Locksmith for landlords and letting agents
Offer planned lock changes and callouts for rental properties, fitted in around another job.
- £800-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
22,443 UK companies in this field, 24% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 43320 “Joinery installation”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A smaller, more planned version of locksmithing focused on rental properties: lock changes between tenants, replacing broken locks, and occasional lock-out callouts at agreed times.
Your first three steps
- Complete a locksmith training course and practise on different door and lock types
- Call or visit local letting agents to introduce yourself and offer a trial job at a fair price
- Agree your available days and hours so you can promise realistic response times
Who pays
Letting agents, landlords and property managers who need reliable, quick work and clear invoices.
How it makes money
Fixed prices per lock change or visit, with repeat work from a few regular agents and landlords. Emergency callouts can be added when you are free.
Skills that help
- Basic lock fitting and repair
- Reliable and good at keeping appointments
- Tidy record keeping for invoices
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance before you take any paid work
- Check your main job contract in case it limits other paid work
- Check with the agent or landlord who has authority to approve work on each property
- Be clear about response times so you do not promise emergency cover you cannot give
- Keep receipts and invoices for HMRC and register for Self Assessment as a sole trader
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: locksmith for landlords and letting agents
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a locksmith business for landlords?
Startup costs are typically around £800 to £3,000, depending on the tools, lock stock and insurance you choose. These are estimates, so list your own kit and cover before buying anything.
How much can a part-time landlord locksmith earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on how many jobs you take and how many hours you can fit in. Estimates start at around 6 hours a week, so results will vary.
What should I check before taking locksmith work for landlords?
Check you have public liability insurance before any paid work, and that your main job contract allows other paid work. Also confirm who can approve work on each property, and be clear about response times.
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