01
Keys travel further than you think
Previous owners, tenants, builders, tradespeople, cleaners, neighbours and agents may all have held keys at some point. You usually cannot know how many copies exist.
02
New builds are not exempt
During construction, keys often pass between multiple trades. Many builders use construction-keyed cylinders — ask your builder how keys were managed at handover.
03
Your options
Rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work while keeping the existing lock body. Replacement swaps the lock entirely — useful if the lock is also worn or you want a different type.
04
Renting?
In Victoria, rules apply to changing locks in rental properties. Check the current guidance from Consumer Affairs Victoria and talk with your rental provider or agent before making changes.