Locks and security
You can use this sample letter when the premises you are renting are not secure enough. We have described the most common change that needs to happen to make them secure, but you can edit the text to suit your circumstances.
Copy and paste the template letter below or download a copy from the link above. Remember to substitute your details for the details contained in [square brackets].
[Your name and address]
[Date]
[Landlord’s or agent’s name and address]
Dear …
Re: Security and locks at [your address]
I am writing to ask you to pay for [eight window key locks and two deadlocks for the front and back doors] to ensure the premises I am renting from you are secure. I am enclosing a quote for this work.
Under section 70(1) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, a landlord must provide and maintain such locks or other security devices as are necessary to ensure that the residential premises are reasonably secure.
Section 191 of the Act sets out the matters the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal may consider in determining the reasonable security of a premises – requirements of insurance companies; physical characteristics of premises; likelihood of break-ins or risks to tenant’s personal safety.
In a case before the tribunal in August 2002 (Tavener v Ibrahim RT 02/06210), the tribunal member ordered the landlord pay $3,332 compensation for goods that were stolen while the premises were not secure.
I request that the security of the premises be improved as quickly as possible, and ask you to send me a cheque in the next week. If you want to use another company to do the work, please contact me on [phone number] to arrange this.
Yours sincerely
[T Tenant]
