September 1st is infamous in Greater Boston. It's the biggest moving day of the year, with thousands of people shuffling between apartments, condos, and new houses. Amidst the chaos of packing boxes and renting U-Hauls, home security often falls to the bottom of the to-do list.
If you just moved into a new place in Cambridge, Brookline, or anywhere else in the Boston area, you need to ask yourself one question: Who else has a copy of my key?
Here is your essential lock security checklist for your new home.
1. Rekey Your Locks Immediately
When you receive the keys at closing or lease signing, you have no idea how many copies exist. The previous owners, their dog walkers, babysitters, contractors, and ex-roommates might all still have access to your front door.
You do not need to buy entirely new hardware. Instead, hire a professional to rekey your locks. This process changes the internal pins of your existing locks so the old keys no longer work, and you are provided with a brand new set. It is fast, highly effective, and much cheaper than full replacement.
2. Check for Deadbolts on All Exterior Doors
Doorknob locks (also known as spring latches) are easily bypassed with a credit card or a simple shim. Every exterior door—including the door leading from your garage into your house—should be secured by a Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt.
If your new home is lacking proper hardware, schedule a new lock installation as soon as possible.
3. Don't Forget the Mailbox
If you are moving into a condo building or a multi-family home, your cluster mailbox key is highly sensitive. Mail theft is a rising issue, and leaving your mailbox accessible to the previous tenant puts your identity at risk. Replacing a simple cam lock on a mailbox takes minutes but provides massive peace of mind.
4. Evaluate Your Window Locks
Ground-floor windows and fire-escape windows are prime targets for intruders. Walk through your new home and test every window latch. If the locks are broken, painted shut, or loose, they need to be repaired or supplemented with secondary track locks.
At City Locksmith 24/7, we believe your new home should be a safe haven from day one. We are fully insured and dedicated to transparent, upfront pricing. If you just moved, call (617) 383-7290 to secure your property today.