All keys on completion day

[Deleted User]

Even if you're renting, I'd advise a quick change of the locks (keeping the old locks) as you don't know who has had keys and who still has keys to the property from over the years. Just put the original back at the end of the tenancy.

Also look at Avocet ABS locks. Much more secure than a standard euro cylinder.

benjus

On changing locks:

Euro cylinder locks are dead easy to change - takes about 2 minutes and requires nothing more than a standard screwdriver. The hardest part is making sure you buy the right size replacement cylinder. I used Avocet ABS cylinders for the most recent change, and they do look pretty secure (I'm no expert though).

Yale type locks are also easy.

Mortise locks are pretty easy if you buy one exactly the same size and shape as the existing one. Otherwise they can be a bit time-consuming, but still generally easy enough if you can use a chisel.

DRP

googler wrote: »

What on earth for? Why not leave them on a worktop in the kitchen, somewhere where the new owners don't have to rummage on the floor for them?

:rotfl:

I know, I'm just so unorthodox...

Gra76

The front door key we picked up from the EA. When we let ourselves in the rest of the keys had been left in an envelope in the kitchen along with the alarm code.

Unfortunately some keys were missing and although we contacted the previous owners straight away they said they'd left all the keys they had and if any were missing they didn't know where they were, so my first weekend in the new house was spent changing various locks and padlocks.

DigForVictory

I now have a new gift for those moving house!

Not just a corkscrew, can spanner & wooden spoon (my default relocation gift package), but also the phone number for a local locksmith who can bring cylinder changing doings with, as well as a full replacement lock service.

G_M

Always change all the locks.

Apart from the creepy example above, many other people may have keys:
* the cleaner
* the mum-in-law
* the baby sitter
* the decorator, plumber, boilerman
* the teenage son
* the teenage son's ex-girlfriend
* etc

Changing locks is easy, and costs around £5-10 for a yale type latch or £15-30 for a mortice (5 lever) lock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXAo7zSN-9o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNQygO0LJ3E

GBNI

The keys for the property I bought were left in a neat little row in the kitchen, each individually labelled. They also left the instruction manuals for the fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, combi oven and the alarm codes.

They also put £10 in the electric meter for me the house was also left absolutely spotless and skirting boards replaced from were they took out wardrobes.

Paully232000

and for the set here is one I used to change my eurocylinder on my doors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9A915L_mlk

just make sure you measure the old one as they come in different sizes.

DRP

Paully232000 wrote: »

and for the set here is one I used to change my eurocylinder on my doors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9A915L_mlk

just make sure you measure the old one as they come in different sizes.

indeed- my conservatory door cylinder is a very odd size that i couldn't find in b&q wickes etc. Definitely worth taking the old one with you to a shop just in case.

Paully232000

DRP wrote: »

indeed- my conservatory door cylinder is a very odd size that i couldn't find in b&q wickes etc. Definitely worth taking the old one with you to a shop just in case.

I didnt even look at B&Q etc just looked online and found them here

http://shop.windowrepairshop.co.uk/

they have all sorts of sizes. Delivered in a few days and all good.