Home security isn’t just about having a strong front door or a motion-sensor camera—it starts with your locks. The humble lock is the first line of defense between your home and potential intruders. But how often should you actually change your locks? Is it necessary to do so regularly, or only when there’s a problem?
In this article, we’ll explore the expert perspective on when and why to change your locks, how it affects your overall home security, and what to expect during the process. Whether you’ve just moved, experienced a break-in, or simply haven’t thought about your locks in years, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
When Should You Change Your Locks?
Changing your locks isn’t something most people think about until something bad happens—but there are several proactive situations when it’s smart to do it:
1. After Moving Into a New Home
This is the most common and important reason to change your locks. Even if the previous owners seem trustworthy, you never know how many copies of the keys are floating around. Contractors, cleaners, neighbors—anyone could have access.
Rekeying or changing the locks ensures that only you and your family can access the property moving forward. Learn more about this in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s guide to new homeowner responsibilities.
2. After a Break-In or Attempted Break-In
If someone has broken into your home—or even tried to—you should replace the locks immediately. There’s no way to know if they made a copy of the key or if the current locks were compromised during the event. Your security depends on closing any gaps fast. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Report shows that burglaries still account for a significant percentage of property crimes in the U.S., which makes immediate action critical.
3. Lost or Stolen Keys
It might seem harmless if you dropped your keys at the grocery store or left them in a public place—but it’s not. Anyone who finds those keys (especially if they’re attached to a fob or ID with your address) has direct access to your home.
Replacing the locks gives you peace of mind and prevents unauthorized access.
4. After a Divorce or Roommate Change
If a roommate moves out or you’ve gone through a breakup or divorce, it’s a good idea to change your locks. Even if things ended on good terms, circumstances can change quickly—and your home security shouldn’t rely on trust alone.
5. Worn-Out or Damaged Locks
Like anything mechanical, locks wear out over time. Keys start to stick, mechanisms become loose, and reliability goes downhill. A worn-out lock is not only inconvenient—it can fail when you need it most.
If your locks are aging or malfunctioning, replacing them improves both function and safety. Check out the National Crime Prevention Council’s resources for additional home security tips.
How Often Should You Change Your Locks If Nothing’s Wrong?
If you haven’t had a security issue, it’s still worth reviewing your locks periodically. As a general rule of thumb, many security professionals recommend evaluating and potentially changing your locks every 5 to 7 years, even under normal conditions.
Why? Because lock technology improves over time, and older locks may not hold up against newer bypass methods or forced entry techniques. Upgrading to modern high-security or smart locks can dramatically improve your protection.
Should You Rekey or Replace Your Locks?
When thinking about changing your locks, it’s important to understand your options:
- Rekeying involves altering the internal mechanism of the lock so it works with a new key. It’s usually faster and more affordable than a full replacement.
- Replacing the lock means removing the old hardware entirely and installing a new one.
If your current locks are in good shape and you just want to change who has access, rekeying is often sufficient. But if your locks are damaged, outdated, or you want to upgrade to a better model (like a deadbolt or smart lock), replacement is the way to go.
A certified locksmith in Kansas City can assess your needs and recommend the right solution for your situation.
What Type of Locks Offer the Best Long-Term Security?
Lock quality matters—especially if you’re only planning to change them every few years. Here are a few popular options:
1. Deadbolts
Deadbolts are a must for exterior doors. Single-cylinder deadbolts (which use a key on the outside and a thumb turn on the inside) are common, while double-cylinder models require a key on both sides and offer added security.
2. Smart Locks
These electronic locks offer features like keyless entry, remote access, activity logs, and even biometric authentication. They’re especially useful for short-term rentals, busy households, and anyone who prefers not to carry physical keys.
3. High-Security Locks
Brands like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock provide bump-proof and pick-resistant locks with patented key control systems. They’re more expensive but offer unmatched protection against common break-in methods.
How Long Does It Take to Change Your Locks?
A professional locksmith can typically replace a standard lock in about 30 minutes, depending on the door type and lock complexity. Rekeying may be even faster. For homes with multiple doors, the job may take a couple of hours.
Many locksmiths also offer mobile services, so they can come to your location and handle everything on-site, including lock selection, key cutting, and installation.
What About Businesses and Commercial Properties?
The same rules apply—only with even more urgency. Offices often have a high turnover of employees, cleaning crews, vendors, and contractors. It’s vital to maintain strict access control.
For businesses, it’s also common to use master key systems, electronic access control, or restricted keyways that can’t be duplicated without authorization.
Whether it’s an office, warehouse, or retail space, changing or rekeying locks after staff turnover or security concerns is a basic part of risk management.
Final Thoughts
Changing your locks is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your property, loved ones, and peace of mind. Whether triggered by a move, lost key, or simply the passage of time, regular lock maintenance and upgrades help reduce vulnerabilities and enhance control over who can access your space.
Even if your locks seem fine, take a moment to think: Who might still have a key to your home or office? How long has it been since they were updated? If the answer makes you uncomfortable—it might be time for a change.
For guidance tailored to your situation, a certified locksmith in Kansas City can offer insight into the best lock options, help you understand whether rekeying or replacement is right, and ensure the job is done professionally and securely.
