You can change the locks without asking the rental provider for permission if the locks are not part of a master key system (one key that opens many locks). For example, if your back door and front door have different keys but then there is a third key that opens them both, this is likely to be a master key system. 

If you (or your children) have an intervention order (IVO) excluding the person using violence from your home, you can change the locks (including locks that are part of a master key system) without asking the rental provider.  

If you don’t have an IVO, you can still ask the rental provider for permission to change locks that are part of a master key system. They can’t unreasonably refuse. 

If it’s your home but you’re not on the rental agreement, you can still change the locks. You will need an IVO excluding the person using violence. 

You can also change the locks (including locks that are part of a master key system) if you have an order from VCAT ending an existing rental agreement with the person using violence and creating a new rental agreement in your name. 

A family violence worker from a family violence service may be able to arrange a lock change,talk to your rental provider about the issue, or provide financial support to pay for them. 

You can also speak to a housing service about your housing options or a lawyer for help obtaining an intervention order or if your rental provider is objecting to you changing the locks.  

See our list of services, for free legal, family violence and housing support. 

If a co-renter is using violence against you and is a family member, you do not need an intervention order to make safety modifications. 

A family member can mean a partner or ex-partner, your child or child of a partner, or another relative. It may also mean someone you regard as being like a family member, for example a carer who has developed the type of relationship that would exist between family members with someone they care for.  

Renters should try to reach an agreement with the rental provider that modifications can remain after they move out (preferably in writing).  

Otherwise, once you leave a property you will need to restore the property by removing any security alterations or paying the costs to restore the property to the condition before the modifications.

In some circumstances the rental provider can reasonably refuse to give consent. Some examples are:  

• The modification would significantly change the property.  
• The modification would lead to additional maintenance costs for the rental provider if it were not restored back to the original condition at the end of the lease.  
• It would not be practical to restore the property to the original condition after the modification has been made.  
• The property is about to be sold or vacated and you have been given a valid notice to vacate. 

A family violence worker from a family violence service may be able to arrange security modifications or provide financial support to pay for them.

You can also speak to a housing service about your housing options or a lawyer if your rental provider is objecting to you making safety modifications. 

See our list of services, for free legal, family violence and housing support.