Yes—when you move into a new home, we recommend resetting external access so that old keys no longer work. That does not always mean replacing every complete lock: depending on the hardware, the right solution may be a new euro cylinder, rekeying a compatible lock, replacing a mortice lock or resetting a smart-lock account.
At Swift Locksmiths, we treat moving day as an access-control handover. The question is not whether the previous owner seems trustworthy; it is whether you can account for every historical key, code, fob and administrator account. Usually, you cannot.
This guide answers the moving-house decision directly, shows what to prioritise on day one and explains how to avoid unnecessary replacement where the existing hardware is already strong and serviceable.
Originally published: 13th March 2024 | Last updated: 1st September 2026
Should You Change Locks When You Move? Yes.
- Reset external access promptly: you cannot know how many old keys still exist.
- Prioritise front, rear, side and garage-access doors: internal locks are usually secondary.
- Use the right method: cylinder replacement, rekeying or full lock replacement depend on the door.
- Upgrade obvious weaknesses at the same time: moving day is a good opportunity to improve old cylinders or worn locks.
- Reset digital access too: smart locks, alarms, doorbells and key-safe codes can retain previous users.
- Check insurance requirements: keep the lock specification aligned with your own policy.
Why Changing Locks Is Sensible Even When All Keys Were “Returned”
A seller can return every key they personally hold and still be unaware of copies made for relatives, cleaners, builders, neighbours or previous occupants. There is no practical audit trail for ordinary household keys.
Changing the access gives you a known starting point: only the keys or credentials you issue after completion should work.
| Door / system | Common lock type | Typical reset option | What else to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC / composite entrance | Euro cylinder with multipoint lock | Replace cylinder or compatible keyed component | Handle, gearbox, keeps and alignment |
| Timber front/rear door | Mortice lock, night latch or both | Rekey compatible lock or replace lock/cylinder | Door thickness, frame and insurer requirement |
| Patio / sliding door | Patio lock or cylinder system | Replace compatible cylinder/lock and check alignment | Rollers, anti-lift arrangement and frame |
| Integral garage door | Varies | Change lock or cylinder where it gives access to the home | Door closer, frame and internal connecting door |
| Smart lock | Electronic account and possibly physical key | Transfer/reset account, remove users and review mechanical override | Battery, support period and recovery method |
| Key safe | Code-controlled box | Change code or replace if condition/security is poor | Who previously knew the code? |
When Should You Do It?
Ideally, as soon as you take legal possession and have access to the property. If completion day is busy, prioritise the external doors that provide direct access to the home and any door with obviously weak or faulty hardware.
Do You Need to Replace Every Lock?
No. If the existing lock is strong and compatible, changing the keying component may be enough. On many uPVC and composite doors, the euro cylinder can be replaced while the multipoint mechanism remains in place.
On some systems, rekeying is possible. On others, replacement is more economical or provides a worthwhile security upgrade.
What If the Existing Lock Is Already High Security?
You still have the key-control problem. Keeping the same hardware may be fine if it can be rekeyed or the cylinder can be changed to an equivalent specification. The aim is to invalidate old keys without downgrading the door.
Should You Upgrade Euro Cylinders?
Where a suitable euro cylinder is being replaced, current Metropolitan Police guidance recommends choosing a three-star cylinder meeting TS007. Correct sizing and the rest of the door hardware still matter.
Do Not Ignore a Stiff Door on Moving Day
A previous owner may have become used to lifting or pulling the door while locking it. That is not a normal operating requirement. Have the alignment and multipoint mechanism checked before fitting a new cylinder and assuming the problem is solved.
Inherited Workarounds Are Red Flags
“You have to push the door hard first” or “this key only works if you wiggle it” means the door has a fault that deserves diagnosis.
Reset Smart Locks, Alarms and Doorbells
Physical keys are only one form of access. Remove old smart-lock users, change administrator credentials, transfer ownership, change alarm codes and review video-doorbell or camera accounts.
If a connected device remains linked to the seller’s account, replacing the mechanical key alone is not a complete handover.
Change Key-Safe Codes
If the property has an external key safe, change the code immediately and decide whether you actually need it. Previous carers, cleaners, agents or contractors may know the old code.
Check All External Access Points
Moving-Day Lock Checklist
- Front door.
- Rear and side doors.
- Patio, French and sliding doors.
- Integral garage access.
- Detached garage or workshop containing valuable tools.
- Accessible window locks and keys.
- Key safe and spare-key locations.
- Smart-lock administrator accounts and codes.
- Alarm and doorbell/camera ownership.
- Any door that needs force, lifting or special technique to lock.
What About Rented Homes?
Tenants should not alter locks without considering the tenancy terms and landlord responsibilities. If you have concerns about access, lost keys or security, raise them with the landlord or managing agent and agree the correct action.
Insurance and New Locks
Check the policy for any required lock standard. Do not assume that changing the locks automatically improves insurance compliance if the new hardware is a lower specification than the original.
How Many Spare Keys?
Create only the number you can manage. Record who receives each key and avoid labelling spares with the full address. If household access changes, recover keys or change the relevant lock again.
Moving-Day Priority Order
- Secure direct external access. Make sure every external door closes and locks reliably.
- Invalidate old keys and codes. Change cylinders, rekey compatible locks and reset digital users.
- Repair inherited faults. Fix alignment, loose handles or failing mechanisms.
- Check insurance-related specifications. Do not accidentally downgrade a compliant lock.
- Review the wider perimeter. Windows, garages, sheds, lighting and key-safe access come next.
Our New-Home Lock Service
Our lock replacement and uPVC services can help reset access and identify inherited faults. Learn more about Swift Locksmiths or contact us to arrange work around your move.
Sources and References
Source: Metropolitan Police, Door and window lock advice, current guidance accessed September 2026; recommends TS007 three-star euro cylinders when changing suitable euro-cylinder locks.
Source: National Cyber Security Centre, Smart devices: using them safely in your home, current guidance accessed September 2026.
Use the Lock Change as a Security Baseline
Moving home is one of the few times when it is easy to create a complete new key register from day one. Record how many keys each lock has, who receives them and whether any doors are keyed alike. If a key later goes missing, you know exactly which part of the property is affected.
Do Not Forget Previous Service Access
Keys may have been used by gardeners, cleaners, carers, dog walkers, tradespeople or letting agents long before the final owner moved out. The seller may not have a complete memory of that history. Resetting access is therefore a practical precaution rather than an accusation about the previous occupants.
Plan the Locksmith Visit Around Completion
If you want work on completion day, gather photographs or estate-agent details about the external doors in advance where possible. We can then discuss likely hardware and stock, while recognising that the final specification still depends on seeing the actual locks and door condition.
What to Keep After the Job
Keep the invoice, lock specification and any security-rating information with your home records. Store spare keys securely and separate from address details. If a smart lock is installed, keep account-recovery information somewhere secure but accessible to the household.
Moving Day Is About Certainty
The objective is to start ownership knowing which keys, codes and accounts work, rather than inheriting years of undocumented access.
Coordinate Locks if You Want Fewer Keys
Moving home can be a useful time to ask whether compatible doors can be keyed alike so one key operates more than one entrance. This can improve convenience, but it should be planned carefully because one lost key then affects every lock in that group. We explain the trade-off before recommending it.
Moving into a New Home?
Call Swift Locksmiths on 01372 632 073 to arrange a practical external-lock and access review around your completion date.
Contact Swift Locksmiths or call 01372 632 073.