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My apartment building of over 80 units has generic keys and locks. My neighbour has been coming into my apartment with their key. They leave telltale signs when doing so, however, I don’t have cameras installed to catch them. Why should I? Where is our privacy and safety regarding this matter? Can I change my lock on my door and done with them?
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Sounds bizarre that an apartment building of over 80 units has generic locks and keys! Never heard of such a thing! If you are the owner, I would have changed the locks when I first moved in. if you are a tenant, you will have to go through the property manager for permission to change locks. As for your neighbour….why are they coming into your unit? What are they doing there? What telltale signs are they leaving? Of course you could set up security cameras of your own inside with a link to your mobile phone to record and video illegal entry, or hire a security company to do so. Security cameras are on sale at Bunnings, so hot foot it down there……..Or set a big mousetrap!
It’s not clear if you are an owner or renter? But regardless, in most large apartment buildings the front Unit doors are the property of the Owners Corporation (being fire doors). However, while the OC owns the door, the owner owns the locking mechanism, and can re-key the locks. However, you need to check the building’s by-laws, in case there is something special about the locks in that building? If you are renting, then contact your agent, and notify them that you believe the security of the Unit is compromised, and ask them to change the lock, (or you could offer to pay for that?).
Also, generic keys and locks are unusual, for an 80 Unit block. How do you know that? Double check. If that neighbour has a key to your Unit, it’s possible a previous resident gave them a key (in case of being locked out, say), and they may not have returned it.If that neighbour has a key to your Unit, it’s possible a previous resident gave them a key (in case of being locked out, say), and they may not have returned it.
Aaah, that makes sense. Change the locks, solve the problem. Buy a new lock that fits. Any reasonably handy person in the building could do it for you.
The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers.
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