It is important to protect your home and business. The locks on your door are your first line of defense. It is easy to overlook how important it is to maintain or replace locks. However, in certain situations, changing locks becomes not only advisable but also essential. Understanding when to replace your locks will help you protect your home, ensure your safety and provide peace of mind.

1. What to do After Moving into a New House

When moving into a home, changing the locks is one of the most important things to do. It is impossible to determine how many copies of the keys exist, or who may have access to them, even if the former homeowner or tenant gives you all the keys. By replacing the locks, you can ensure that only those who you trust and you have access to your property.

2. Lost or Stolen keys

It is important to change the locks as soon as your keys have been lost or stolen. Stolen keys can be used by someone with malicious intent, while lost keys could lead to an attempt to gain access to your property. You can eliminate the possibility of an unauthorized entry by replacing your locks.

3. After an Intrusion or Attempt Burglary

Even a burglary attempt or a break-in can compromise your lock’s integrity. During their attempts to gain entry, thieves often damage locks. This makes them less secure. After such an event, changing the locks will restore your home’s safety and help prevent future burglaries.

4. When Tenancy Changes

It is important to change locks on rental properties every time a tenant leaves. It is impossible to know if the tenant has made copies of the keys, even if they are returned. The new locks provide security to the tenant, and the owner is less liable.

5. After Divorce and Separation

In emotionally charged situations, such as divorce or separations, changing locks can be a necessity to maintain boundaries and personal safety. Replace the locks if an ex-roommate or partner moves out. This will ensure that they can no longer access your space.

6. When locks are worn or old

Like any mechanical device, locks wear out with time. Locks may need to be replaced if they are difficult to turn, have rust or corrosion or have a loose mechanism. Locks that are worn out are more easily tampered with, and can fail just when you need them. Upgrade to more durable, newer locks to improve your security.

7. Upgrade to smart or high-security locks

Upgrade your outdated locks to more modern options. Smart locks and high-security locks have features like keyless entry, access from a distance, and increased resistance to bumping and picking. These upgrades offer better security and convenience in modern living.

8. After Employee Turnover

Employee turnover is one of the most common reasons for businesses to change their locks. It’s important to change locks if a former worker had keys or codes. This will prevent unauthorized entry. It’s especially important if an employee has left in a less than favorable manner.

9. The Key Concerns About Duplication

You can easily copy keys without knowing. Replace the locks if you suspect there are duplicates. It is especially important in properties that have multiple users, or where keys are often given out.

10. Upgrades After a Security Evaluation

Professional security assessments may reveal weaknesses in your existing locking system. Upgrade your locks if they are not up to the security level required. It is important to upgrade locks for high-valued properties or businesses as well as homes located in areas where crime rates are higher.

11. When you want to standardize locks

It can be difficult to manage multiple locks and keys on your property. By changing locks to a standard system, a single key can operate all locks. This simplifies access without compromising safety. Rekeying is the cost-effective option to replace all locks.

12. When a roommate moves out

Even if the roommate’s departure was friendly, it is wise to change the lock. It will ensure that the roommate who left has no access to the house and it will give the other occupants peace of mind.

13. When You Suspect Tampering

Replace the locks if you see signs of tampering such as scratches on the lock or a broken key. Even if there was no break-in, locks that have been tampered with may be weaker and more susceptible to future attempts.

14. Seasonal Maintenance

Seasonal maintenance in areas of extreme weather conditions can reveal damaged locks due to rust, freezing or other environmental factors. Regular maintenance checks will ensure optimal performance and security.

15. How to Move into a Business Property that was Previously Owned

When acquiring an old business property, it is important to change the locks. This is similar to moving into a brand new home. It is possible that former employees, contractors or vendors have kept keys. This could pose a security risk.

How to Change Locks

It’s not difficult to change locks. These basic steps will ensure that the process is smooth:

1. Assess Your Needs – Determine what locks you need to replace and if rekeying is preferred or a new lock.
2. Pick the Right Locks. Select locks that are suitable for your needs. Consider factors like durability, resistance to tampering and extra features.
3. Hire a Professional Locksmith: Although some locks can easily be changed by a homeowner, hiring a locksmith will ensure proper installation and maximum safety.
4. Test New Locks After Installation: Test each lock after installation to ensure that it works smoothly and provides desired levels of security.

It is important to know when you should change your locks in order to maintain the safety and security on your property. Replace locks to prevent unauthorized entry and to protect your peace-of-mind, whether it is due to a move recently, a lost key, or an upgrade to a more advanced system. Regularly assessing locks and promptly addressing any vulnerabilities is an investment that will pay off over time.

This article was written by Unico Locksmith. Unico Locksmith is your local Maryland locksmith that specializes on commercial and residential lock change, re-key services, automotive locksmith service, and locksmith qualified emergency. Contact Unico Locksmith to get the best locksmith Bowie MD today!