Lock changes for landlords and agents
Book-in lock changes and security upgrades for rental properties, mostly at set times that suit you.
- £800-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
10,030 UK companies in this field, 26% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 80200 “Security systems service activities”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
Planned work such as changing locks between tenants, fitting British Standard cylinders and upgrading doors and windows, rather than emergency call-outs.
Your first three steps
- Complete a locksmith course covering cylinders, multipoint locks and uPVC doors
- Make a simple price list for common jobs and get insurance
- Visit local letting agents with your price list and offer a trial job
Who pays
Landlords, letting agents, property managers and housing groups.
How it makes money
A fixed price per property or per lock, with repeat jobs as tenancies change and a steady flow from a few agents.
Skills that help
- Neat, reliable fitting work
- Organising bookings and keys
- Clear quotes and invoices
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, and check what your policy says about fitting security hardware
- Insurers may ask for locks that meet a British Standard, so check what is needed for the properties you work on
- Keeping customers' keys and access details safe
- Work can be uneven until you have a few regular agents
- Check any landlord or letting agent requirements, such as references or a DBS check
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: lock changes for landlords and 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 landlord lock change business?
Startup costs are typically around £800 to £3,000, depending on tools, a stock of British Standard cylinders and hardware, and insurance. These are estimates, so price your own kit list first.
How much can you earn changing locks for landlords?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £400 to £2,000, depending on how many agents and landlords you work for. Work can be uneven until you have a few regular agents.
What should I check before offering lock changes to landlords?
Check your public liability policy covers fitting security hardware, which British Standard locks insurers want for the properties you work on, how to keep customers' keys safe, and any reference or DBS check requirements from agents.
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Photo: Schluesseldienst on Pixabay