apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Call a locksmith, it's a very easy, quick, not very expensive fix for you. They can switch the entire lock for you if you want a new look, or just re-key the existing locks. Whenever I get a new place, that's the first thing I do.

I would just change the locks to your condo. Not just because of the boyfriend, but because of the boyfriend, the contractors, the lost keys and the fact that you didn't have them changed when you bought the place, it really makes sense to change them.

You have a single lock to replace (assumption) so either you could do it or have a locksmith do it for $150.

My rule of thumb is whenever I buy a place, one of the first things I do is change the locks. It gives me peace of mind and a sense that the place is "mine" because I have the only keys that can get in.

STEP ONE: Go buy a lock.

STEP TWO: Make two extra copies of the key.

STEP THREE: Change lock out.

STEP FOUR: Hand new key to roommates.

STEP FIVE: Relax.

Changing locks isn't a big deal. It's a very simple process. If anything, I would've changed the locks as soon as I moved in. If your landlord is required to have a key, make them a copy as well. Anytime you think there is a chance your safety and belongings could be at risk, change the locks. No offense, but I really don't see this being an issue worth asking advice on. It's always good to err on the side of caution if you feel there is need for it.

So go change that lock!

Changing the locks is a way to have peace of mind - the cost and inconvenience would be worth it (for me), to not have that mental discomfort

Most people probably get their locks rekeyed once when they move into a new place or if they think their security might be compromised. This sounds like it applies to you, so you should definitely get your lock changed. It's a fairly simple procedure - a quick Google search shows that it can even be DIY. However, if it were me, I'd still probably call a locksmith.

Your condo association should also consider rekeying the front door. My 9-unit condo association had the exact same situation where a number of contractors had copies of our key that they never returned and/or claimed to have lost. Ask your neighbors if they'd be interested in getting their own locks rekeyed - you can probably get a discount if you get everything done at one time.

Not to freak you out or anything, but if you go the locksmith route, I'd be sure to pick someone reputable. I saw something on TV about how some disreputable places actually make copies of the keys and then go back to rob the place they were hired to rekey.

Better safe than sorry.

There's no need to worry about a locksmith. Save the money, save the worry. Do it yourself.

(Sorry this is my third reply, haha, I posted too soon!)

My rationale is that the least amount of hands your key is in, at any time, the better. If you do it yourself, you have more control over that than hiring a third-party.

If you have to ask, you've already got your answer. Change the locks.

I'm not understanding if you mean that you share the front door with people in your condo - or it's the front main door. If it's the second, you should just change the locks to your door. If not, ask the roommates and discuss how you feel - they might be open to new locks too.

Price to change locks: $150
Peace of mind: Priceless

Why wouldn't you do this? There's no harm on erring on the side of caution here.

change out the locks or rekey them.. keep you and your stuff safe!

If your condo association allows it, consider getting a lock that has a programmable code feature (some don't since they look different).

The model we used has a keypad to enter a code (the battery mechanism is inside the door). It can also be opened with a key (should the batteries run out, etc...the lock flashes when batteries are running low, but it is nice to have the manual option too as a backup).

We've had one on the back door for the past 2 houses and we love it. It is awesome when I forget my keys or just don't want to carry them out on a run (although that might not be so helpful to a condo dweller with multiple doors unless you also fit one to the communal front door).

But the best part is the ability to program multiple codes and to remove codes. We have a code that only my husband and I know. We have a different code for the cleaner. If we were to change cleaning services, we wouldn't have to worry about collecting the key, whether the service might have made copies etc. We delete the code and don't have to worry about unauthorized access. We can add temporary codes for tradespeople etc. We don't have to worry about giving guests a key. I think it just makes life easier.

http://consumer.schlage.com/electronics/default.asp

Some models also have remote controls so you can unlock the door as you walk up to it.

even when i rented apartments i changed my locks upon moving in, and i certainly did it when i bought my place. just change them, and there won't be any question of who has a key and who doesn't.

Definitely change the locks. I had a very similar situation with a bad breakup. I also lived in a building with shared entry, and then my own lock on my unit. I didn't bother with changing the shared entry just for convenience of the other tenants. I found another lock of the same brand and setup at the hardware store, and then was able to just switch out the front and back of the lock (the keyed parts only) without having to mess with the inner housing, which is the hard part anyway. I think the whole thing cost me no more than $20 and took about 10 minutes. No matter how you decide to do it, having new locks will really give you some piece of mind. It definitely did for me.

Definitely have your own door lock changed. If it gives you peace of mind, it's worth the tiny bit of trouble.

However, there are some other considerations about changing a lock for the entire floor of your building. It is an inconvenience to your neighbors to switch keys- especially if they don't see a necessity to it. If your ex is someone whom you need to be secure from... then this is a safety issue that impacts your neighbors, and you owe them the courtesy of speaking to them personally about changing the locks. No need to go into details, it's perfectly acceptable to say something vague like, "my purse was stolen... the crime rate is so high... the electrician looked shady..." If you decide to make the change, go to your condo manager first to see what the procedure is- or let them handle it altogether.

Whatever you do, stay on good terms with your neighbors. There's nothing worse than having little irritations build up in a shared building.

If you're even considering changing the locks, chances are you should change the locks. As everyone else has said above, for the sole reason that you will have peace of mind. I had my apt lock changed at 9pm one night and it was only about $200 (after some apt worker had stolen things from our apartment--not using a key, though, but after being let in my my landlord. nice, right?) So I'm assuming that at a normal hour it would cost less. I knew that the person who stole things from us didn't have a key, or the guts to actually break-in, but when I got to thinking about all the people who could possibly have a key to our place (past tenants, workers, etc), I realized that I wouldn't relax until we had a new lock. If you're handy and have the time, you should be able to do this yourself. Otherwise, a locksmith can do this in under a half hour. Call around and get some prices and that might help you decide. Sounds like you should definitely change your condo door's lock(s). As far as the entry door, I would discuss this with your neighbors before you do it and if you really feel that this door's lock also needs to be replaced, you might offer to cover the cost of the lock and their replacement keys. Good luck!

Trust your gut and change them.

After reading the first three posts you should be on the phone calling a locksmith or running out to buy new locks.... now go! I agree with AGirlNamedMe Peace Of Mind: Priceless! That's just the Mom in me talking!

the fact that it crossed your mind means you should change the locks. it costs like $10 a pop.

then change your bedding so you don't smell him any more.

When my old roommate left on bad terms I called our Landlord and he came and changed the locks for free. If you own your unit you could talk to the management company about any rules/procedures for changing the lock, but I would definitely have it done. Nothing is worse than even a half second moment of apprehension before you open your door!

Lady 3, I actually buy a new mattress after ending a long-term relationship hahaha I don't recommend it, but I have the luxury of being able to cleanse the slate so-to-speak.

Sweetie, change your lock, cut your hair and put on a Mary J. Blige CD. Good luck to you.

Things to do after a breakup:

1 - Change the locks
2 - Clean house
3 - Buy a new mattress and bedding
4 - Take your best friend on vacation to the Caribbean.

I'd say change them or have them changed. I live with a large dog who'd bite an intruder's face off in a second, and I've still had the locks changed every time I sub-let my place, lost my purse keys, or realized I've given out too many keys to remember exactly who's walking around with one. It's cheap, easy, and most of all, it's the safe thing to do. Good luck!

I would change the locks, but I'm paranoid and don't even let my super have the keys to my apartment.

Also, if you have insurance, see if this is covered somehow. My renters insurance will cover locks.

It's relatively cheap and brings a lot of peace of mind...

Also, it's a great solution if you are replacing any door hardware in your home (better than doors with different keys). If you do replace a door handle/lock try to make sure it's the same brand as the other exterior doors in your home. It is the easiest way to be sure they can key them all the same.

Wow... now I actually want to change my lock. There are 4 keys that I know of to my apartment: my landlord, my boyfriend, my parents, and me. Now, just on the basis of who might have been given keys long ago, it seems like a good idea to change the locks. This is with my boyfriend more than welcome.

Go and get at least your personal lock changed asap. You'll feel more at ease.

I second the sheet changing. Smell is very closely tied to emotions, so wash the towels, sheets, and both his and your clothes.

Also, let him know that you are changing the locks, not because of him, but because you should have upon moving in (you can add in a little "Now that I'm a woman living alone..."). This should hopefully protect any sense that he gets that you want to keep him out of your life, and leave the potential for friendship.

What I have always done is never give out the doorknob key. To any boyfriend who needs a key, I tell them there is no key to the doorknob. Once they're gone I just start locking the doorknob until the coast is clear. It would be better the other way around by telling them you only have a doorknob key but that's not safe and you need the deadbolt. They might also buy a deadbolt and key out of the kindness of their heart and that would be a waste.

So I just stick to my doorknob story and it has served me well for as long as I can remember. NObody gets a doorknob key, I just lie about it from the start. You could say I need to trust a boyfriend but one must always think about what the future might hold. Many men have a sense of entitlement even when they're gone and if you ever have the misfortune of having an ex who likes to piss on your boundaries then keep the doorknob key forever. Thanks for reading.

do it. do it. do it.
do it. do it. do it.
do it. do it. do it.
do it. do it. do it.
do it. do it. do it.

mary j. blige or kelly clarkson... or both. definitely change the locks.

I know many people have answered you, but I have to add my two cents. You sound like me when I was younger. I would always question my self-protecting or self-nurturing instincts. NO, you are not being extreme or paranoid to change the locks in order to feel comfortable.
I had a boyfriend years ago who moved out, returned (or so I thought) my keys, but later used an outer door key to sneak into the building and do his laundry.
You have a right to do what you need to do to feel comfortable and safe.

BTW - You might even consider changing the locks on your front door to an electronic combination lock such as these by Schlage:

http://consumer.schlage.com/electronics/default.asp

Rather than giving people keys to your apartment, you would assign them a 4-digit code and when they're no longer allowed/needed in your place, you delete their code.

As far as the front door, have the building manager set the buzzer to your cellphone rather than your landline - This way you again would not need to give anyone a key, but you could allow people access to your place from almost anywhere while you're out as long as they have a code to your apartment.
The side benefit would be if you ever forget your keys, you can still get in by buzzing yourself into the building as long as you have your cellphone.

Good rule of thumb for BOTH GENDERS, when you break up with someone who has had a key, even if they give it back, CHANGE THE LOCK, regardless of if you ended it on good terms or not. Unless you're looking for drama.

I managed two apartment buildings, and always changed the locks when a new tenant moved in - safety is always worth the investment. When I evicted a troublemaking drug addict, the locks were changed the day he left, just in case!

You might not think your ex is the volatile sort, but breakups can do strange things to some people. Please, please, please change the lock to your space. As far as the main door goes, talk to your neighbors and the owner of the building. They might not at all mind having their front-door keys changed just for safety's sake - I know I'd feel safer in that situation.

We just changed the lock on the front door of the house we bought. It was fairly simple to go to Home Depot or some other store, the instructions that come with the lockset were easy to follow even though we've never changed a lock before! Each new lock comes with 4 or 5 keys already, so you probably don't need to spend extra money to make more keys.

Also, we bought the Kwikset brand because I found that they have this "SmartKey" feature. Basically, if you have this feature, you can go into the store and buy a new set of keys and re-key the lock to use the new keys (that way, no contractors, old boyfriends, etc can get in with their new key). Seems like a good solution for the future, especially when the rekeying set is only about $10 versus about $50 for a heavy-duty front door lockset.

Is this even a serious question? Was your upbringing that idyllic?

peace of mind. better safe than sorry. change the locks

I agree with queenbee1230, if you have to ask then yes. You have instincts for a reason; go with them.

Instinct always wins so, whenever you question something and it relates to your peace of mind, by all means do it.