New Home in Manchester? Change the Locks Immediately

Moving into a new home is a thrilling experience. Between unpacking boxes, arranging furniture, and setting up utilities, it’s easy for security to fall down the priority list. However, there is one crucial task that should be completed on moving day, before you spend your first night in the new property: changing the locks. Failing to do so leaves your family and your possessions dangerously exposed.

The Unknown Keyholders

When the estate agent hands you the keys to your new Manchester home, you might assume you possess the only copies. This is almost never true. Think about the history of the property. The previous owners likely gave spare keys to family members, neighbors, dog walkers, cleaners, or tradesmen. Over the years, these keys get lost, forgotten, or simply never returned. If you don't change the locks, any of these unknown individuals has unrestricted, 24/7 access to your home.

The Insurance Trap

Many homeowners are unaware of a critical clause in standard home insurance policies. If your home is burgled and there are no signs of forced entry (i.e., the intruder used a key to walk through the front door), your insurance provider may invalidate your claim entirely. They argue that by failing to change the locks upon moving in, you did not take "reasonable care" to secure the property. Do not give an insurance company a reason to deny your claim.

The Perfect Time for an Upgrade

Moving gives you a blank slate to assess and improve the overall security of the property. Older properties may still have outdated, vulnerable locking mechanisms that do not meet current British Standards (BS3621 for mortice locks or TS007 for Euro cylinders). Our professional locksmiths can provide a comprehensive lock replacement service, ensuring your new home is fortified against modern burglary techniques like lock snapping and bumping.

While we are on-site changing your primary locks, we can also provide immediate mobile key cutting, ensuring you have exactly the right number of spare keys for your trusted family members, all guaranteed to work perfectly before we leave.