Getting your locks rekeyed is a security measure that can be performed at any given time. However, some situations give rise to a higher risk of break-ins — such as the 5 scenarios mentioned in this article. If you relate to any of these, it’s best to get your home locks rekeyed asap!
So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
1. Missing Keys
Homeowners often lend keys to different people such as tenants, contractors, renovators, pet sitters, or even a guest. However, it could be a security threat to your home if they aren’t returned on time. You never know whose hands those copies might end up in!
If you notice a few of your key copies are missing, it’s probably a good idea to get your locks rekeyed as soon as possible.
2. It’s Been a While Since You Rekeyed the Locks
Your home should get regular security updates and upgrade, and it all starts with the locks. Many homeowners like to have a deadline in mind to get their locks rekeyed.
It doesn’t make the lock any more secure, but it helps you reset everything and regain complete control over all copies of your keys. Occasionally rekeying the locks lets you be sure that nobody else has a working copy anymore. You can hire a rekeying service or try to do it yourself using this CLK shlage rekey kit.
3. Moving In
One of the most common reasons for rekeying locks is moving into a new home. That’s because when you purchase or rent a home, you don’t know how many people already have access to its keys. That’s why rekeying the locks is often the first thing a new homeowner would do. It’s cheap, effective, and it’s definitely worth the peace of mind it brings.
4. After a Home Renovation
Rekeying a lock is also a good idea after a renovation. Since renovators need to frequently move in and out of the house, homeowners tend to provide them with spare keys for convenience. However, it can give rise to security risks, which is why you should rekey your locks after a renovation.
Rekeying a lock makes it so that the previous keys no longer function. You get a bunch of new copies, and anyone else with an old copy can’t access the home any longer.
5. If Things Go Missing
We’re finishing on an uncommon scenario, but it’s a possibility nevertheless. Sometimes, homeowners may start to notice that some items around the house have gone missing. Sure, they might just be misplaced, but not if it becomes a recurring pattern.
If you continue to lose valuable items without any sign of a forced break-in, it’s possible that an outsider has keys to your property, and they’ve been sneaking in and out. If you’ve noticed an item or two gone missing around the house and it continues to happen, I’d recommend getting your locks rekeyed. No matter how many of your copies are in the wrong hands, they’ll all be useless with a simple rekeying job.
