unacceptable situations.

What a deluded and negative world you live in Byke.

[Yorkshireman]

@elk, there is nothing in law that states You cannot change the lock. That said, it may be in Your 2nd hand contract, or indeed within the contract of Your landlord to their landlord!. Remember, for a 2nd hand contract, Your landlord is/may be different than the Company that owns the building.

You should 1st, check Your contract and see if it mentions anything about changing locks. Then check with the person You rent from if there is anything in their agreement with their landlord. Finally, if you cannot reach the person You rent from, check with their landlord (the buildng owner) yourself.

Sometimes, though it isn't the same between companies, they have special rules that only certain model locks can be used, or they have special locks where they can easily change cylinders and have a special agreement with companies that do that for them ... possibly even a discounted price .

It is not recommended to do it yourself, unless the landlord(s) say it is OK, as again, there are often clauses that say You cannot change anything with regards the outside appearance of the apartment and/or it has to be done by a professional, or at least to professional standards. (not saying you cant do that just warning).

Also, it is standard practise that the building owner (and even your landlord) want a copy of the key immediately... reason behind this is that if there is a flood/fire etc... in the building they can get into the apartment if needed.

Finally... Unless you have it in writting that You can, do not, throw away the existing lock+keys, it is not your property, keep them handy and give back when you leave the apartment.

Also, if you do change the lock, that is your property, so keep the receipt ... and you are free to either hand over the reciept for the lock, or indeed change it back to the old one, when You leave.

[byke]

What a deluded and negative world you live in Byke.

#ButThisIsSweden
http://www.thelocal.se/42978/20120903/

Any google search containing words like "second hand, rental, Stockholm" will result in many stories relating to that shown above.

What a self deluded and fantasy country you live in Hamsterdam

[Hamsterdam]

byke, do you think your negative outlook on life makes you a good or poor role model for your children? discuss.

[Hisingen]

On yer byke, hamsterdam,.

[dave.smith]

Byke's right, some nasty stuff does go down, especially with second hand rentals.

I'm just not convinced anywhere else in the world is better - have you seen chav neighbourhoods in the UK, byke?