The removal van has gone, the boxes are stacked and the keys are in your hand. But who else has copies? When you change locks after moving house, you take control of who can enter your new home from the first day. It is one of the simplest security jobs to arrange, yet it is often missed while buyers focus on utilities, furniture and unpacking.
A previous owner may have given keys to relatives, neighbours, cleaners, dog walkers, builders or a letting agent years ago. They may not know where every copy ended up either. Even if they hand over a neat bunch of keys on completion day, that does not guarantee those are the only keys that exist.
For homeowners across Mansfield, Shirebrook, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Warsop, Chesterfield, Alfreton and Bolsover, changing or rekeying locks is a practical first step towards making a property properly yours.
Should You Change Locks After Moving House?
In most cases, yes. If you have just bought a house, bungalow or flat, changing the external door locks is sensible as soon as possible. It removes uncertainty rather than asking you to trust a key history you cannot verify.
This does not always mean replacing every lock on every door. A qualified locksmith can inspect what is fitted, identify which locks protect entry points and advise whether a cylinder change, a rekey or a full lock replacement is the right answer. The best option depends on the age of the doors, the lock type, the condition of the existing hardware and the level of security you need.
If the home has been empty for a while, has recently been rented out, or the keys were handed over through several parties, there is even more reason to act quickly. The same applies where keys have been lost during the move, a key is already damaged, or the front door lock looks worn or difficult to operate.
Start With the Doors That Give Access to Your Home
Not every door needs the same work, but every entrance needs consideration. Begin with the front door, back door, side entrance, garage access door and any door linking an attached garage or conservatory to the house. Do not overlook patio and French doors. These often use euro cylinders within multi-point locking systems and can be a weak point if an older cylinder is fitted.
A local locksmith can check whether your locks are suited to the door and whether they meet the security requirements likely to matter to your insurer. On many wooden doors, a BS3621-rated mortice deadlock is a common standard. On uPVC and composite doors, an anti-snap cylinder can provide better resistance against a known method of forced entry.
It is not about fitting the most expensive lock to every opening. A solid external timber door may need a different solution from a modern composite front door, while a shared communal entrance in a block of flats may be managed by a freeholder. The aim is to deal with the locks you control and make sure they work properly.
Do not ignore windows and outbuildings
A lock change is a good moment to assess the rest of the property. Check that accessible windows lock, that keys are not left in reach of a letterbox or open window, and that shed or garage tools cannot be used against the home. Window handles, patio-door mechanisms and garage locks can often be repaired or upgraded where needed.
If the property has a separate garage, workshop or garden office containing expensive tools, bikes or vehicles, its security deserves more than an old padlock and a crossed-fingers approach.
Change the Lock, Rekey It or Repair It?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.
Changing a lock usually means replacing the cylinder, mortice lock or complete mechanism so existing keys no longer work. This is often the straightforward choice after a purchase, especially where a lock is old, damaged or not at the right security standard.
Rekeying means altering the internal pins of a compatible lock so it works with a newly cut key. It can be cost-effective where the lock is good quality and in sound condition. However, not all domestic locks can be rekeyed on site, and replacing a euro cylinder is often the more practical route.
A repair may be enough if the key control is not the issue. For example, a stiff uPVC door might be caused by alignment problems, a worn gearbox or a failing multi-point mechanism rather than the cylinder itself. Replacing only the cylinder would not cure that fault. A proper inspection avoids paying for the wrong work and helps prevent a lockout later.
Signs Your New Home Needs Urgent Attention
You do not need to wait for a convenient weekend if something feels wrong with the lock. Call for help promptly if the door will not lock securely, the key turns without operating the bolt, the cylinder is loose, or there are visible signs of attempted forced entry.
Other warning signs include a snapped key, a lock that sticks badly, missing keys, a door that has to be lifted or pushed hard to lock, and a letterbox that gives easy access to keys or thumbturns inside. These are not small moving-house niggles. They can leave the property insecure or turn into an emergency at the end of a long day.
Where possible, avoid forcing the key. A key that bends or feels rough may break in the lock, leaving you with a more urgent problem. A locksmith can use non-destructive methods where appropriate, repair the fault and complete the job at your property.
What About Tenants, Landlords and Flats?
The answer depends on your tenancy agreement and who is responsible for the lock. Tenants should speak to their landlord or letting agent before changing locks, unless there is an immediate security emergency. You may be allowed to change a cylinder as long as the original is reinstated at the end of the tenancy, but do not assume this without checking.
Landlords should arrange a lock change or rekey between tenancies whenever key control is uncertain. It is a sensible way to protect incoming tenants and demonstrate that property security has been taken seriously.
For flats, you will normally be responsible for your own front-door lock but not communal entrance doors, gates or shared security systems. If your flat door uses a restricted or master-keyed system, ask for advice before replacing anything. The wrong cylinder can affect compatibility or breach building rules.
Choosing Locks That Make Sense for Your Property
Security upgrades should be matched to the property rather than chosen from a one-size-fits-all list. A professional will look at the door material, frame condition, locking points, cylinder type and how the door is used day to day.
For a family home with a uPVC or composite door, an anti-snap cylinder is often a worthwhile upgrade, particularly if the existing cylinder protrudes from the handle or appears dated. For a timber front door, a BS3621 mortice lock may be appropriate alongside a suitable night latch. Some insurers specify minimum lock standards, so it is worth checking your policy rather than guessing.
Convenience matters too. If several adults need access, consider how many keys are required and who will hold them. Give spare keys only to people you trust, and avoid hiding one under a plant pot, doormat or loose brick. Those places are the first ones an opportunist will check.
Get It Done Before the House Feels Settled
The ideal time to arrange a lock change is on completion day or during your first few days in the property. That is when access is easiest, your concerns are fresh and you are less likely to put it off. If you cannot be there during the day, a mobile locksmith can attend at an agreed time and carry out the work on site.
First Class Locksmiths provides direct access to qualified, DBS-checked local locksmiths, not a national call centre. Explain the doors and locks involved, receive a clear telephone quote and get practical advice before work begins. There is no call-out charge and no added 20% VAT, helping you make a security decision without unwanted surprises.
A new address becomes home gradually, but control over the keys should happen straight away. If you are unsure who may still have access, get quick assistance now and make your first night in the property a more secure one.
