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Reasons To Change Your Door Locks

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Realty Concierge International MA #9535680 RI#REB0019277

Sometimes, replacing your door lock is for the best, even if there is nothing wrong with the door or lock.

Here are five instances when homeowners should change or replace their door locks.

🔑1. After Buying a New Home

Getting the keys to your new home is exciting, but it’s important to remember that others outside your family might still have a copy. For safety, it’s a good idea to change the door locks shortly before or right after you move in.

🔑2. When You Lose Your Key or Have Your Key Stolen

Another good reason to replace or change your door lock is if your keys are lost or stolen. While it could just be bad luck, you can’t be sure the person who found or took them won’t try to get into your home. Swapping out your locks in this situation can give you peace of mind, knowing that whoever has your old keys won’t be able to use them to gain access.

🔑3. Difficulty Unlocking the Door

Over time, door locks can wear out and become slower to open. Struggling with a stubborn lock can be a real hassle for homeowners. If your door doesn’t unlock right away after inserting the key, it might be a good sign that it’s time for an upgrade.

🔑4. Desire for an Upgraded Aesthetic 

Door locks might not be the first thing you think of in a home remodel, but they’re still an important detail. Swapping them out for something new can be a simple way to enhance your home’s style and overall look.

🔑5. Door Locks That Are Older Than 10 Years Old

There’s no set age for replacing your door locks, but it’s a good idea to consider doing so once they’re over ten years old.

Changing your house key is a crucial step for homeowners to ensure the security of their property.  Do it for the peace of mind!

 

Posted by

 


Kelly McGovern, Broker/Owner

Realty Concierge International
Mobile: (508) 331-7158
eFax: (877) 491-3766
Email: Info@KellyMcGovern.Realtor
Website: http://www.RealtyConcierge.Realtor
9535680

Comments(12)

Show All Comments Sort:
Patricia Feager
Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Kelly McGovern - Always recommend new buyers to get new keys and locks for their doors. In TX Landlords are required to change the locks. 

I recently couldn't find my keys! I was panic stricken. Checked everywhere and couldn't find it. But I did find a spare key to the front door. It didn't work! I panicked some more. While still on the hunt, I found WD-40. I gave it a try, and it worked! 

Eventually, I found my keys. They slid behind the blanket chest at the foot of my bed. 

Jan 13, 2026 06:16 AM
Kelly McGovern

Patricia Feager I’m glad you found your keys! I recently had an issue with mine too and ended up having them all changed. It had been a while, so I figured it was time.

Jan 13, 2026 06:19 AM
Kathy Streib

Patricia Feager I ended up putting a Tile Tracker on our keys and in our wallets. Larry is constantly misplacing his wallet (it falls down by the car seat) so it's come in handy. 

Jan 13, 2026 06:43 PM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

My goodness, why anyone in 2026 would NOT change door locks. It reminds me of the TV show...Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader...

Jan 13, 2026 06:37 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Kelly. Great list. Each time we purchased a home the locksmith was our first visitor. Enjoy your day.

Jan 13, 2026 07:00 AM
Kelly McGovern

Smart man, Wayne Martin 

Jan 13, 2026 07:17 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Retired Real Estate Broker

There was a time, when I would give a byer a new set of locks that just needed to be installed if the house were simple enough. The garage door codes also need some attention as well, Kelly McGovern 

Jan 13, 2026 07:27 AM
Kelly McGovern

YES!  Garage codes too!  good add!

Jan 13, 2026 03:02 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hi Kelly... I have no more door lock for my front door. It's all digital and I'm seeing that in more and more homes. I always recommend to my clients that at the very least they rekey the lock if they don't want to change the entire mechanism.

Jan 13, 2026 10:57 AM
Kelly McGovern

I've had a few sellers use the electronic locks.  Seems a few brands don't work well with extreme temps though!

Jan 13, 2026 03:03 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Kelly, other than a brand new home, EVERY buyer should have their locks changed before they move in.   You never know when a neighbor or a relative still has keys.

Jan 13, 2026 12:56 PM
Kelly McGovern

Yes!  Better safe than sorry!

Jan 13, 2026 03:03 PM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Kelly and you are so right, I use to give a $50 gift card to a Locksmith that I have a deal with years ago but he retired.

Jan 13, 2026 01:40 PM
Kelly McGovern

Excellent gift idea Will Hamm !

Jan 13, 2026 03:03 PM
Ellie McIntire
Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate - Ellicott City, MD
Luxury service in Central Maryland

Great tips, Kelly! 🔑 Changing locks is such an easy way to boost both security and style—definitely worth it for peace of mind!

Jan 13, 2026 02:10 PM
Kelly McGovern

Peace of mind - that's the goal.

Jan 13, 2026 03:04 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Kelly McGovern Wonderful post on changing your locks and the security it brings 

Jan 13, 2026 02:26 PM
Kelly McGovern

Thanks Hannah Williams 

Jan 13, 2026 03:04 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Kelly- When you move into a house, you never know who the former owner gave his extra keys to. Play it safe and get new locks. 

Jan 13, 2026 06:48 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTORÂŽ Real Estate in East Valley AZ

It's the first thing that every new homeowner should do in order to officially make the home feel like theirs!

Jan 14, 2026 05:29 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Great reminders for all. Locks do need to be changed out periodically.

Jan 20, 2026 04:22 PM