Why changing locks after moving house is worth considering
The main reason to change locks after moving is key control. The keys you receive on completion day or moving day may not be the only keys in circulation. Previous owners, tenants, family members, neighbours, cleaners, contractors, dog walkers or tradespeople may have been given copies over the years.
Most of the time there is no bad intention, but from a security point of view it leaves uncertainty. A lock change gives you a clean starting point. You know who has keys, you can decide whether spare keys are needed, and you can avoid relying on locks with an unknown history.
- You regain control over who can enter the property
- You remove the risk of old copied keys being used
- You can upgrade weak or worn cylinders at the same time
- You can check whether doors are aligned and locking properly
Which locks should be changed first?
The priority is usually the main access doors: front door, back door, side door and any door that gives direct entry into the home. If your property has a garage, shed, gate, workshop or outbuilding, those should also be reviewed, especially if tools, bicycles or equipment are stored there.
In Tendring, many properties have uPVC or composite doors, older timber doors, garages, side gates and garden buildings. A proper review looks beyond just the front door and considers the way the property is actually used day to day.
- Front and rear door locks
- Side doors and utility doors
- Garage, shed and gate locks
- Accessible outbuildings
- Key safes or shared access points
Should you change like-for-like or upgrade?
A basic lock change may be enough if the existing hardware is already good quality and the door is working correctly. But moving home is often the best time to upgrade rather than simply fitting another version of the same vulnerable or worn lock.
If the existing cylinder is old, unknown, loose, poorly fitted or not suitable for the door, Brodley Locksmiths can advise on stronger options. For many uPVC and composite doors, this may include a more secure cylinder and checking that the multipoint locking system operates smoothly.
- Upgrade older or basic cylinders
- Check handles, keeps and locking points
- Review anti-snap options where appropriate
- Avoid spending money on the wrong part of the door
Do not ignore stiff doors when moving in
If a uPVC door needs lifting, the handle feels stiff, or the key only turns when you pull the door towards you, the problem may not be the key or cylinder alone. The door may be misaligned, dropped or putting strain on the multipoint mechanism.
It is worth dealing with this early. A door that is forced every day can eventually jam, fail to lock, or damage the internal gearbox. A lock change visit can be a good time to check whether the door needs adjustment or repair.
- Stiff handles
- Keys that struggle to turn
- Doors that need lifting to lock
- Dropped or misaligned uPVC doors
- Mechanisms under strain
Landlords and tenants: moving-in security matters too
For rental properties, key control is just as important. If a property has had several tenants, agents, cleaners or contractors over the years, it can be difficult to know how many copies exist. Landlords may choose to change locks between tenancies, especially where keys have not been fully returned or there has been a security concern.
Estate agents and landlords around Clacton, Harwich, Frinton, Walton and the wider Tendring area can also benefit from a simple key control plan: who holds keys, when locks should be changed, where key safes are appropriate, and how access is handled for trusted trades.
- Tenant changeover lock changes
- Key safe advice for trusted access
- Lock upgrades during void periods
- Door repairs before new tenants move in
Get Secure after moving home with Brodley Locksmiths
A move-in lock check does not need to be complicated. Brodley Locksmiths can review the main entry points, change or upgrade locks where needed, check uPVC and composite door operation, and advise on garages, sheds, gates and key safes.
If you have just moved into a property anywhere across Tendring, call Brodley Locksmiths on 07825 494999 or request a quote online. A short visit can give you peace of mind that your new home is properly under your control.
