A spare key can be copied in minutes, and a lock can look perfectly fine while no longer giving you proper control over who has access. That is why the question of when should you change house locks is not always about a break-in or a complete lock failure. Often, the sensible time is when you cannot be certain where every key is or whether the lock still does its job reliably.
For most homes, changing locks is a practical security decision, not an overreaction. The right option depends on what has happened, the condition of your door hardware, and whether a repair or rekey could solve the problem for less.
When should you change house locks after moving?
Change or rekey the locks as soon as you move into a new house. Even if the previous owner hands over what appears to be a full set of keys, you cannot know how many copies were made over the years. Family members, neighbors, cleaners, builders, dog walkers, and former tenants may all have had a key at some point.
This applies to rented homes too. A landlord may have legal responsibilities around security, but it is still worth asking who controls the keys and whether the cylinder has been changed between tenancies. Do not replace a lock on a rental property without checking your lease or getting permission first. In many cases, a locksmith can rekey or fit a compatible replacement without altering the door itself.
If you have just bought a property, this is also a good chance to check the back door, garage, side gate, shed, and any door between the house and an attached garage. Security is only as strong as the easiest access point.
9 signs it is time to change your locks
1. Your keys are lost or stolen
If a house key is lost along with anything that identifies your address, change the lock or rekey it straight away. A lost key with no address attached is less urgent, but it is still worth considering who could find it and whether they could connect it to your home.
Stolen keys deserve faster action, especially after a bag, wallet, vehicle, or set of work keys has gone missing. Waiting to see whether anything happens is rarely worth the worry.
2. You have had a break-in or attempted break-in
After forced entry, call a locksmith even if the lock still turns. Damage to the cylinder, strike plate, door frame, handles, or multipoint mechanism may not be obvious at first. A lock that feels usable can fail later or provide far less protection than it should.
An attempted break-in is also a reason to review the type of lock fitted. A stronger, correctly installed cylinder and properly aligned door can make a real difference.
3. The lock is hard to turn, sticks, or jams
Do not ignore a key that needs wiggling, extra pressure, or a particular angle to work. Stiff locks can be caused by wear, dirt, poor alignment, a failing cylinder, or a problem within a uPVC or composite door mechanism.
The answer is not always replacement. Sometimes the lock is sound and the door needs adjustment or the mechanism needs repair. Leaving it too long, though, can turn a minor issue into a lockout or a broken key in the cylinder.
4. A key has broken in the lock
A broken key can mean the key itself was worn, but it can also point to a lock that is binding internally. Removing the snapped piece does not automatically resolve the cause. Have the lock checked before relying on it again, particularly if it was difficult to operate before the key broke.
5. You do not know who has copies
This is one of the most common reasons to change locks. Perhaps a former partner moved out, a contractor never returned a key, or a tenant left without accounting for every copy. There does not need to be a falling-out for this to matter. Clear control of access is simply good home security.
For landlords, changing or rekeying between tenants protects the new occupant and reduces awkward questions later. For homeowners, it brings peace of mind after changes in family or household arrangements.
6. Your locks are old or offer limited protection
Older locks may work, but they may not meet the level of security expected from modern door hardware. This is particularly relevant if your front door has an older euro cylinder or a worn rim cylinder. A locksmith can identify what is fitted and explain whether an upgrade is worthwhile.
Not every older lock needs immediate replacement. The key question is whether it provides suitable protection for its location and whether it is in sound mechanical condition. Spending money on the front door while ignoring a weak rear entry point is not always the best use of your budget.
7. The door has been replaced or repaired
A new door, new handles, a repaired frame, or changes to a multipoint locking mechanism can affect how the lock operates. If a lock no longer sits correctly, the key catches, or the door needs to be lifted or pushed hard before it locks, get it inspected.
Forcing a stiff handle can damage the internal mechanism. With uPVC and composite doors, the problem is often alignment or gearbox wear rather than the cylinder alone, so a proper diagnosis can avoid replacing parts unnecessarily.
8. You are moving after a separation or household change
When someone who previously had legitimate access no longer lives at the property, changing the locks is a straightforward boundary. It is sensible after a separation, the end of a house share, or when a caregiver or employee no longer needs access.
If there is any immediate concern for your safety, treat it as urgent. Secure the property first, then consider other practical measures such as updating alarm codes and checking window locks.
9. Your insurance or security requirements have changed
Home insurance policies vary. Some specify minimum lock standards, while others focus more broadly on signs of forced entry and reasonable security. If you are renewing cover, adding valuable items, or making a claim after an incident, check what your insurer expects.
A locksmith can advise on suitable lock options, but avoid replacing a lock solely because of a general online recommendation. Door type, existing hardware, and fitting quality all matter.
Change, rekey, repair, or upgrade?
These options are often confused, and choosing the right one can save money.
Rekeying changes the internal combination so old keys no longer work. It can be a good option when the lock is in good condition but key control is the problem.
Changing the lock cylinder means fitting a new keyed section while keeping the existing handles and, where suitable, the rest of the door hardware. This is common after moving, losing keys, or upgrading an older cylinder.
Repairing the lock or mechanism makes sense when the fault is caused by door alignment, a worn gearbox, loose handles, or another mechanical issue. Replacing a cylinder will not fix a damaged multipoint lock.
Upgrading the lock is worth considering when the current lock is outdated, damaged, or not appropriate for the door. The goal is not to buy the most expensive option. It is to fit a secure, compatible lock properly.
A local locksmith should explain which option solves the actual problem before starting work. If a repair is safe and cost-effective, that is usually the sensible route. If the lock is compromised or unreliable, replacement is the better call.
Do not wait for a full lockout
Many people only call when the key will no longer turn and they are stuck outside. Emergency help is available for that situation, but early action is usually less stressful and gives you more choice.
Book an inspection if a lock is becoming difficult to use, a handle is loose, or you are unsure about the age and security of your cylinders. GHI Locksmiths can assess the issue, explain the options in plain language, and carry out repairs or replacements without unnecessary damage.
A lock should turn smoothly, the door should close and secure without force, and you should know exactly who holds a key. If one of those basics is no longer true, it is a good time to get it sorted before it becomes an emergency.