Closing day is exciting, but before you unpack a single box, there’s one security task that belongs at the very top of your list: changing the locks. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the old keys are floating around — with the previous owners, their relatives, former neighbors, cleaners, contractors, or a dog walker from years ago. Fresh keys put you back in control of who can walk through your door.
The good news is that securing a new home is quick, affordable, and something you can knock out in a single afternoon. Here’s when to change your locks, how to decide between rekeying and replacing, and everything else worth updating so your new place is truly yours from day one.
When should you change the locks after buying a house?
The short answer: as soon as possible after closing, ideally before you move in. Once the keys are officially yours, the property is legally under your control — and that’s the moment to reset access.
Timing matters more than people expect. In the days right after closing, a steady stream of people often starts cycling through the house: movers, painters, cleaners, appliance installers, and delivery crews. Every one of them may need temporary access, and key control gets murky fast. Handling your locks before that activity begins keeps things simple and gives you a clean starting point.
If you can’t get to it before move-in day, don’t stress — just make it the first project once you’re in. Any window where the old keys still work is a window worth closing.
Rekeying vs. replacing: which is right for you?
You have two main ways to reset access, and the best choice depends on the condition of your existing hardware and what you want out of it.
Rekeying
Rekeying keeps your existing locks but changes the internal pins so the old keys no longer work and a new key does. It’s the budget-friendly route and usually the fastest. Rekeying makes the most sense when:
- Your current locks are in good working condition
- You like the existing style and finish
- All your exterior doors use the same brand, so a locksmith can set them to a single new key
- You mainly want to cut off old access without upgrading the hardware
As a general range, rekeying a typical home with a few exterior doors often runs somewhere in the low hundreds of dollars, or roughly a modest per-cylinder fee if you hire a locksmith. It’s usually the most economical option.
Replacing the locks
Replacing swaps out the entire lock hardware for something new. It costs more than rekeying but is the better call when:
- The existing locks are worn, damaged, or outdated
- You want a security upgrade, like a heavier-duty deadbolt
- Your doors have a mix of brands and you’d rather standardize
- You’re switching to smart locks or keyless entry
Full replacement for a home with three or four exterior doors generally lands in a wider range depending on the hardware you choose. Basic knob-and-deadbolt sets are inexpensive; premium finishes and smart features cost more.
A simple rule of thumb: if the locks are fine and you just want new keys, rekey. If you want better, newer, or smarter hardware, replace.
Don’t stop at the front door
Changing the front-door lock is the obvious step, but a determined intruder looks for the easiest way in — which is rarely the front. Walk the whole property and account for every point of entry:
- Back and side doors — often overlooked and sometimes older or weaker than the front
- Garage entry doors — the door from the garage into the house is a real entry point and deserves the same attention
- Basement or cellar doors
- Gate locks and padlocks on fences, sheds, or storage areas
- Any deadbolts separate from the main door handle
The goal is a single, consistent set of keys you control — with none of the old ones working anywhere on the property.
The rest of your move-in security reset
Locks are the headline, but a few other quiet forms of access often carry over from the previous owner. Add these to your day-one list:
- Reset garage door codes. Clear all existing keypad codes and re-sync only the remotes you actually plan to use. Old remotes and memorized codes are easy to forget and easy for others to remember.
- Update or replace the security system. If the home has an existing alarm, change the codes and, ideally, have it re-registered in your name. If there’s no system, move-in is a natural time to consider one.
- Take over smart home devices. Video doorbells, smart thermostats, cameras, and smart locks may still be linked to the previous owner’s accounts. Factory-reset each device and set it up fresh under your own login so no one else has remote access.
- Check for hidden spare keys. Look under mats, in fake rocks, above door frames, and inside grills or planters. Previous owners forget these all the time.
- Change Wi-Fi and shared passwords if any network gear was left behind.
Thinking about your home’s security as a system — locks, codes, cameras, and alarms working together — makes the whole reset feel a lot less overwhelming. Our home security guide walks through simple, layered steps for new homeowners, whether you’re in a busy Houston or Dallas neighborhood or a quieter corner of the Hill Country.
Should you hire a locksmith or DIY it?
Both paths work, and the right one depends on your comfort level and hardware.
DIY is very doable for basic lock replacement — most residential deadbolts and knob sets install with a screwdriver in a few minutes, and store-bought rekey kits exist for compatible brands. It’s the cheapest option if you’re handy.
Hiring a locksmith saves time and headaches, especially if you have several doors, mismatched brands, or want everything set to one key. A pro can also spot weak points — a flimsy strike plate, a misaligned door, a hollow-core exterior door — that undercut even a good lock. Many new homeowners find the modest cost well worth the peace of mind.
Whichever route you choose, changing the locks pairs naturally with the other tasks piling up during a move. If you’re still lining up movers or timing your utility setup, it helps to map out the whole first week so nothing important slips through the cracks.
Frequently asked questions
Do I legally have to change the locks when I buy a house?
No — there’s no law requiring it, and it isn’t part of closing. But nearly every security expert recommends it because you can’t verify how many old keys exist or who holds them. It’s an inexpensive, one-time step that gives you genuine control over access to your home.
How much does it cost to change the locks?
Costs vary by how many doors you have, the hardware you choose, and whether you hire a pro. Rekeying is generally the most affordable option and often lands in the low hundreds for a typical home, while full lock replacement costs more depending on the style and features you pick. Getting a couple of quotes from local locksmiths is the best way to pin down a number for your specific home.
Is rekeying as secure as replacing the locks?
For the purpose of cutting off old keys, yes — rekeying makes every previous key useless, just like a new lock does. Replacing only becomes the safer choice when the existing hardware itself is worn, damaged, or lower quality than you’d like. If your locks are solid, rekeying delivers the same key-control benefit for less money.
What else should I secure besides the locks?
Reset garage door keypad codes, re-sync only the remotes you’ll use, change any alarm system codes, factory-reset smart devices like video doorbells and cameras so they’re under your account, and hunt down any hidden spare keys. Together, these close the less obvious ways someone could still access your new home.
Make your first week a confident one
Changing the locks is one of those small tasks that delivers outsized peace of mind — a clear line between the home’s past and your fresh start in it. Handle it early, cover every door, and reset the codes and connected devices that quietly carry over, and you’ll sleep easier on your first night.
Want a simple, step-by-step way to stay on top of everything move-in brings? Grab our free New Home Move-In Checklist — it keeps your locks, utilities, security, and to-dos organized so nothing gets missed in the shuffle.