Buying a property is exciting—but it can also come with hidden security issues. One of the most misunderstood is restricted key systems. Many new property owners assume that if the locks come with the building, the keys (and control over them) automatically do too.
In NSW, that is not the case.
This article explains who actually owns restricted keys in NSW, what does and does not transfer when you buy a property, and what your legal options are if the keys belong to the previous owner.
What Are Restricted Keys NSW?
Restricted keys are keys that cannot be legally copied without authorisation. They are commonly used in:
Commercial buildings
Apartment complexes
Schools and medical facilities
High-security residential properties
These systems are designed to prevent unauthorised duplication and maintain strict control over who can access a building.
Do Restricted Keys NSW Transfer When You Buy a Property?
No. Restricted key ownership does not automatically transfer with the property.
While you own the physical locks and doors, restricted key systems are governed by:
Contract law
Intellectual property and trademark law
Manufacturer licensing agreements
This means the registered system owner—often the previous owner or a nominated organisation—retains control of the key system unless it is formally transferred.
Even if:
You receive all existing keys at settlement
The locks are permanently installed
The previous owner no longer occupies the property
You still may not have the legal right to copy or issue new keys.
What Does Transfer With the Property?
When you purchase a property in NSW, you automatically own:
The doors
The locks
The cylinders and hardware
However, ownership of the restricted key profile, duplication rights, and system registration does not automatically transfer.
Who Controls Restricted Keys NSW?
Restricted keys are controlled by one or more of the following:
The name on the system registration
A signed key control agreement
The manufacturer (e.g., Lockwood, Dormakaba, ASSA ABLOY, Abloy, BiLock)
The issuing locksmith
If the previous owner or their company is listed as the system owner, only they—or someone they authorise in writing—can request additional keys.
Can a New Owner Take Over a Restricted Key System?
Yes—but only in specific circumstances.
Option 1: Formal System Transfer (Best Case)
If the previous owner is cooperative, they can sign a Change of Ownership / System Transfer form. Once processed by the locksmith or manufacturer:
The system registration is updated
You gain full control over key duplication
The restricted system remains in place
This is most common in commercial sales, strata properties, and office buildings.
Important: Without written consent, a transfer cannot be completed.
Option 2: Replace or Re-Key to a New Restricted System
If the previous owner:
Cannot be contacted
Refuses to cooperate
Was a dissolved company
Has missing or unclear paperwork
Then the only lawful and secure solution is to:
Re-key or replace the cylinders
Install a new restricted key system registered in your name
This provides:
Full legal control
A known number of keys
Elimination of unknown or lost copies
A clean security audit trail
From a security perspective, this is often the recommended option.
Option 3: Convert to Non-Restricted Keys
This is legally allowed but usually considered a downgrade. While cheaper upfront, it:
Reduces security
Allows uncontrolled key copying
Is rarely suitable for commercial or strata properties
What You Cannot Do With Restricted Keys NSW
In NSW, you cannot:
Copy restricted keys simply because you own the property
Ask a locksmith to bypass authorisation
Treat restricted keys as abandoned property
Doing so may breach:
Contract law
Intellectual property law
Locksmith licensing conditions
Manufacturer agreements
Reputable locksmiths will refuse these requests—and for good reason.
Our Professional Recommendation
If you’ve purchased a property in NSW and have restricted keys, assume:
You do not have full key control until it is proven or re-established.
We recommend:
Confirming whether a system transfer is possible
If not, installing a new restricted key system in your name
This ensures compliance, security, and peace of mind.
Need Advice or a Security Assessment?
If you’ve recently purchased a property in NSW and aren’t sure where you stand with your keys, we can help.
We’ll:
Identify the existing key system
Check whether a transfer is possible
Provide clear, compliant options to regain control
📞 Contact us today to book a professional locksmith consultation.
