Yes, you should change the lock cylinder after moving into a rented apartment in Vienna. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the key exist — previous tenants, the landlord, a handyman, or friends may still hold one. In Austria, tenants are generally allowed to replace the cylinder themselves, provided they keep the old one and reinstall it when moving out.
Why changing the lock matters when you rent
When you move into a rental apartment in Vienna, the key you receive may be one of many. Over the years a flat changes tenants, and each tenant, their flatmates, relatives, and even tradespeople may have kept copies. A standard key can be duplicated at any key cutter in minutes, with no questions asked.
Changing the cylinder puts you in full control of who can enter your home. It is one of the simplest and most effective security upgrades an expat or international tenant can make after moving in — and under Austrian tenancy law it is largely your right to do so.
What you can change vs. what requires landlord permission
Austrian law distinguishes between the lock cylinder (the part the key goes into) and the entire lock mechanism (the mortice lock inside the door). As a tenant you may:
- Replace the cylinder (also called the profile cylinder or Profilzylinder)
- Choose a higher-security cylinder with a key card
- Have additional keys cut for your own household
You generally may not:
- Replace the entire lock mechanism without the landlord's consent
- Alter the door itself or the hinges
- Make changes in a building with a master key system (Schliessanlage) without the property manager's involvement
If your building uses a Schliessanlage, your cylinder is keyed to work with shared entrances and common areas. In that case the landlord or Hausverwaltung must coordinate any change, and you cannot simply swap the cylinder yourself.
The process: how to change the lock as a tenant
- Inform your landlord or property manager in writing (a short email is enough). You do not need their permission for a cylinder swap, but they must be aware.
- Book a locksmith. RIVA offers cylinder changes across Vienna with a transparent quote before work begins. See our lock change service for details.
- Keep the old cylinder. Store it safely — you will need to reinstall it before you hand the apartment back at the end of your tenancy.
- Hand over the new keys if your lease requires it, or keep them yourself depending on your agreement. Clarify this with your landlord in advance.
- Consider a security cylinder. This is the ideal moment to upgrade, since the locksmith is already on site.
Cost: what to expect in Vienna
RIVA explains the expected cost before the technician begins work. The total depends on:
- The type of cylinder (standard vs. security with key card)
- The number of keys you want
- Whether the door has a double cylinder (key on both sides) or a knob on the inside
For a precise quote, contact our Vienna locksmith team. We serve all districts including the Innere Stadt, Landstrasse, and Neubau, and we come to your door at a time that suits you.
Why a security cylinder with a key card is worth it
A standard cylinder can be opened with a copied key that costs a few euros to duplicate. A security cylinder solves this problem in two ways:
- Key card protection. Duplicate keys can only be cut against a signed security card. Without the card, no key cutter can make a copy — so former tenants and handymen cannot reproduce your key.
- Pick and drill resistance. Security cylinders are far harder to defeat with tools, giving a burglar little time to work before a neighbour or alarm intervenes.
For renters who have just moved in and want certainty about who holds a key, a security cylinder is the single best upgrade you can make. RIVA installs certified security cylinders from leading manufacturers and registers the key card in your name.
Summary for international tenants in Vienna
- You can change the cylinder in your rented apartment — it is your right as a tenant.
- You must inform the landlord and keep the old cylinder for move-out.
- A security cylinder with a key card protects you against unknown duplicate keys.
- In buildings with a Schliessanlage, the landlord must be involved.
- RIVA offers transparent, fixed-price cylinder changes across Vienna.
Ready to secure your new home? Book a lock change in Vienna with RIVA, or reach out to our Vienna locksmith team for advice on the right cylinder for your door.