Should you change the locks when you move into your new home?

Heth_2

That's my question really. We are moving soon and was just wondering whether most people do this or not. Thanks.

Thenotsowyzewun

Yes you should; you don't know who's got a copy of the old key, and insurance companies only cover you for breaking and entry (usually) - you'd have a hard time proving there's been a robbery if they let themselves in!

Heth_2

Oh, and if we should change them, any ideas how much it might cost? It isn't something we have in our budget currently.

AndrewSmith

Definately change them.

It's a simple DIY job for most doors. If in doubt ask your friendly B&Q sales assistant in your local store. I was surprised how easy it was to do myself.

Andy

silvercar

I was advised that it is an easy DIY job provided you keep to the same manufacturer as the existing locks.

Personally I've never done it. On the other hand I do have keys somewhere of the last 3 of my parent's houses.

markquinton

We had to on the back door as it had an internal door fitted for some reason but the rest of the locks remain the same throughout the house. Going to be changing the front door and windows shortly anyway so they will all be swapped but it is rather expensive.
Get a few quotes or even better do it yourself if you can, fitting a replacement lock isn't as difficult or expensive as you might think

cattie

I've never changed my locks when I've moved, & I've moved quite a few times over the years. To be perfectly honest it's never entered my head to do so.

I've always handed over all existing keys to the peeps who have bought my property & always assumed that all keys have been handed to me by sellers of new property.

I am naturally a very trusting person I have to say & rely on my intuition to let me know if something isn't quite right. It's never let me down yet.

Jorgan_2

Change the locks. You never know how many keys have been in circulation. It cost me £80 to get the locks changed, front & back. Not much for the piece of mind it gives you.