[Your name and address]

[Address of local Fair Trading Centre]

[Date]

Dear Sir/Madam

UNAUTHORISED CHANGE OF LOCK BY [LANDLORD/LANDLORD’S AGENT]

I signed a residential tenancy agreement for the above premises on [date].

On [date] the [landlord/ landlord’s agent] [changed/added/removed] a lock on the premises. 

I did not give the [landlord/landlord’s agent] permission to [change/add/remove] the lock.

When I asked the [landlord/landlord’s agent] on [date] why the lock had been [changed/added/removed], the [landlord/landlord’s agent] said the lock had been [changed/added/removed] because [describe reason]. 

I do not believe this was a reasonable excuse to [change/add/remove] the lock.
 
I draw your attention to section 71 of the Residential Tenancies Act (NSW) 2010  (“the Act”), which states:

“(1) A landlord or tenant may alter, remove or add or cause or permit the alteration, removal or addition of a lock or other security device for the residential premises only if:
(a)  the other party agrees, or
(b)  with a reasonable excuse.”.

The Act provides that a breach of the above section is an offence punishable by a fine of up to $2200.

I have attached a copy of my residential tenancy agreement

I ask that Fair Trading investigate this breach of the Act and prosecute the [landlord/landlord’s agent] for the offence. If Fair Trading decides not to take action, I ask that I be provided with written reasons for that decision.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on [phone number] if you wish to discuss this matter.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]