Moving to Kew? Here’s What You Should Know About Changing Locks

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Moving to a new home in Kew is exciting! We’ve got leafy streets, great schools, and a strong sense of community. But while unpacking boxes and updating your address are high on the list (as a locksmith in Victoria, we can confirm), many homeowners forget a crucial security step: changing or rekeying the locks.

If you have recently bought or rented a property in Kew, here’s what you need to know about protecting your new home, what to ask your real estate agent or strata manager, and how a local locksmith can help.

Should You Change the Locks After Moving?

The short answer is yes. Or at the very least, rekey them (if you can).

You don’t know how many spare keys may still be in circulation from previous tenants, trades, or cleaners. Even if you trust the seller or landlord, there is no way to track how many copies were ever made. That’s why we always recommend changing or rekeying locks after moving into a new property.

What’s the Difference Between Changing and Rekeying Locks?

Rekeying means adjusting the internal pins of your existing locks so old keys no longer work — it’s fast, secure, and cost-effective.

Replacing locks involves removing the existing hardware and installing a new lock entirely — ideal if the locks are damaged, outdated, or not up to your security needs.

What to Ask Your Kew Real Estate Agent or Landlord

If you’re moving into a rental property in Kew, it’s important to clarify:
  • When were the locks last changed or rekeyed?
  • Who currently has access (previous tenants, agents, trades)?
  • Can you change the locks or rekey them with approval?
Victorian rental laws allow tenants to request a lock change for security reasons, but you’ll usually need permission, unless it’s an emergency.
For new homeowners, the responsibility is yours, and it’s wise not to delay it.

Strata & Apartment Living: What You Need to Know

Kew has many boutique apartment buildings and multi-residential complexes, particularly along Glenferrie Road and Cotham Road. If you’ve moved into one, you’re likely part of a master key system.

In these cases:
  • You cannot change or replace your locks without strata approval
  • Most doors are connected to a building-wide restricted system
  • Tampering with locks may breach your lease or owner agreement
We’ve explored this topic here:
🏢 Can I Change Apartment Locks in Victoria?
Tip: Ask your building manager if the lock can be rekeyed within the same system, or if a lock cylinder swap is possible without affecting shared access.

Break in Stats for Kew

Kew had an annual break‑in (burglary) rate of 822 per 100,000 residents in the 2022‑24 period.

This rate is 14% higher than the Victoria average of 721 per 100,000.  Source

map of break-in stats for Kew

The Benefit of a Local Locksmith in Kew

Working with a local locksmith means faster response times and advice tailored to Kew properties, whether historic homes or modern apartments. At VicLocks, we help new residents quickly rekey or upgrade their locks.

We also offer residential security services such as:
  • Deadbolt and smart lock installation
  • Master key system advice
  • Mailbox and garage lock replacements
  • Key duplication and spare sets for the family

Moving to Kew? Book a Locksmith You Can Trust

Changing your locks is one of the simplest, most effective ways to feel secure in your new home. Whether you need a quick rekey or a full lock upgrade, VicLocks is your trusted local locksmith in Kew, with decades of experience securing homes just like yours.

🔐 Explore Residential Security Services →
📞 Call now or book online.
🏡 New to Kew? Welcome! Let’s get your locks sorted.