Rental lock change in Exeter
Professional rental lock change services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Locks changed on your rental property between tenancies. New Yale, mortice, or UPVC locks fitted, tested, spare keys cut. Security reset for new tenant.
Start Fresh With Every Tenancy
Previous tenant left "returning all keys" but you're pretty sure their mate had a spare. Keys got "lost" mid-tenancy and replaced, but now you don't know who's got copies.
Change the locks. Fresh start. Old keys useless. You control who has access again.
I change locks for landlords all over Exeter, mainly between tenancies but also emergency lockouts or security upgrades. Good quality locks fitted properly, spare keys cut and tested, everything working smoothly.
💡 Pro tip: Change locks when a tenant gives notice, not after they've left. Property's still occupied, less risk of someone "checking if their old key still works" after they've moved out.
Quality Locks vs Cheap Replacements
Some handymen fit the cheapest locks from the hardware shop. They're rubbish - stiff, unreliable, fail within a year.
| ✅ Proper Lock Change | ❌ Cheap & Nasty |
|---|---|
| Decent quality lock (£30-60, lasts years) | £15 budget lock, fails quickly |
| Fitted square and true, works smoothly | Rushed fitting, sticks or catches |
| Tested thoroughly before I leave | "It locks, doesn't it?" |
| Spare keys cut and tested in new lock | No spares, or badly cut ones that don't work |
| You know it's secure | Wondering if it'll last the tenancy |
What You Get
🔧 The Lock Change Service
| What Happens | Details |
|---|---|
| Old locks removed | Your old cylinders/mortices completely removed |
| New locks fitted | Quality replacements fitted square and level |
| Tested properly | Locked/unlocked multiple times, smooth operation confirmed |
| Keys cut | Usually 3-4 sets cut and tested in new locks |
| Old locks | Given to you (proves they're actually changed, some insurance needs this) |
📦 You're Left With
- New working locks that only your keys fit
- 3-4 spare key sets ready for new tenant
- Old locks (for your records/insurance)
- Security reset, full control restored
Pricing Guide
| Scenario | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single door (Yale + mortice) | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Front and back door | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Full house (3+ doors, UPVC) | 2.5-3 hrs | £135-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Locks not included (£30-60 per door typically). Keys cut and tested included.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Between tenancies - fresh start for new tenant
✅ Keys lost - don't know who has copies
✅ Security upgrade - old locks worn or poor quality
✅ Emergency lockout - lost all keys, need in now
Why Choose Us for Rental lock change in Exeter?
All old keys made useless immediately
Fresh start for new tenancy
Quality locks, multiple keys cut
Security upgraded between tenants
What to Expect
Step 1: Check Existing Locks
I'll see what type of locks you've got and what condition they're in. Advise whether rekeying's an option or replacement is better.
Step 2: Fit New Locks
Remove old locks completely, fit new quality replacements. Make sure they're square, level, operating smoothly. No sticking or catching.
Step 3: Cut & Test Keys
Cut 3-4 spare sets, test every key in every new lock. Everything working smoothly before I leave. Old locks given to you for your records.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to change locks yourself? Here's how to do it properly:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- Tape measure (for sizing new locks)
- Chisel (for mortice locks)
- Drill (if screw holes don't line up perfectly)
- New locks (measure old ones first!)
📐 Getting the right locks
- Yale/cylinder: Measure the backset (distance from door edge to center of cylinder)
- Mortice: Measure case size (usually 64mm or 76mm)
- UPVC: Take a photo and get help from lock supplier - they're complicated
- Buy quality brands (Yale, ERA, Union) - not budget rubbish
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Buying wrong size locks (won't fit the door cutout)
- Not fitting locks square (they stick or won't turn smoothly)
- Over-tightening screws (cracks the lock casing)
- Cheap locks that fail quickly
- Not cutting enough spare keys (then scrambling when tenant loses one)
💡 Pro trick: When removing old mortice locks, keep the faceplate screws - new locks sometimes come with screws that are wrong length. Original screws usually fit the new lock perfectly since they've been proven in that specific door.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔐 Insurance requirements - some landlord insurance requires proof you changed locks between tenancies. Keep the old locks and take photos of new ones installed. Shows due diligence if you ever need to claim.
Multiple properties? I can visit several rentals in one trip if you've got several turnovers at once - batch the work, save on callout fees.
UPVC doors are fiddly - multi-point locking systems with specific mechanisms. They take longer to change and need the right replacement parts. I'll advise on what's needed when I see it.
Exeter's older rentals often have ancient mortice locks that are worn out. Replacing with modern versions is straightforward - same size casings, but much smoother operation. Tenants appreciate doors that actually work properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change locks between every tenancy?
Not legally required, but it's good practice - especially if keys were 'lost' or you're not 100% sure you got all copies back. Costs £85-160 for peace of mind that the old tenant (or their dodgy mate) can't get back in. Your call, but most professional landlords do it.
Can you just rekey existing locks instead of replacing them?
Sometimes yes, depends on the lock type and condition. Rekeying is cheaper but not always possible. If locks are worn, old, or tricky mechanisms, replacement is better. I'll advise when I see them - if rekeying saves you money and works well, I'll say so.
How long does changing locks take?
Standard door (Yale + mortice) is usually 1-1.5 hours. Full house (front, back, maybe side door) is 2-3 hours. Includes fitting new locks, testing everything works smoothly, cutting spare keys. UPVC doors take a bit longer - more fiddly mechanisms.
Do I need to provide the locks or do you supply them?
Either way works. I can supply decent quality locks (£30-60 per door depending on type) and fit them, or you can buy them yourself and I'll fit what you've got. Just make sure they're the right type for your doors - send me a photo if you're not sure.
What if I've lost all the keys and can't get in?
That's a lockout, not just a lock change - might need drilling out if there's no other access. I'll get you in, then fit new locks. Costs more because of the extra work, but you'll be back in with working new locks same visit. Usually £150-200 total depending on difficulty.
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Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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