Should You Change the Locks After Moving Into a New Home?

Moving into a new home is a good time to review who may have access to the property. Previous owners, tenants, real estate agents, cleaners, contractors, neighbours, family members and short-term guests may have held keys at some point. Even when everyone has acted properly, it is difficult to know how many copies exist.

In many cases, you do not need to replace every lock. A qualified locksmith may be able to re-key your existing locks so old keys no longer work and new keys are issued. For new homeowners and tenants across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Eastern Suburbs Locksmiths can assess your locks, explain the practical options and help you secure the property with minimum fuss.

If you have just moved and want your home locks checked, call Eastern Suburbs Locksmiths on (02) 9389 5266 or visit the Contact page to make an enquiry.

Should you change the locks after moving into a new home?

Yes, it is usually sensible to change access after moving into a new home. That may mean re-keying the locks, replacing selected locks, cutting new keys or reviewing the condition of the door and window locks. The right option depends on the lock type, its condition and your security needs.

The main issue is not always that someone has bad intentions. It is that you cannot confirm how many working keys are still in circulation. A previous occupant may have given spare keys to tradespeople, relatives, pet sitters or neighbours. Some copies may never have been returned.

Changing access gives you a clean start. It helps ensure that only authorised people hold keys to your new home.

Re-keying vs replacing locks after moving house

Many people ask for their locks to be changed when they move in, but they may actually need re-keying rather than full lock replacement. A locksmith can advise after inspecting the hardware.

What is re-keying?

Re-keying changes the internal configuration of a lock so a new key operates it. The old key should no longer work once the lock has been re-keyed. The existing lock body and door hardware can often remain in place.

This is why re-keying is often described as changing your keys without having to change your locks. It can be a practical option when the locks are in good working order and suitable for continued use.

To learn more, visit Re-keying Services or read Rekeying vs Replacing Your Locks: Which Option Is Right for You?.

When lock replacement may be better

Lock replacement involves changing the lock hardware itself. This may be recommended if a lock is damaged, worn, unsuitable, difficult to use or not able to be re-keyed. Replacement may also be considered when you want a different lock type or better door hardware for the way you use the property.

Eastern Suburbs Locksmiths can help with Lock Replacement where replacement is the appropriate option.

Which option is right for a new home?

For many move-in situations, re-keying is enough. For others, a mix of re-keying and lock replacement may be more practical. For example, you may re-key the front and back doors, replace a damaged side gate lock and add or review window locks.

A locksmith can inspect the locks and explain the options before work begins.

Why new homeowners and tenants should review their locks

Moving into a property is one of the clearest times to review home security. You are starting fresh, so it makes sense to check the entry points before daily routines settle in.

Unknown key history

Even if you receive all keys at settlement or handover, you cannot always know whether other copies exist. Re-keying helps remove uncertainty by making old keys unusable.

Lost or unreturned keys

Keys can be lost over time. They may sit in drawers, bags, offices or with people who no longer need access. A re-key can be useful if you are not confident every key has been returned.

Old or worn locks

A move is a good time to identify locks that are stiff, loose, misaligned or hard to use. A lock that already feels unreliable may need servicing, re-keying or replacement.

Different access needs

Your household may use the property differently from the previous occupants. You might need spare keys, fewer keys across multiple doors, or advice on whether certain doors and windows need attention.

What locks should be checked when you move in?

Every home is different, but the most useful approach is to check all regular access points and any areas that hold valuables or provide entry to the property.

• Front door locks: Usually the first priority because they are the main entry point.
• Back door and side door locks: These are often used daily and should not be overlooked.
• Garage door locks: Important where the garage provides access to the home or storage areas.
• Balcony and courtyard doors: Particularly relevant for apartments, terraces and ground-floor homes.
• Window locks: Useful as part of broader home security, especially where windows are easily accessible.
• Security door locks: These may need assessment if they are worn, damaged or no longer operating smoothly.
• Shared building access: For apartments and strata buildings, building keys, common-area keys and access fobs may involve authorisation.

If you are unsure which locks need attention, a residential locksmith can inspect the property and suggest a practical order of priority.

Moving into an apartment or strata property

Apartment and strata properties need extra care because there may be private locks, common-area keys and building access items involved. Your apartment door lock may be handled differently from shared entry doors, garage access or restricted building keys.

Restricted keys and building security keys may require authorisation before they can be copied. Replacement access control fobs may also need confirmation from a strata manager, building manager or authorised representative.

Eastern Suburbs Locksmiths provides support for strata locksmith needs across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. This may include re-keying, key cutting, lockout assistance, replacement access control fobs and building security keys where suitable and authorised.

For strata-related lock and access needs, see Strata Management and Common Area Security.

What to do before calling a locksmith after moving in

You do not need to know the technical details of your locks before calling. However, a few simple checks can make the conversation easier.

1. List the doors you want checked. Include front, rear, side, garage, balcony and internal access doors if relevant.
2. Check whether you have working keys. Tell the locksmith whether you have keys for each lock.
3. Note any problem locks. Mention locks that stick, spin, jam, feel loose or do not latch properly.
4. Consider how many new keys you need. Think about household members, trusted carers or authorised occupants.
5. Check strata requirements. If the property is in a strata building, confirm whether any building keys or access fobs need approval.
6. Decide whether the job is urgent. If keys are missing, stolen or unaccounted for, prompt re-keying may be sensible.

For urgent issues, such as lost keys or concern that someone may still have access, call (02) 9389 5266 for assistance.

How Eastern Suburbs Locksmiths can help when you move

Eastern Suburbs Locksmiths is based in Bondi Junction and works across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. The business has a physical shop and workshop at 115 Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction, as well as fully equipped mobile locksmith workshops for on-site work.

For people moving into a new home, the team can help with practical locksmith services such as:

• Re-keying suitable existing locks so old keys no longer work
• Replacing locks where the existing hardware is damaged, worn or unsuitable
• Cutting spare keys in store or on site where available
• Checking door locks, window locks and selected door hardware
• Helping with home lockouts if you misplace keys during the move
• Providing after-hours mobile locksmith support when required
• Assisting with strata lock and key needs where authorisation applies

The business has served the local community since 1958 and provides residential, commercial, strata, emergency and after-hours locksmith services. Pricing is discussed before work begins, and work proceeds with your approval.

For related services, visit Services, Home Lockouts, Key Cutting or Emergency Locksmith.

Should you re-key every lock in the house?

Not always. The locks that need re-keying or replacement depend on how the property is used and which keys may be in circulation. Main entry doors are usually the priority. Secondary doors, garage locks, gates and accessible windows should also be considered.

Some locks may already be on the same key, while others may use different keys. A locksmith can check what can be re-keyed and whether it is practical to simplify your key set. In some cases, keeping separate keys for certain areas may be preferred.

The aim is not to replace everything without reason. The aim is to make sure access is controlled, the locks work properly and you have the keys you need.

When should locks be changed immediately?

Some situations call for quicker action than others. Consider arranging locksmith help promptly if:

• You have moved in and did not receive a clear set of keys
• Keys were lost during the move
• You believe keys may have been stolen
• A previous occupant, tenant or contractor may still have a key
• A lock is damaged, loose or difficult to operate
• You are locked out and need to regain access safely
• You feel uncomfortable about who may have access to the property

If the matter is urgent or after hours, Eastern Suburbs Locksmiths operates mobile locksmith workshops Monday to Sunday, 24/7. Call (02) 9389 5266 for help.

Key cutting after moving into a new home

Once your locks have been re-keyed or replaced, you may need spare keys for authorised occupants. Eastern Suburbs Locksmiths provides key cutting in store at Bondi Junction and on site with mobile locksmith workshops where suitable.

Some keys can be cut from an existing key. In selected cases, a locksmith may be able to create a key from a lock when the original key is not available. Restricted keys may require authorisation, and not every key type can be copied without assessment.

If you need spare keys for your new home, visit Key Cutting or call (02) 9389 5266 to check what is possible for your key type.

Home security checks after moving in

Changing the locks or re-keying is only one part of settling into a new home. It is also worth checking how doors and windows operate. Locks work best when the door is aligned, closes properly and latches as intended.

Look for simple signs that a lock or door may need attention:

• The key is hard to turn
• The lock feels loose
• The door needs to be lifted or pulled to lock
• The latch does not meet the strike plate cleanly
• A window lock is missing, damaged or difficult to use
• A security door lock does not engage properly

These issues do not always mean a lock must be replaced. A locksmith can assess whether servicing, adjustment, re-keying or replacement is the right approach.

Service areas across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs

Eastern Suburbs Locksmiths is based in Bondi Junction and provides mobile locksmith services across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. This includes nearby suburbs such as Bondi, Bondi Beach, Bronte, Coogee, Randwick, Paddington, Woollahra, Double Bay, Rose Bay, Maroubra, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Vaucluse and surrounding Eastern Suburbs areas.

If you have just moved into a home, apartment or strata property in the area, call (02) 9389 5266 to discuss re-keying, lock replacement, key cutting or a general lock check.

You can also view the Service Areas page for more location information.

Frequently asked questions about changing locks after moving

Do I need to replace all locks after buying a house?

Not necessarily. If the locks are in good condition and suitable for re-keying, a locksmith may be able to change the keys without replacing the full lock hardware. If a lock is damaged or unsuitable, replacement may be recommended.

Is re-keying enough after moving in?

Re-keying is often enough when the lock is in good working order and the main concern is old keys. It makes previous keys unusable and gives you new keys for the same lock. A locksmith can confirm whether your locks are suitable.

Can a locksmith re-key a lock if I do not have the original key?

In some situations, a locksmith may still be able to help, but it depends on the lock and the circumstances. Call (02) 9389 5266 to explain the issue and check what options are available.

Should tenants change locks after moving in?

Tenants should check their lease and speak with the property manager or landlord before changing locks. A locksmith can provide the service where appropriate, but tenancy and permission requirements should be handled through the proper channels.

What if I live in a strata building?

Your apartment door lock may be separate from common-area locks and building access systems. Restricted keys, building security keys and access fobs may require authorisation from the strata manager or building manager.

Can I get all my doors using one key?

Sometimes, but it depends on the lock types and hardware. A locksmith can inspect the locks and explain whether they can be keyed alike or whether replacement hardware would be needed.

Do you cut spare keys after re-keying?

Yes, Eastern Suburbs Locksmiths provides key cutting in store and on site where suitable. Some key types, especially restricted keys, may require authorisation or assessment.

Do you offer after-hours help if I have just moved in and cannot access the property?

Yes, mobile locksmith workshops are available 24/7. If you are locked out or need urgent help, call (02) 9389 5266.

Need your new home locks checked?

Changing access after moving in is a practical step. In many cases, re-keying can give you new keys without replacing the entire lock. In other cases, lock replacement or hardware attention may be the better option.

Eastern Suburbs Locksmiths can help with re-keying, lock replacement, key cutting, lockouts and residential locksmith services across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. You’re in safe hands with a local Bondi Junction locksmith business that has served the community since 1958.

Call Eastern Suburbs Locksmiths on (02) 9389 5266 or use the Contact page to ask about changing or re-keying the locks after moving into your new home.