Owning rental property in Northwest Indiana comes with a question every landlord eventually faces: when do the locks need to be changed? Whether you manage a duplex in Gary’s Miller Beach neighborhood or a single-family rental near downtown Hammond, here is a practical guide to getting it right.
Does Indiana Law Require Landlords to Change Locks Between Tenants?
Indiana has no statewide law that requires landlords to change or rekey locks when a tenant moves out. That surprises many property owners, but it also means the decision is entirely in your hands. Keep in mind that your lease, your insurance policy, or a local ordinance may still create obligations, so review those documents and talk to an attorney if you are unsure. This article is general guidance, not legal advice.
Why Rekeying Between Every Tenant Is Still the Smart Move
Even without a legal requirement, rekeying at every turnover is one of the best habits a landlord can build. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the old key exist. Former tenants, their roommates, ex-partners, dog walkers, and contractors may all be holding one.
Rekeying does not mean replacing the hardware. A locksmith adjusts the pins inside the existing lock so old keys stop working and a fresh key takes over. It is quick, it keeps your existing deadbolts and knobs in place, and it closes the door on every key you cannot account for. If a break-in ever happens with an old key, being able to show you rekeyed at turnover also matters for liability.
Can a Tenant Change the Locks Themselves?
In most cases, the lease decides. The majority of Indiana leases prohibit tenants from changing locks without the landlord’s written permission, and for good reason: landlords need access for emergencies and repairs. If you are a tenant who feels unsafe with the current locks, raise it with your landlord first and get any agreement in writing. Many landlords are happy to split the difference and have the unit professionally rekeyed.
Situations That Call for an Immediate Lock Change
Some events should move a lock change to the top of your list the same day: a completed eviction, keys that were never returned at move-out, a break-in or attempted break-in, a domestic situation where a tenant needs a former occupant kept out, or a falling-out with a maintenance worker who held a key. In each of these cases, waiting until the next turnover leaves the property exposed.
Rekeying Help for Landlords Across Northwest Indiana
If you own rentals anywhere in Lake or Porter County, Jacob’s Lock and Key makes turnover rekeying simple. Jacob is a licensed mobile locksmith serving Gary, Hammond, Merrillville, Crown Point, Schererville, Munster, Hobart, Portage, and the surrounding communities, open 7 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week. Call (219) 342-5595 and get every unit secured before your next tenant moves in.
Last updated: 07/10/2026