Do I Need to Rekey or Replace My Locks After Moving House?

When you move into a new home, the locks are easy to overlook amid the cleaning, the furniture and the endless boxes. But they are one of the first things worth prioritising, because you can never be sure how many copies of the keys are still out there with previous owners, tenants, tradespeople or agents.

This guide explains whether to rekey or replace your locks, the difference between the two, and how to make the right call to keep your Melbourne property secure from day one. It applies most directly to homeowners, and we cover where renters and apartment owners stand further down.

What’s the difference between rekeying and replacing locks?

After moving in, you generally have two ways to secure your doors: rekey the existing locks, or replace them entirely. Both stop the old keys from working, but they differ in process, cost and when each makes sense.

	Rekeying	Replacing
What happens	A locksmith changes the internal pins so a new key is needed and old keys stop working	The whole lock is removed and a new one is fitted
Keeps your hardware	Yes, the existing lock stays in place	No, you get new hardware
Typical cost	Lower, around $70 to $130 per lock	Higher, around $70 to $200 per lock plus the hardware
Best when	Your locks are in good condition and you just want fresh keys	The lock is damaged, worn or dated, or you want a more secure or better-looking one

When should you rekey your locks?

Rekeying keeps your existing lock hardware in place but changes the internal configuration so a new key is required. A locksmith adjusts the pins inside the cylinder to match a different key, rendering all previous keys useless.

It is a great option when:

• Your locks are still in good condition and working well.
• You want to improve security without paying to replace the hardware.
• You want a budget-friendly solution, since rekeying is generally cheaper than replacement.

Rekeying is a common choice for Melbourne homeowners who just want a fresh, secure start without unnecessary upgrades.

When should you replace your locks?

Replacing means removing the entire lock and installing a new one, whether that is a like-for-like model or an upgraded system.

Replacement is the better call when:

• The current lock is damaged, worn or outdated.
• You want a more secure or more modern lock, such as a higher-security deadbolt or a smart lock.
• You are changing the style or finish to suit the look of your home.

If a lock is stiff or failing rather than simply insecure, it is worth knowing the wider signs it is time to act:

👉 When to Change or Rekey Your Locks

What does Victorian law say about changing locks?

If you plan to change the locks after moving in, it helps to know what is allowed, especially if you are renting or living in a strata-managed property. In Victoria, the rules depend on whether you own the property or lease it.

For renters

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), and as explained by Consumer Affairs Victoria:

• A renter must not change or add locks without the rental provider’s consent, and equally the rental provider cannot change them without the renter’s consent.
• That consent cannot be unreasonably refused. If a renter believes it has been, they can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
• Whenever a lock is changed, a key must be given to the other party as soon as possible.
• Rental providers must provide a free set of keys, and can only charge a reasonable fee for extra or replacement keys.

If you are renting and want to rekey or replace a lock, the safest path is to submit a written request and wait for approval.

Family violence: Victorian rental law includes specific protections that can allow a person affected by family violence to change the locks, and these rules work differently from the general ones above. Because the details matter and getting them right is important for your safety, we have not tried to summarise them here. Consumer Affairs Victoria has a dedicated page on changing the locks because of family violence, and Tenants Victoria offers free advice and support.

For homeowners

If you own the property, you are fully within your rights to rekey or replace the locks, and it is strongly recommended as part of your move-in checklist. No permission is required, and you can choose any lock type or system that suits your needs.

For apartment or strata residents

If you have moved into an apartment or flat, the rules differ, and you most likely need to seek approval before changing any locks so as not to interfere with a master key system. We have a separate guide on the rules and recommendations for apartments:

👉 I Live in an Apartment on a Master System, Can I Change My Locks?

How much does it cost to rekey or replace locks in Melbourne?

The typical cost for a locksmith to attend a property is around $130 to $165, which sits within standard Melbourne locksmith charges. From there, rekeying usually runs about $70 to $130 per lock, and a lock replacement around $70 to $200 per lock plus the cost of the new hardware, so rekeying is generally the more cost-effective option for a straightforward move-in.

For a full breakdown of what to expect, including call-out fees:

👉 How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in Melbourne?
👉 How Long Does a Locksmith Take?

Securing your new home in Kew and greater Melbourne

Moving into a new home is one of the best times to take control of your security, and rekeying or replacing your locks is one of the simplest ways to do it. It removes the uncertainty of who still holds a key, and gives you genuine peace of mind from the first night.

VicLocks helps homeowners, renters and property managers across Kew and greater Melbourne make the right call, whether that is rekeying existing locks or upgrading to a new system:

👉 Residential Security Services
👉 Emergency Locksmith in Kew

Contact VicLocks today or call 0418 397 297 to secure your new home with confidence.

This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Rental laws change and apply differently depending on your circumstances. For your situation, check Consumer Affairs Victoria or seek advice from a service such as Tenants Victoria.

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