Changing Locks After Moving In: Why and How?

Just moved into a new home in Paris? Congratulations! But before unpacking the boxes, there is one often-overlooked priority: changing the locks or cylinders of your new place. It is a simple, quick and inexpensive measure that guarantees you are truly the only ones with access to your home.

Why change the locks when moving in?

The main reason is simple: you do not know how many key copies exist for your home. Think of everyone who may have had one over the years:

• ✓The previous tenant and their relatives
• ✓A caretaker or building manager
• ✓Tradespeople or service providers
• ✓An ex-partner or former flatmate
• ✓The former owner’s family

Even if the previous lease required all keys to be returned, nothing prevents a copy from being kept. A cylinder replacement permanently removes this risk, without needing to change the whole lock.

What the law says in France

As a tenant, you have the right to change your lock for security reasons. The law does not require you to inform your landlord in advance, but you must give them a copy of the new key at the end of the lease if they expressly request it.

As an owner moving into a property you have just acquired, there are obviously no restrictions.

In all cases, a lease amendment can mention the lock change to protect both parties.

Change the cylinder or the whole lock?

For the vast majority of moves, changing the cylinder is enough. It is faster, cheaper and less intrusive. The cylinder is the part that receives the key; by replacing it, all old keys instantly become useless.

Changing the whole lock is only necessary if:

• ✓The lock is old or damaged
• ✓You want to move to a multipoint system
• ✓The door setup is incompatible with a simple cylinder replacement

Which cylinder to choose when moving in?

This is the ideal time to move up to a higher security level. Some guidance:

Standard cylinder (like-for-like replacement)

If your home is on the 3rd floor or higher in a building with a keypad and caretaker, a well-fitted standard cylinder may suffice. Price: from €150 incl. VAT at 247 Serrurerie.

Certified high-security A2P cylinder

Recommended for ground floors, street-facing flats or houses. A certified A2P cylinder resists the main break-in techniques (picking, drilling, snapping). Price: from €220 incl. VAT.

See our complete guide to high-security cylinders to choose the right level for your situation.

Patented key systems

Some premium cylinders (Mul-T-Lock, ASSA Abloy, Fichet) include a patented key system: no copy can be made without your formal authorisation. Ideal if you want full control over access.

How the intervention works

At 247 Serrurerie, cylinder replacement when moving in follows a simple process:

1. Appointment: we can respond quickly at your convenience, often the same day as your request.
2. On-site diagnosis: our technician checks the lock type, measures the existing cylinder and assesses the door’s overall condition.
3. Personalised advice: we offer options suited to your budget and desired security level.
4. Replacement: fitting the new cylinder, checking correct operation, handing over the new keys.
5. Invoice: a full document for your landlord, insurer or accounting.

How many cylinders to change in a home?

In a typical Paris flat, you will often have just one cylinder to replace: the front door. But also consider:

• ✓The cellar door or bike room if you have a key
• ✓The mailbox (lower priority, but useful)
• ✓Any service door or secondary access

If you have several cylinders to replace, contact us for a grouped quote.

The moving tip: plan ahead of the big day

If you know your move-in date in advance, schedule the cylinder replacement for the handover day or the day after. That way you start your life in your new home certain you are its only masters.

247 Serrurerie operates across Paris and all of Île-de-France, with evening and weekend availability to fit your moving constraints.

Request your free quote or see our cylinder replacement rates.