How Often Should You Replace Your Locks? Advice from London Locksmiths

How Often Should You Replace Your Locks? Advice from London Locksmiths. Security is one of the most fundamental aspects of any property residential or commercial.

And at the heart of your security system lies one vital component: the lock. Whether you’re a homeowner in Islington, a landlord in Tottenham, or a business owner near Covent Garden, knowing when to replace your locks is essential for safeguarding your property, valuables, and peace of mind.

But how often should locks be replaced? Is it only necessary after a break-in or a lost key, or should you be thinking more proactively?

At Locksmith Co, we help clients across London answer this question every day. In this article, we explore the scenarios that warrant lock replacement, how often it should ideally be done, and what you can do to ensure your property remains secure at all times.

Why Replacing Locks Matters

Locks are your first line of defense against intrusion. Over time, however, even the best-quality locks can become less effective due to wear, environmental exposure, or advances in criminal methods.

Regular lock assessments and timely replacements help you:

• Keep unwanted individuals out
• Comply with insurance requirements
• Enhance security against modern burglary techniques
• Maintain control over who has access to your property
• Improve functionality and convenience

Ignoring worn or outdated locks increases the risk of forced entry, malfunction, or invalidated insurance policies.

How Often Should You Replace Your Locks?

There is no universal rule for how often locks should be replaced, but most locksmiths recommend reviewing your locks every 5 to 7 years. However, there are many factors that may require replacement sooner.

Below are the most common situations in which you should seriously consider replacing your locks.

1. When You Move Into a New Property

This is perhaps the most critical time to change your locks. Whether you’ve purchased a home or are moving into a rented flat in London, you can never be certain who has a copy of the old keys previous tenants, owners, cleaners, contractors, or even neighbours.

A lock change ensures:

• Only you and trusted individuals have access
• Peace of mind in your new home
• Compliance with tenancy security regulations

At Locksmith Co, we recommend replacing or rekeying all external door locks as soon as you move in.

2. After a Burglary or Attempted Break-In

If your home or business has been broken into or if there is evidence of tampering you should immediately replace all affected locks.

Burglars often exploit weaknesses in:

• Euro cylinders (especially those not resistant to lock snapping)
• Worn or rusted mortice locks
• Basic night latches without deadlocking features

Upgrading to BS3621-compliant or anti-snap locks not only restores your security but may also be required by your insurance provider following an incident.

3. If You’ve Lost Your Keys

Misplacing your keys or suspecting they were stolen means someone could potentially access your property. In such cases, replacing the locks is the only sure way to eliminate that risk.

Rekeying may be an option if the lock is in good condition, but full replacement is often preferred for peace of mind.

This applies to:

• Residential properties
• Rental units between tenancies
• Offices with changing staff or shared access

4. If Your Locks Are Old or Worn Out

Locks, like all mechanical devices, degrade over time. Exposure to the elements, frequent use, and general wear and tear can compromise their effectiveness.

Common signs that your lock is due for replacement include:

• Sticking or jamming when turning the key
• Difficulty locking or unlocking the door
• Rust or visible deterioration
• Loose handles or misaligned parts

If you’re regularly struggling with your lock, it is a clear sign that replacement is needed. At Locksmith Co, we inspect and replace old locks with long-lasting, durable options suitable for London’s climate and urban setting.

5. When Your Locks Are No Longer Secure

Modern burglars have access to tools and techniques that render older locks ineffective. If your current locks are over a decade old, chances are they are no longer up to current security standards.

Particularly vulnerable are:

• Basic euro cylinder locks that can be snapped or drilled
• Locks with minimal anti-bump or anti-pick resistance
• Latches that rely solely on a spring mechanism

Upgrading to 3-star rated euro cylinders, multi-point locking systems, or smart locks can dramatically improve your home’s protection.

6. After a Divorce, Breakup, or Flatmate Moves Out

Security is not only about preventing intruders it’s about controlling who has access. If a relationship ends, or if a flatmate or employee moves out under difficult circumstances, consider changing your locks.

Even if the person leaves on good terms, you may want to take precautions:

• Rekeying allows you to keep your current locks but disable old keys
• Full lock replacement gives you the opportunity to upgrade your security

7. To Comply with Insurance Policies

Many home and commercial insurance policies require that all external doors be fitted with locks that meet British Standard BS3621. If your current locks do not comply, any future claims could be rejected.

You should replace your locks if:

• They are not marked with the BS3621 certification
• Your insurer has requested a lock upgrade
• You want to reduce premiums by improving security

Our team at Locksmith Co installs insurance-approved locks across London that meet or exceed all required standards.

8. When Upgrading to Smart Lock Systems

Smart locks are becoming more popular in London homes and apartments. If you are looking for greater convenience, keyless entry, and remote control, you’ll need to replace your existing mechanical lock.

Benefits of upgrading include:

• App-controlled access
• Temporary codes for guests or tradespeople
• No risk of losing keys
• Remote monitoring and control

We install and support smart locks compatible with most doors in London, offering full setup and security advice.

Best Practices for Lock Maintenance

If you are not ready to replace your locks yet, consider these tips to prolong their lifespan and effectiveness:

• Lubricate locks every 6 to 12 months
• Avoid using force or twisting keys excessively
• Check alignment of doors and frames to avoid strain on locks
• Regularly inspect for signs of rust, wear, or tampering
• Schedule a security audit every 2 to 3 years

At Locksmith Co, we offer comprehensive maintenance and inspection services to help you decide when replacement is necessary.

Why Choose Locksmith Co for Lock Replacement in London

We understand the diverse architecture and security needs of London homes and businesses.

Our certified locksmiths are:

• Fully DBS-checked
• Available 24/7 across Central, North, and East London
• Experts in insurance-compliant lock installation
• Transparent in pricing and honest in service
• Equipped to replace, rekey, and upgrade any lock system

Whether it’s a single lock replacement or a full security overhaul, we provide fast, reliable solutions tailored to your property.

Contact Us Today

Is it time to replace your locks? Whether you’re unsure or ready to schedule an upgrade, Locksmith Co is here to help.

Email: contact@locksmithco.co.uk
Website: https://locksmithco.co.uk
Serving Central London, Tottenham, Camden, Islington, and surrounding boroughs

Your locks are your property’s gatekeepers and like any security system, they require attention and timely updates. By understanding when and why to replace your locks, you can stay one step ahead of potential threats.

Whether you’re moving into a new flat, upgrading to smart security, or recovering from a break-in, trust Locksmith Co to help you protect what matters most.