Should I change the locks when I move into a new home or apartment?

Yes. You can't know how many copies of the old keys exist. If you bought the home, rekey or replace every exterior lock in the first week, including garage and side doors, and reset garage door codes and keypad codes.

If you rent, ask the landlord in writing before you change anything. Many leases forbid changing locks without permission, and the landlord may need a key. Some states require the landlord to rekey between tenants. Texas law, for example, requires it within seven days of each tenant turnover, at the landlord's expense. Check your state's rules at hud.gov/states.

While you're at it, test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. Massachusetts fire officials advise testing once a month and replacing any smoke alarm more than 10 years old. Put CO alarms on every floor, within 10 feet of bedroom doors. Find the main water shutoff and the electrical panel, and walk your exits.

Source: Texas Property Code § 92.156; Mass.gov, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms · Checked October 2026