Recently moved and looking to change your locks?

Have you recently moved into a new home? You should consider rekeying your home. Obviously, you don’t want the old occupant breezing their way into your living room. We’ve even been to homes where the previous tenant came back, used the shower, and made themselves lunch. Yep. Talk about feeling violated. There are some things to know before you go changing your locks, and there are two paths you can take to ensure your home locks are secure. With these easy steps you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re secure.

1. Check every lock for key type.

2. Renting or Owning

3. Strata or Free Reign

4. Rekeying or Replacing

Step One: Check Every Deadbolt For Brand

The very first thing you want to do is check whether or not you have multiple keyways. This is quite simple. Try putting your key in each lock. Does it go into all your locks? Great, you have one keyway and you can have just one key for your whole home. No more will you need a key for the back door, key for the garage, key for the front door, etc.

Does your key only go in some locks, and you have a different key type for others? This isn’t the end of the world, and depending on the age and style of the lock, you can likely have a locksmith swap the cylinders so your whole home will match. Or don’t, if you don’t mind having multiple keys.

Step Two: Renting or Owning

Do you rent or do you own the property? If you own the property, it’s really not a big deal. If you’re about to purchase a home, you could potentially make it a stipulation of the sale that you need proof the locks have been changed. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the seller hasn’t kept a copy. It may cost you a little more, but by having them changed yourself, you can ensure only you have keys to your property.

Renting is a bit more tricky. You can certainly change your locks, but you have to give your landlord a new key. Just be transparent with your landlord. Make them aware you wish to have the locks changed. They may even be willing to pay for part of or maybe even the whole bill. I know, not all landlords are great people, but some are actually genuine caring people. At the very least, just make sure you give a new copy to your landlord, as it is their right to have access to the property. It’s also not a great idea to keep the key from them, you could be evicted, or end up paying their locksmith bill when they need entry to the building. Like I said, it’s best to just be transparent.

Step Three: Strata or Free Reign

Free Reign? Boom. Go do what you want. Strata, Strata, Strata… Almost entirely comprised of Karens. If you’re in a strata be careful. Get everything approved in writing first before you change anything. Last thing you want to do is spend a few hundred dollars on new locks and be told you’re getting fined by your Strata.

Step Four: Rekey or Replace

Now is the time to decide, do I replace my locks entirely, or just have them rekeyed?

Replacing your locks is a good idea if your locks are starting to seize or getting on in age. While we provide affordable lock out services, some locksmiths will charge hundred of dollars for a lock out, specially after hours. If you’re unsure, ask you locksmith. A professional locksmith will be honest. That’s why its important to choose a licensed locksmith when hiring a locksmith service.

Rekeying is often cheaper. Not always, but it can be. If you’re skilled with your hands and want to take on the task yourself, replacing a couple deadbolts is going to be cheaper. If you’re hiring a professional to do the work for you, a rekey will always be cheaper.

Conclusion

While rekeying your home can be cheaper than having a professional locksmith install new locks, keep in mind your strata council and landlord. To make sure you don’t get taken to the cleaners, only use a licensed locksmith.

If you’re considering repairing, rekeying, or replacing your locks, give us a call. Or check out our homepage for more information.