Changing locks when you move home in Watford and South West Herts

Why change the locks on a new home?

When you buy or rent a home, you are handed a set of keys, but there is no way of knowing how many others are out there. Earlier owners, tenants, cleaners, builders, dog walkers and estate agents may all have had copies over the years. Changing the locks, or the parts of them that the key works, means the only keys that open your doors are the ones you hold.

It is also a good moment to find out exactly what locks you have, which matters if your home insurance policy sets standards for them.

When should it be done?

Many people arrange it for the day they move in or soon after, once they have the keys. If you are buying, you will not normally be able to have work done before completion, because the property is not yours until then. Book your enquiry once your moving date is fixed and ask the locksmith about timing.

What does changing a lock involve?

It depends on the door:

• uPVC and composite doors nearly always use a euro cylinder. Swapping the cylinder is usually all that is needed for new keys, and the multipoint mechanism in the door stays as it is.
• Timber doors with a night latch often have a separate cylinder that can be changed, or the whole latch can be replaced.
• Mortice locks can sometimes be changed to suit new keys without replacing the whole lock, or the lock can be swapped for a new one of the same size.
• Back, side and patio doors are easy to forget. Garages and side gates may have locks too.

A locksmith can tell you which parts are worth replacing and which only need new keys.

Is a new cylinder a chance to improve security?

Often, yes. Some older euro cylinders can be broken by a method known as snapping, where the cylinder is snapped and the lock then opened. Cylinders tested to the TS 007 standard, usually certified with a Kitemark, carry star ratings. A 3-star cylinder is designed to resist snapping on its own. A 1-star cylinder can reach a similar level when fitted with 2-star door handles or a 2-star security guard. Ask the locksmith to explain the options and to show you the markings on what they fit.

What about insurance standards?

Some policies ask for a lock built to BS 3621 on the main wooden doors, usually a mortice deadlock, and for uPVC and composite doors they may set other standards. Insurers word this in different ways, so read your own policy or ask your insurer before choosing locks. A BS 3621 lock should carry the standard's number and a kitemark on its faceplate.

I am renting. Can I change the locks?

Look at your tenancy agreement first. Many agreements say you must get the landlord's or agent's agreement before you change locks, and even where they say nothing, it is usually wise to tell them and offer a copy of the new key. If you are unsure of your position, Shelter and Citizens Advice can help. This page gives general information, not legal advice.

What if I have moved into a flat?

In a block of flats, the door to your flat may be a fire door, and your lease may say what changes you can make to it. Changing the cylinder is usually straightforward, but before altering the lock body, letterbox or door furniture, check with your freeholder or managing agent. Communal entrance doors and their entry systems are normally their responsibility, not yours.

How many keys should I keep?

Once the locks are changed, decide who needs a key and keep a note of every copy. A spare with a trusted neighbour or relative can save a lot of trouble on the day you are shut out. Some cylinders come with a card needed to cut extra keys, which makes unauthorised copies harder; keep that card somewhere safe and separate from the keys.

What helps with the enquiry?

• the number of outside doors and what each is made of
• a photo of each lock, inside and out
• whether you are an owner, a tenant or a leaseholder
• your moving date and postcode

With your consent, a single local locksmith working in your postcode, if there is one, receives the enquiry and contacts you to arrange the work.