What type of lock (mechanism) is this?

[jamesknight]

Hi there,
Apologies if this is posted in the wrong board; there didn't seem to be one for "Newbie questions about quite obvious things, from someone with little DIY experience" so I hope this is okay to post here :P

Basically I'm wondering what type of lock this is:

http ://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6325/img1049xo.jpg
http ://img94.imageshack.us/img94/1989/img1052k.jpg
http ://img406.imageshack.us/img406/5349/img1053fz.jpg

I know that there are some locks/lock mechanisms which are easy to change, and others (mortar locks?) which can be quite specific meaning we'll need to order then from a particular manufacturer etc. But yeah, which type of lock is this and is it a fairly standard one?

We're considering changing our lock mechanism since our landlord lets himself into our permission without permission.

Kind Regards,
James Knight

(P.S. Apologies for the links - or lack thereof. Seems I need >=10 posts before I can post up 'real' links)

[Snorkerz]

Can you let us know the writing on lock at the side of the door?

Also, does the key look like this?

[jamesknight]

It says "FIGHTER" (and then again upside-down).

And yes, the key is similar to that. Although the head of it isn't rounded, it's more like this:

http ://espacepropertybg.com/images/door-keys-01.jpg

And, of course, the key says "FIGHTER" too.

[matthew_henson]

I suspect it is an annoying proprietry locks that requires you to call a special number to get new keys. I can not see an obvious way to replace the barrel with a standard "Yale" type.

I would add one those portable rape alarms to your door with double sided sticky tape as that will both demonstrate to the LL that you know he is breaking the law and secondly frighten the life out of him/her/it!

[jamesknight]

That's a pain. Yes, it does seem like a propriety lock. I can't find much/any information about "FIGHTER" online.

Nice suggestion on the door alarm, might do that. Something like:

http://shop.yale.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000...A5060#aSAA5060

Looks perfect actually

[Mrs Mug]

This is what we use on our own home. They are very loud.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=30579

[unhappydisgustingWOW]

Basically I'm wondering what type of lock this is:


http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/1989/img1052k.jpg
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/5349/img1053fz.jpg

How do you know he's deffo been in?

You might wanna write to him in a friendly but firm manner saying you feel uncomfortable with him visiting without permission, and pointing out he is obliged to ask permission, with 24hr notice.

Maybe a locksmith would be able to swap it out for a similar type, it does look very particular.

[Ericthelobster]

I suspect it is an annoying proprietry locks that requires you to call a special number to get new keys.

If, so there will most likely be an indicator on the key stating this and/or warning any bona-fide locksmith not to cut replacements keys.

I would suggest removing the lock at a time when somebody is able to stay in the flat, while one of you high-tails it down to the nearest decent locksmith to be a like-for-like replacement - at the very least they will be able to advise whether it's feasible or not.

Never heard of "Fighter" brand, and I agree, google is not forthcoming.

I also agree it would be best to discuss your concerns with the LL first before going down this road - regardless of the moral rights and wrongs of the situation, you may well find yourself being rewarded with an S21 repossession notice if you go ahead.

[jamesknight]

How do you know he's deffo been in?

One time we mentioned to him that a repair needed doing and asked him to let us know when someone could come to carry out the repair. We were out one day, and came in to find the repair had been completed (i.e. someone had let themselves in without letting us know, and carried out the repair). Annoying but at least it was for a repair.

Another time we came home to find a letting agency (who, of course, the landlord employs) had let themselves into our property and were showing people around it. They didn't notify us. Plus we had 11 months left on our contract!

Another time I was out, and at around 8:45am one of the landlord's staff opened the door and walked in when my fiance had just got out of bed. Again, we weren't notified.

You might wanna write to him in a friendly but firm manner saying you feel uncomfortable with him visiting without permission, and pointing out he is obliged to ask permission, with 24hr notice.

We did after the first two times, although he continues to ignore it unfortunately. I've described our situation in another thread; this is more of an end-result than a starting point

This is what we use on our own home. They are very loud.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=30579

That looks great, many thanks. There's a Maplin quite close to where I live; I'll check it out tomorrow.

If, so there will most likely be an indicator on the key stating this and/or warning any bona-fide locksmith not to cut replacements keys.

I would suggest removing the lock at a time when somebody is able to stay in the flat, while one of you high-tails it down to the nearest decent locksmith to be a like-for-like replacement - at the very least they will be able to advise whether it's feasible or not.

Never heard of "Fighter" brand, and I agree, google is not forthcoming.

I also agree it would be best to discuss your concerns with the LL first before going down this road - regardless of the moral rights and wrongs of the situation, you may well find yourself being rewarded with an S21 repossession notice if you go ahead.

Thanks for the input.

Regarding the last bit; as above, I've outlined why we need to take this step in a previous thread. I agree that if we just randomly did this to be akward, it'd (probably) result in a non-renewal of our contract. As it happens, we're moving out in a few month's time and just want to ensure that LAs and the L don't abuse their position and enter our property without our permission.

[thesaint]

Why not just add an extra lock?

[Mrs Mug]

Why not just add an extra lock?

Because that would damage the landlords property.

[thesaint]

Because that would damage the landlords property.

Fitting a lock to a door is something I would be quite willing to explain to a judge in defence of a claim for "Damage", but I see your point.