Personally think taking the outside locks off is an absolute disgrace
From a personal point of view would recommend looking at "Harvest Homes", can't find a fault with the accommodation that I live in. Yes the rent might seem high but when you take into account all the added extras, ie the central heating and laundry costs are added to service charges (which are in with the rent). The only other outgoings are T.V. Licensee £7:50 per year and your quarterly elec bill.
Bearing all that in mind I know where I would rather live, oh and by the way this complex has had double glazing and new kitchens fitted in the last couple of years and is due for bathroom refurbs in the not to distant future.
Just have a look round, I'm sure you would be surprised at how nice it is