Changing locks is often overlooked amongst the many things to be done when moving house, but have you thought how many people could have duplicate keys to your new home. We would strongly recommend you change your locks for your peace of mind and your family’s safety. Moving house is a very stressful experience so it is no surprise that securing your new home by changing the locks can be overlooked. However, it is unlikely that you will know exactly how many sets of keys were cut by the previous occupants and are in circulation for your new property.

In the region of 35,000 homes change hands in average year with many buyers unaware that at least one spare set of keys is still in circulation with a third party. According to a survey conducted by NOP on behalf of insurer NIG, over half of British residents give away spare sets of keys to their home.

The rate at which spare keys are not reclaimed is highest in rental properties. Here 7% of tenants do not get back spare keys they have handed out to family, friends and domestic help when they move on. The main recipients of spare keys from the majority of householders are family members; however 14% give spare keys to neighbours and 8% give spare keys to friends.

Another survey conducted by Halifax Home Insurance found that 12 million adults have lost their keys over 6 times in the last ten years alongside identification or address details and still did not change their locks.

You should change the locks and ensure that all points of access around the house are secure, otherwise you could be putting yourself and your family in unnecessary danger. Furthermore, if you suffered a burglary and possessions were damaged or stolen your insurance claim may be void, as some insurance companies will state that if you have not changed the locks on moving house then you have not done enough to secure your property and prevent a burglary.