Changing Locks After Moving In: A Camarillo Homeowner's FAQ

Moving into a new place is exciting, and it's also the one moment when you have no idea how many keys are floating around out there. Previous owners, tenants, relatives, contractors, a dog walker, a real estate lockbox: any of them may have had access. Whether you just bought a home in Old Town Camarillo, settled into a condo near Mission Oaks, or picked up a hillside place in Spanish Hills, these are the questions we hear most.

The Basics

Do I really need to change the locks when I move in?

We strongly recommend it. You can't know how many copies of the old keys exist or who holds them. Changing the locks, or rekeying them, takes that uncertainty off the table. It's one of the simplest and most affordable steps in making a new home truly yours.

Should I rekey or replace?

It depends on the condition and quality of what you have.

• Rekey if the hardware is sturdy and still works smoothly. Rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work, and the lock stays on your door. Learn more about lock rekeying.
• Replace if the lock is worn, loose, damaged, outdated, or simply not a style you like. Replacement also makes sense if you want an upgrade, such as a smart lock or a higher-security deadbolt. See our lock replacement options.

If you're not sure, a technician can look at the hardware and tell you honestly which makes sense.

What's the difference in plain English?

Rekeying is like changing the password on a lock you already own. Replacing is buying a whole new lock. Both stop the previous keys from working. Rekeying usually costs less and lets you key several doors to one new key, which is handy.

Planning and Timing

When is the best time to do it?

As early as you can, ideally before you sleep there the first night, and certainly before you start unpacking valuables. If movers, painters, or cleaners will be in and out, it can be smart to wait until they finish and then change everything at once.

Which doors and locks should be changed?

Don't stop at the front door. Walk the whole property and consider:

1. Front and back entry doors
2. Any door from the garage into the house
3. Sliding patio doors and their secondary locks
4. Side gates and shed or storage locks
5. Mailbox and any detached garage or workshop

It's easy to forget the interior garage door, and it's a common weak spot.

What about the garage door opener?

Good catch. Old remotes and keypad codes may still be active. Reset the keypad code and clear any stored remotes using your opener's instructions, then program only the ones you hold.

Can I do it myself?

Swapping a basic knob is a reasonable DIY project. Deadbolts, mismatched hardware, misaligned strike plates, and older doors in places like Camarillo Heights can get fiddly fast. A poorly installed lock can be less secure than the one it replaced, so if the door sticks or the bolt doesn't line up cleanly, call a pro.

Local Considerations

Does it matter that I live in Camarillo?

A little. Many Camarillo homes near the coast get salty, humid air that can wear on exterior hardware over time, and older homes in Old Town may have vintage locks that are charming but tired. Wherever you are, we're fully mobile, so we come to you. Check our Camarillo locksmith page for the area we serve, or see local details on rekeying in Camarillo and lock replacement in Camarillo.

What if I rent instead of own?

Check your lease first and talk to your landlord. In many cases the landlord is responsible for rekeying between tenants, and you may need permission before altering locks. Don't change them on your own without clearing it.

Should I keep a spare key?

Yes, but think carefully about where. Skip the fake rock and the doormat. Give a spare to someone you trust, or consider a keypad or smart lock so you can issue and delete codes without cutting keys.

Quick New-Home Security Checklist

• Rekey or replace every exterior lock
• Reset the garage keypad and remotes
• Change alarm codes and Wi-Fi passwords
• Check that deadbolts fully extend into solid strike plates
• Test every window latch and sliding door lock
• Make a list of who holds keys, and keep it updated

Is it expensive?

Costs vary with the number of locks, the hardware, and the time of day. We won't guess a number here, but we'll give you a clear quote before any work begins, so there are no surprises.

What if I'm locked out on moving day?

It happens more than you'd think, with boxes everywhere and keys in the wrong pocket. We're a 24/7 mobile service and have been helping Southern California residents since 1987.

Ready to Make It Yours?

If you've just moved to Camarillo and want peace of mind, call Crenshaw Lock Company at (323) 997-8867. We'll come to your door, look over your hardware, and help you choose the right fix. You can also contact us online with any questions.