Why changing you locks when moving to a new place?

Everybody gets keys made for their home, whether it is an extra set to hide in case of an emergency or a spare to drop off at the neighbors. Extra keys are a security risk quickly diffused by simply changing the locks when you move into a new place. Moving companies NYC will recommend you change the locks.

Who Can Remember Them All

People don’t necessarily keep a list of the keys made over the years. That is the problem. The previous owners or tenants may turn in every key they have, but that doesn’t mean they turned in every key. They may not have gotten a key back from a neighbor that moved or they forget about the contractor who redid the basement.

Keeping track of all the spares in a prudent choice, but you shouldn’t assume the previous tenants were responsible with the keys. Even one spare in the wrong hands puts you and your family at risk.

Whose Job is It?

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to make sure new locks are in place. Who actually does the work depends on many factors. If you are renting an apartment, condo or house, the landlord should change the locks, and provide new keys. You might need to give him a little push, however. If the owner seems reluctant, offer to do it yourself with his permission.

If you are moving into a townhouse or condo you just bought, the building association may have rules regarding locks. The first step is to read the bylines and ask some questions. That doesn’t mean you can’t change the locks, just follow the rules for style and other cosmetic details. Associations sometimes standardize the appearance of every unit. They may ask you to use a specific model for your new locks. Ask the moving companies NYC or the town you are moving to for advice.

Can I Replace the Locks Myself?

It is not a difficult job to replace the locks, but it is important to do it correctly. A professional will make sure the locks are properly installed and secure. The lock consists of a number of elements, not just the place the key slides into on the door. You must check the strike plate, for example. If the screws are too short, the mechanism will not work correctly. If the lock is put in wrong, the door might need replacing. If you are not sure how to change the lock, have a professional do it for you.

What about Rekeying?

That is an option. It is not necessary to change the whole lock to ensure home security. With rekeying, a professional locksmith comes out and changes the inside the lock, so any spare keys are useless. The service person will fit new keys for the old lock. For all practical purposes, rekeying is the same as changing the locks. This is a good option if you have a neighborhood or building association that is meticulous about the way a lock looks on the door.

Rekeying may cost less than putting in a new lock, as well. Sometime the cost is so close you might as well just replace it.

A lock is the barrier between your home and the outside world. Changing it is a safety measure that is easy to overlook in chaos as moving companies NYC drop everything off. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you have all the spares. Replacing the lock puts you in control.