When Should You Change or Rekey Your Locks?

changing the locks on a door in melbourne
Most of us don’t think twice about our locks until something goes wrong.

Whether you have recently moved into a new house, experienced a security scare, or cannot remember when the locks were last changed, it is a smart question to ask: how often should you update or rekey your locks?
Just like smoke alarms and home insurance, your locks play a crucial role in your property’s security, but they are often overlooked.

Many Melbourne homeowners and businesses only replace or rekey their locks reactively, i.e., after a break-in or when a key is lost. But this can leave you exposed to preventable risks.

We’re going to break down:
  • When and why locks should be changed
  • How often they should be changed in homes vs commercial properties
  • And, when rekeying may be enough instead of a full replacement
We will also offer insight into best practices from our professional locksmiths, right here in Melbourne, so you can make an informed decision about your property’s security.

Let’s start at the beginning…

When Should You Change Your Locks?

There are several moments in life when changing your locks is not just a good idea — it is essential for your security. Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or business operator, knowing when to act can prevent unwanted access, protect your property, and ensure peace of mind.

Here are the most common situations where a full lock change is strongly recommended:

After a Break-In or Attempted Break-In

If your property has been broken into, or there are clear signs of tampering,  you should change your locks. Intruders may have damaged the internal mechanism or duplicated your key. A new lock ensures they cannot return.

When Moving into a New Home or Office

Even if the previous occupants handed over the keys, there is no way to know how many copies exist or who may still have one. Replacing the locks gives you complete control over who can access your property.

We have a great article about that here: Do I need to rekey or replace my locks after moving house?

After Tenant Turnover in Rental Properties

For landlords and property managers, changing locks between tenants is good practice. It reduces liability and ensures new tenants start with a secure, private space.

Some property owners opt for rekeying, but we’d recommend a full replacement if the locks are old or worn.

If Keys Are Lost or Stolen

Losing a key poses an immediate security risk especially if it was stolen or dropped near your address. Do not assume it is harmless.

When Locks Are Damaged or Worn Out

Locks wear down over time. If your key is sticking, turning roughly, or the mechanism feels loose, it might be time for an upgrade. Old or rusted locks are easier to force open and may fail altogether when you least expect it.

When Upgrading to a Smart Lock or High-Security System

Many homeowners and businesses now opt for smart locks, keypad entry, or high-security deadbolts. These offer better protection and offer access logs, remote control, and integration with other systems.

Should You Replace or Rekey Your Locks?

You have two options: rekeying or replacing your locks. Both approaches improve safety, but the right choice depends on your situation.

Rekeying – Rekeying involves changing the internal pin configuration of the lock so old keys no longer work. A locksmith will dismantle the lock cylinder, reset the pins, and provide you with a new set of keys.

Rekeying is ideal when:
  • You’ve recently moved and want a quick, cost-effective option
  • You’ve lost a key but trust the lock’s integrity
  • You want multiple locks to work on the same key (keyed alike)
  • There’s no visible damage or wear to the current lock hardware
It’s faster and more affordable than full replacement, and it retains the same lock body and design.

Replacing the Locks – Replacing a lock means swapping out the entire mechanism, including the housing, cylinder, and faceplate. This is often the best option when:
  • The lock is damaged or worn
  • You’re upgrading to a more secure system (e.g., smart locks or restricted key systems)
  • You want to change the style or finish for aesthetic reasons
Lock replacement is more comprehensive and allows you to modernise your hardware while resetting access control.

Keep your property secure

At VicLocks, we work with homeowners, renters, landlords, and business owners across Melbourne, particularly in Kew and the eastern suburbs.

Your locks are the first line of defence.

Whether you need a rekey to reset access or a full replacement to upgrade security, acting before there’s a problem is smarter (and cheaper) than dealing with a break-in after the fact.

Not sure what you need? Let us help.
We offer:
  • On-site assessments
  • Lock replacement and rekeying services
  • Emergency lockout assistance
📞 Contact us today for an honest, local opinion. No pressure, just helpful advice from Melbourne’s trusted locksmiths.