Locks and window latches: securing a Melton South rental
Two of the 15 rental minimum standards are about keeping a home secure. What the locks and windows standards ask for, and where Melton South houses fall short.
In short: Every external entry door needs a deadlock, or a lock keyed from outside that opens by hand from inside, and every external window that opens needs a working latch. Doors that have dropped and windows painted shut are the usual failures.
What the locks standard asks for
Each external entry door must have a working deadlock, or a lock operated by a key from outside that can be opened without a key from inside. Screen doors do not count towards it. The lock has to work on the day, not just be fitted.
The windows standard is about latches
Every external window that can be opened must have a functioning latch to keep it secure. A window screwed shut, or one whose latch has snapped off, does not meet it.
Where Melton South homes miss
In older brick homes, doors sag on their hinges until the bolt no longer meets the strike plate, and timber sashes get painted shut over the years. In newer houses the usual problem is a missing or loose latch after a window was replaced or adjusted.
How we check them
We lock and unlock each entry door, open and latch every external window we can reach, and photograph any that fail. The fix list names the door or room, so a handyman can go straight to it.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Melton South. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
