Did you change the locks?

[Rathyma]

When buying a house, what's the consensus on changing the locks? We're about to complete on our first house buy in a week or so. Now I've started thinking about the vendors still having keys to it I don't know if I'll be able to relax unless we change the locks! Is that silly?!

We always meant to but never quite got round to it...

If you don't feel secure you'll definitely need to change - both front and back.

I've always changed locks (and I change them after tenants move out as well) - not so much worried about the vendors or ex-tenants as any tradespeople, dodgy friends, estate agents etc who might have copies of the keys. Fitting a cylinder lock is a very simple process, even if you haven't done one before it shouldn't take more than half an hour and costs about 10 quid.

Have always changed locks. Neither expensive nor difficult.

There is another thread on here on this very subject today!

Yes, I had a locksmith do the front and back door. It wasn't expensive.

Never done this, something else I've never heard of until I joined Mumsnet .

you most certainly should

If you know which end of a screwdriver is the end you hold, you can do it yourself. If times are hard you can often buy a second-hand lock or cylinder with multiple keys on ebay (have it ordered and posted to someone with another address). Mortice locks, preferably buy the exact same make and model so it fits straight in, nightlatches (pah) you can just change the cylinder, otherwise measure the distance from door edge to keyhole centre and get the same size (mostly 60mm, sometimes 40mm, rarely 50mm)

Oh housebuyers are so lucky to be able to do that! As a renter i never feel 100% safe as god knows how many people have keys to my front door, back door etc

Yes if i win the lottery and buy a house i will change every lock in the house!

We did as house had been rented out and we didn't get given many keys . Turned out next door also had a set but we only found out much later when his daughter cleaned the house out when he moved into a residential home.

if you are a renter, the owner does not have the right to walk into your home without your permission, so I don't agree he needs a key or can stop you changing the locks.

The agents are meant to take the keys and pass them onto you on completion day.

We have not chnaged our locks. Perhaps we should have, but never thought of it! Been here 7 years and it's not caused a problem.

If you find you've spent the first week unable to sleep or leave the house empty for worrying about it, then do change them, but otherwise, well, you'll have quite enough to do, won't you?

now here's a question for you.

suppose you are burgled. there is no sign of forced entry. The burglars entered and exited through the front door. You don't know who had keys. Do you think your insurers will pay?