Securing a Deceased Estate: What Executors Need to Know About Locks and Keys

When someone close to you dies and you’re named as executor, there’s a long list of things to deal with, often at a very difficult time. Securing the home can feel like a small item on that list, but it matters. The house may be empty for weeks or months while the estate is sorted out, and it often holds valuables, important documents and items of great sentimental value to the family. At Lock, Stock & Barrel Locksmiths, we regularly help families and executors secure homes across the North Shore. This guide explains the practical steps we recommend for locks and keys, and the other things worth checking while the property is unoccupied.

This guide covers practical security steps only. It isn’t legal advice. If there’s any uncertainty about who is entitled to access the property, speak to the estate’s solicitor first.

1. Gather the Keys You Know About

Start by collecting every key you can find in the home, plus any held by family members. Then think about who else may have had a key over the years. Carers, cleaners, neighbours, gardeners, tradespeople and relatives often held keys so they could help out. Make a simple list of who you know had a key, and ask for them back where you can. It’s common to find that you simply can’t account for them all.

2. Re-Key the Locks

Because you can rarely be sure where every key has gone, re-keying is usually the most practical step. It changes the internal pins of the existing locks so that no old key will work. Only the new keys you hold will open the doors. It’s generally quicker and more affordable than replacing locks, as long as they’re in good condition. Our guide to why re-keying is a smart, affordable alternative to new locks explains how it works.

While the locks are being done, consider having them set up to work on one key. A keyed-alike system makes life simpler when several family members, the solicitor or the real estate agent need access at different times.

3. Decide Who Holds Keys From Now On

Keep a short list of everyone you give a key to, and the date. During the administration of an estate, several people may need to come and go: beneficiaries collecting belongings, valuers, cleaners, tradespeople and, later, the selling or managing agent. Knowing exactly who holds a key avoids misunderstandings and makes it easy to collect them all at the end. If you want tighter control, a restricted key system means new copies can only be cut with your authorisation.

4. Check Every Door, Window and Gate

Walk through the whole property and check that every external door locks properly, every window has a working lock, and side gates, sheds and garages are secured. Older homes in particular may have worn locks or windows that haven’t been locked in years. Our guide on installing window locks explains the options for windows that can’t be secured.

5. Reset Other Ways In

Keys aren’t the only way into a home. Find out how many garage door remotes exist and consider having the opener recoded. Change alarm codes if there’s an alarm system, and check for any key safes or lockboxes left outside for carers. These are easy to forget and can give anyone who knows the code access to a key.

6. Tell the Home Insurer

Insurance is one of the most important things to check while a home is empty. The home insurer should be told about the death, and the policy needs to stay in place. Most home insurance policies also have rules about how long a home can be left unoccupied. CHOICE reports that most insurers require you to tell them if a home will be unoccupied for 60 days or more, with some allowing 90 or 100 days. Cover after that point may be reduced or come with conditions. Each insurer defines “unoccupied” differently, so read the policy or call the insurer and get any agreement in writing. CHOICE’s article on how unoccupancy can affect home and contents insurance explains this in more detail.

7. Make the Home Look Lived In

An empty house can be easy to spot. A full letterbox, an overgrown lawn and lights that never come on are all signs that nobody is home. Legal Aid NSW’s checklist of who to notify after someone dies includes contacting Australia Post to redirect mail. Arrange for someone to check on the property regularly, keep the garden tidy and consider timers on a few lights. A lockable letterbox also helps protect personal details from identity theft.

8. Secure Valuables and Documents

Jewellery, cash, important papers and items of sentimental value shouldn’t be left lying around an empty house. Where possible, remove them to a secure place, record what you’ve taken and keep the family informed. If the home has a wall safe and the key or combination can’t be found, a locksmith can help you gain access. Our guide on how to secure important documents has more ideas.

9. Plan for Handover

When the property is sold, transferred or leased, collect every key on your list, hand a complete, labelled set to the agent or new owner, and note what you’ve handed over. If the new owners plan to re-key when they move in, that’s their decision, but a clear handover makes the process smoother for everyone.

Helping North Shore Families Secure an Estate

As licensed Master Locksmiths and members of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia, we understand that these jobs often come at a hard time. We’ll explain what we recommend and why, work around the family’s schedule, and keep things simple. Our team is based in Turramurra and works across the Upper North Shore, from Wahroonga to St Ives. Visit our lock installations and repairs page or call us on 0411 700 072.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should the locks be changed on a deceased estate?

In most cases, re-keying is a sensible step because it’s rarely possible to account for every key that’s been handed out over the years. Re-keying means only the new keys will open the doors. If there’s any doubt about who is entitled to access the property, speak to the estate’s solicitor first.

Do I need to tell the insurer if a home is empty?

Yes, check with the insurer. CHOICE reports that most home insurers require notice if a home will be unoccupied for 60 days or more, with some allowing longer. The rules vary, so read the policy or call the insurer.

Is re-keying cheaper than replacing locks?

Generally, yes, provided the existing locks are in good condition. Re-keying keeps the existing hardware and changes only the internal pins, so old keys no longer work.

Can a locksmith open a safe if the combination has been lost?

Often, yes. A locksmith can assess the safe and advise on the best way to gain access with as little damage as possible.