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Inheriting a property is a big moment and an overwhelming one. Between legal paperwork, estate administration, and the emotional weight of the process, security is easy to overlook. But if you have a bunch of keys and no idea what they open, or worse, no keys at all, it is one of the first things you need to sort out.

The honest truth is that you have no way of knowing how many copies of those keys exist or who currently holds them. Former tenants, tradespeople, neighbours, and family members could all have access to the property. Until you take control of the locks, the home is not fully yours to secure.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do when you inherit a house in Perth with unknown keys step by step, without the stress.

Key Takeaways

• Never assume old keys are safe  you have no way of knowing who else has copies.
• Your first call should be to a licensed Perth locksmith to assess and rekey or replace the locks.
• A full property audit covers every entry point, not just the front door.
• Rekeying is faster and more affordable than full lock replacement in most cases.
• Acting quickly reduces your insurance and liability risk from the moment you take ownership.

Why Unknown Keys Are a Real Security Risk

When a property changes hands through inheritance, the lock and key history rarely comes with it. Unlike a standard property sale where vendors are required to hand over all keys at settlement, estate situations are often messier. Keys get misplaced over years of ownership. Spare copies get given out and forgotten about.

The risk is not theoretical. A property sitting vacant while an estate is finalised is a target. If someone with a key knows the house is sitting empty, the window of vulnerability is real. Getting on top of this early protects both the property and your legal standing as the new owner.

Step 1: Do Not Change the Locks Yourself

The first instinct many people have is to grab a lock set from the hardware store and swap it out themselves. This feels proactive, but it can create more problems than it solves.

DIY lock replacement done incorrectly can leave a door more vulnerable than the original setup. Locks that are not properly seated, aligned, or installed with the right backset create weak points that a professional burglar will notice immediately. You may also accidentally void any existing security ratings on the door hardware.

A licensed locksmith will assess the existing lock quality first. In many cases, rekeying the existing locks is the smarter move it is faster, cheaper, and preserves high-quality hardware that may already be installed.

Step 2: Book a Full Property Lock Audit

Before anything gets rekeyed or replaced, you need to know what you are dealing with. A property lock audit means going through every entry point on the home and documenting what locks are fitted, what condition they are in, and whether they meet current security standards.

For a typical Perth property, this usually includes:

• Front and back door deadbolts and knob sets
• Sliding door locks and secondary security bars or pins
• Screen door and security door locks
• Garage door locks and remote access systems
• Laundry, side gate, and shed padlocks
• Window locks, particularly on ground floor openings

A locksmith who knows Perth homes will flag anything that does not meet Australian Standard AS 4145, which is the benchmark most home insurers use when assessing security compliance. If the locks on the property are old or substandard, this is the moment to find out.

Step 3: Rekey or Replace. Know the Difference

Once the audit is done, your locksmith will recommend either rekeying the existing locks or replacing them entirely. Understanding the difference helps you make a confident decision.

Rekeying means the locksmith changes the internal pin configuration of the lock so that all old keys no longer work. The lock itself stays in place. This is the most cost-effective option when the existing hardware is in good condition and meets security standards.

Lock replacement is recommended when the locks are worn, damaged, outdated, or simply not up to scratch. A locksmith can advise on quality brands suited to your door type and the level of security you need.

For most inherited properties, a combination of both approaches works well. Good quality deadbolts in solid condition get rekeyed. Older knob sets, flimsy screen door locks, or any lock with visible wear gets replaced.

Step 4: Account for Every Entry Point

One of the most common mistakes people make when securing an inherited property is focusing only on the obvious doors and forgetting about secondary access points. In a break-in, opportunistic intruders are looking for the path of least resistance.

Beyond the main doors, make sure you check:

• Garage access doors: If the garage connects directly to the house interior, this door needs the same level of attention as your front door.
• Sliding doors: These are notoriously underfitted for security. A secondary lock bar or pin system adds meaningful resistance.
• Old-style window locks: Lever-style window latches on older Perth homes can often be opened from outside with a thin tool. A locksmith can upgrade these cheaply.
• Letterboxes with internal flap access: Less common but worth checking — some older designs allow an arm to reach through to a door handle.

Step 5: Consider a Master Key System for Shared Estates

If the property is being shared or managed between multiple family members, beneficiaries, or a property manager during the estate administration period, a master key system is worth considering.

A master key setup allows different people to have access to the areas they need, with a single master key held by the estate executor or appointed manager. It eliminates the chaos of multiple sets of keys being cut and handed out informally, and gives you a clean audit trail of who has access to what.

This is particularly useful for larger properties with separate structures like a granny flat, studio, or workshop that may need to be accessed independently.

What About Keys You Cannot Identify

Most people who inherit a home end up with a collection of mystery keys small ones that might be for letterboxes or cabinets, older keys that look like they belong to the property but do not match any lock, and sometimes car keys for vehicles no longer on the property.

The sensible approach is to bring all unknown keys to your locksmith at the time of the audit. An experienced locksmith can often identify the lock type a key belongs to just from its profile and brand markings. For keys that cannot be identified, they can be tested against common lock types found in older Perth homes.

Any key you cannot account for should be treated as a liability until proven otherwise. If in doubt, rekey the lock it might belong to.

Do This Before You Finalise the Estate

Securing the locks on an inherited property is not just a practical step it can also be a legal and financial one. Most home insurance policies require the property to meet minimum security standards to maintain cover. A vacant inherited property may already be on limited cover depending on how long it sits unoccupied.

Getting a locksmith to assess and secure the property early gives you documented evidence that you took reasonable steps to protect it. This matters if there is ever a claim, a dispute between beneficiaries, or a question raised about your responsibilities as the estate executor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to replace all the locks when I inherit a house in Perth?

Not necessarily. A licensed locksmith will assess the condition and quality of the existing locks first. If they are in good shape and meet Australian security standards, rekeying is usually the faster and more affordable option. Replacement is recommended only when locks are worn, damaged, or outdated.

How much does it cost to rekey an inherited property in Perth?

The cost depends on how many locks need rekeying and whether any need to be replaced. Most Perth locksmiths charge a per-lock rate for rekeying, which is significantly less than full replacement. Getting a quote before the job starts means there are no surprises at the end.

Can a locksmith identify what old keys belong to?

In many cases, yes. An experienced locksmith can identify the lock type from the key profile, brand markings, and cut pattern. Bring all unknown keys to the property audit so your locksmith can test and identify them on the spot and advise which to keep, copy, or discard.

How long does a full property lock audit take?

For a standard residential property in Perth, a full lock audit typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour. Larger homes with multiple outbuildings, granny flats, or complex access systems may take longer. Your locksmith will give you a clear timeframe when you book.

Should I change the locks before or after the estate is finalised?

As soon as you have legal access to the property, getting the locks assessed is a smart move. A vacant property is at higher risk, and acting early protects both the home and your position as executor or beneficiary. You do not need to wait until the estate is fully settled to secure the property.

Need Help Securing an Inherited Property in Perth?

Locksmith Ninja Perth helps homeowners take back control of their security after a property changes hands. Whether you need a full lock audit, rekeying across the whole home, or advice on upgrading to a master key system, our team is ready to help.

We are mobile, fully equipped, and available across Perth. Call us today to book a same-day or next-day visit and get your inherited property properly secured from day one.