Moving House? Lock Security Checklist for Alberton Homeowners

Moving into a new house or rental in Alberton is one of the best times to do a thorough review of your locks. You do not know how many keys the previous occupants made, who has copies, or whether any locks are already worn. Getting this right on day one means you know exactly who can enter the property from the start.

Why Lock Security Matters When You Move

The previous owners or tenants may have:

• Given spare keys to neighbours, family members, or cleaners
• Lost keys that were never replaced
• Had a locksmith replace a lock with a budget-grade unit at some point
• Not changed locks after a previous occupant left

Any of these situations means someone other than you may have access. Rekeying resolves this completely at a fraction of the cost of lock replacement, and it should be done before you move your valuables in.

Which Locks to Rekey Immediately

As a minimum, rekey the following on or before moving day:

• Front entrance door
• Back door
• Internal garage-to-house door (if applicable)
• Side gate if it has a key lock
• Security gate on the front entrance if separate from the main door

Anything else — a storeroom, a pool equipment shed, a flatlet — can be done at the same visit for a per-lock discount. See our page on lock rekeying in Alberton.

Assessing the Condition of Existing Locks

While the locksmith is rekeying, ask them to test each lock and advise on condition. Signs to look for:

• Stiff or difficult key turning (worn cylinder)
• Latch that does not fully extend or retract smoothly
• Visible scoring or damage around the keyhole (past attempted entry)
• Lock that is a basic privacy grade rather than a security grade

A lock that is worn should be replaced at the same visit rather than rekeyed — a rekeyed worn lock will still fail.

Security Gates and Estate Access

If the property is in an access-controlled estate, the estate management should have reset your access tag or code before handover — ask them directly to confirm this. For properties with manual security gates at the front, these are often on a different lock from the main door and are commonly overlooked. Include them in your rekeying order.

Storage Areas, Garage, and Outbuildings

Storage areas are often the least secured part of a property. Check that padlocks on outbuildings are in good condition and that you have the only keys. Budget-grade padlocks on sheds and garages are worth upgrading if you store anything of value there.

Managing Keys for the New Property

• Decide in advance who will get a key — be deliberate about this rather than making copies on demand
• Leave a spare key with a single trusted person (family member or neighbour) for emergencies
• Label your new keys clearly to avoid confusion during the move
• Keep a record of how many keys were cut for each lock

When to Consider a Security Upgrade

If the property has basic rim locks or older single-cylinder deadbolts, moving in is a good time to upgrade to better hardware. This is worth considering if:

• The existing locks are the cheapest grade (no brand, thin housing)
• The front door does not have a deadbolt at all
• The area has a higher-than-average break-in rate
• You have valuables or a home business that makes the property a more attractive target

We can advise on appropriate security grades for your property type and budget at the time of the rekeying visit.

The Moving House Lock Security Checklist

• ☐ Front door lock rekeyed
• ☐ Back door lock rekeyed
• ☐ Internal garage door rekeyed (if applicable)
• ☐ Security gate rekeyed (if applicable)
• ☐ Side gate rekeyed (if applicable)
• ☐ Storage area / outbuilding padlocks checked and replaced if poor quality
• ☐ Estate access tag or code reset confirmed
• ☐ All lock conditions assessed and worn locks noted for replacement
• ☐ Key count documented per lock
• ☐ Spare key left with one trusted person

Call us on 066 147 4234 to arrange a moving day or pre-move rekeying visit. We work around moving schedules and often complete the full rekeying in a single visit.