Moving Into a New Home in NJ? The Complete Lock Checklist

You Got the Keys — But Who Else Has a Copy?

Closing day feels great, but here is an uncomfortable fact: the keys in your hand are almost never the only set. Previous owners, their relatives, cleaners, dog walkers, contractors, and real estate agents have all had access at some point. In a rental, add every previous tenant to that list. Before you unpack a single box, work through this checklist.

Week One: The Essentials

1. Rekey every exterior lock. Rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys stop working — you keep the hardware and pay far less than a full replacement. A locksmith can rekey your whole house in one visit, usually the same day you close. See our guide to rekeying costs in NJ.
2. Don't forget the "other" doors. Side doors, basement doors, the door from the garage into the house, and sliding patio doors are the entrances burglars actually prefer. Every one of them should be rekeyed or upgraded.
3. Reset the garage door opener. Previous owners' remotes and cars with programmed HomeLink buttons will still open your garage. Clear the opener's memory and re-pair only your own remotes — the procedure is in the opener manual, or we can do it during the rekey visit.
4. Change alarm and keypad codes. If the house has a keypad lock, alarm system, or smart lock, do a factory reset and set fresh codes. Never keep the installer default.
5. Check every window lock. Ground-floor windows should latch firmly. Aging sash locks cost a few dollars to replace and are a favorite entry point.

Month One: Smart Upgrades While You're At It

Upgrade to Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts on all exterior doors. Builder-grade hardware (Grade 3) is what most homes come with, and it's the easiest to defeat. Our guide to burglar-proofing your front door covers the details.
Reinforce strike plates with 3-inch screws that reach the door frame stud. This one $5 fix defeats most kick-in attempts.
Consider a smart lock for the main entry if you juggle kids, sitters, or deliveries — read our honest take on whether smart locks are worth it.
Make a key plan. Decide who gets copies, and consider a small lockbox instead of the fake rock (burglars know every fake rock on the market).

Renting? Read This First

In New Jersey, tenants generally need the landlord's permission before changing locks — but you can absolutely ask the landlord to rekey between tenants, and many leases require it. We cover the rules in detail in Can a Tenant Change the Locks in NJ?

What Does All This Cost?

Less than most people expect. Rekeying runs $20–$50 per lock plus a service call, so a typical single-family home with four exterior locks lands around $150–$250 all-in. Compare that to the cost of a break-in — or even one sleepless night wondering who still has a key.

One Visit, Whole House

Paul Quick Locksmith handles the entire checklist in a single appointment: rekeying, deadbolt upgrades, strike-plate reinforcement, keypad resets, and fresh keys cut on the spot. We serve all of North and Central New Jersey, including Bergen County, Essex County, and Monmouth County.

Moving in this month? Book your move-in rekey: (201) 822-9313 or (973) 358-8464

Need a locksmith in New Jersey?
Paul Quick Locksmith offers 24/7 service across NJ. Call (201) 822-9313 or visit our services page.