Changing the locks on your doors is a small cost to help protect your family, home and valuables compared to what might happen if you don’t update them. It is one of the simplest ways to add a layer of protection but one of the most overlooked. Below are just five reasons as to why you should change your locks.

1. Your keys were lost or stolen: It goes without saying that once you have lost your keys or had them stolen to get the locks replaced immediately. Don’t let too much time pass, even if you think you just misplaced them. The rule of thumb is to start on the outside doors and work your way inside for level of priority. You never know whose hands your keys ended up in.

2. New tenants or roommates: If you are either renting a place or you are renting out your place, it’s important to always have the locks changed between renters. You never know if anyone has made copies of keys, where spares may be or even when the last time the locks were changed. In the event something does happen, you can rule out any previous tenants.

3. Tampering: If there is evidence of tampering and your home wasn’t broken into, it’s still wise to have the locks replaced immediately. If there was a break-in then absolutely have all the locks changed straightaway. A break-in may have damaged the lock inside even if it doesn’t look like it on the outside.

4. Normal wear: Signs of an aging lock can be a flashing green light for burglars to break in as a rusty, worn lock is easier to open. If the lock is getting harder to open with your key, that’s another sign it needs to be replaced. The general recommendation is to update your lock every few years.

5. Change of help: Perhaps you gave a spare key to a nanny, gardener, maid or another person you have hired. What happens when that person no longer works for you anymore? In the off chance that they made copies of the key even after returning the original, you are better off replacing your locks for better peace of mind.