Is it the landlord's responsibility to change my locks at no cost to me?

You used the term "break ins" to your apartment. If there was an actual break in, which is usually a "forced entry" ( this usually means something like a door or window was damaged to gain entry to the apartment, and noted as such by the police ), then this really proves the point of the apartment landlord that the locks were changed. If someone besides you had a key to the apartment, they wouldn't have to "break in" to get inside, they'd just enter normally by using a key. You didn't say if any damage was done to get inside or if any personal items were stolen during these two break ins. If there was, the police would have done a complete investigation, and the landlord and/or owner of the apartments would likely have been contacted about this problem, and would be asked about the locks if no forced entry was observed. Since you didn't even mention anything about the police being notified about the break ins, then the apartment landlord or owner would likely have little responsibility other than telling you that the locks had been changed. You said the "locks" ( plural ) may not have been changed. If these locks are on the same door, you could have one or both changed for little cost and then replaced as it now is when you leave. Depending on the type of lock, a locksmith can just change the internal mechanism and make you a key. The lock frame/case would remain as is. It is the responsibility of the apartment landlord or owner to make your apartment as safe and secure as possible. If there is a problem, you should be able to contact some type of advocate in your city for some answers or assistance. Check at the local library for this information. Good luck with this problem.

A responsible apartment management company would change the locks every time a tenant moves out. Whether or not this company is responsible we dont' know; it's their word against yours no matter what.

How do you know they never changed the lock?

Check your lease; I'm betting there is nothing in there about the tenant donating items to the management company which is what you would be doing if you bought a lock and left it when you moved.

Personally I would buy the lock and change it myself (it's not hard at all) and send them a letter with a copy of the receipt informing them that the lock is your property and you will be removing it when you vacate the premises.

It seems to be more of a legal question.

What lease agreement did you have when you signed? Did you specify that ?

The landlord could be sued if someone come into your place and steals things and it can be proven that it was the previous owner of the keys etc.

On the other hand you may have to change the locks, save the original and put them back when you move.This way you have some security.

I usually change the locks when a tenant moves.

I the landlord, this way there are no complications.

Hope it helps.

Jay

I would be very careful.

If you decide to change the lock, BY LAW, you have to give them a key for emergencies.

If you had a "break in", that means something was broken in order to gain access. If the people had a key, they wouldn't have had to break anything.

Be careful. You may get more trouble than you want