Moved House - Change Locks?

downshifter

hazyjo wrote: »

I always advise doing so, but in reality never have in the 7 houses I've bought!


Jx

This!! Also important when renting. I once came home to find builders replacing back door in house I rented. Had no idea this was going to happen. I rang landlord and he didn't realise they were coming that particular day, so when I queried how they got in builders told me everyone knows key is under sundial in garden. Confirmed by landlord, none of them seemed to think it mattered!

G_M

Well, do you know, and fully trust the previous owners/occupants?

Do you know, and fully trust their weekly cleaner? And the cleaner's partner?

Do you know, and fully trust the odd-job-man they lent a key to when he did some work in the house?

Do you know, and fully trust the owner's daughter's ex-boyfriend? the one who spent 2 months in prison but is out again now?

Do you know, and fully trust everyone who might conceivably have been given, or just lent, a key over the last 2? 5? years?

If you decide to change them, do some research first - don't just buy the cheapest. Make sure they conform to the standards required (at least) of your insurer. Check the BSI number - don't get an outdated BSI standard lock.

Use the internet - there's loads of information. And Utube for how to actualy remove/replace the lock.

Keep the old lock. If it's of decent quality, use it next time you move (or give it to your brother when he moves).

BusyBargainz

We have just moved in and half of the keys were missing! The garage was unlocked with no key, we had someone come and drill it out and put a new one in and they threw in the front/back door new locks too which was handy.

savingfortomorrow

hell yeah first thing i would do. who knows which ne'er do well has a set. change them and sleep sound.

Mojisola

Rain_Shadow wrote: »

I never have and I have never suffered as a consequence.

Which, of course, is just my experience.

If it makes you feel safer, change them.

My nephew didn't change the locks and came home to find the copper hot water tank and copper pipes had been stripped out of the house.

The insurance did eventually pay up but they fought it because there was no evidence of a break-in. The thieves let themselves in using the back door key.

Marvel1

Yes, always, better safe than sorry, anyone can have a copy.

anotheruser

thesaint wrote: »

Not sure why the need for the thread asking this question.

The preceeding replies show that not everyone does, and while it's recommended, not really something to worry about.

Just like the car manual says check the tyre pressure/oil/lights/wipers once a month - I don't know anyone that does that :P

It's interesting to see how many people do, and how many people don't.
It's all a game of chance but you have to weigh up the likelihood of something happening. While people are afraid of the ex-homeowner coming round to rob them, it's unlikely. While I don't have any stats to back that up, I still think it's unlikely - so much it's not worth doing, perhaps.

thesaint

anotheruser wrote: »

The preceeding replies show that not everyone does, and while it's recommended, not really something to worry about.

If the OP is asking the question, then I think it's fair to say it's something they have thought about.

The only conclusion to thinking about it is someone else having a set.

So, why even ask?

Miss_Samantha

Agreed. If you've spent the time to ask here it means that you are worrying. If you are worrying then just change the locks.

daivid

Forgive possible naivety, assuming you take the prudent step of changing door locks, what would you do about a remote controlled garage door? To a garage with a door through to the house too.