 If you’ve just moved into a new property, one of the first things to decide is if you need to get keys cut. As a general rule, you’ll want a set for everyone in the house, plus a spare set to keep at home and a spare set to give to a friend or neighbour.
If you’re new to the area, or to the UK, it can be hard to find a good place to get keys cut. While there are chains offering the service, many shops are independent, and may not show their prices up front.
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Want to know if you’re paying too much to get keys cut? Locksmiths.co.uk have curated a list of average prices for the different kinds of keys. Prices will still vary by area, but this should give you an idea if a quoted price is reasonable or way off the mark.
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How much does it cost to get keys cut?
The price to cut cylinder keys like these starts from £4
Cylinder house key
Typical cost: From £4
Time to cut key: Under 5 minutes
Mortice house key
 Typical cost: From £5
Time to cut key: Under 5 minutesÂ
Patio door key
 Typical cost: From £5
Time to cut key: Under 5 minutes
Standard Safe Key
 Typical Cost: From £10
Time to cut key: 5-15 minutes
Window key
 Typical cost: From £3
Time to cut key: Under 5 minutes
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Where can I buy new keys?
You can choose to get new keys cut at any shop that offers the service, but there are a few things to look out for. One is MLA approval for a locksmith or shop. The MLA – Master Locksmith Association – approves locksmiths that meet their standards for professional service and standards. Displaying MLA approval also means the organisation has run a criminal background check on whoever is handling your locks.
You can also look for a shop that offers a guarantee on any keys they cut. Key cutting chain Timpson guarantees every key that they cut, for example, and will make a free replacement for any that have problems.
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Do I need permission to get new keys cut?Â
There is no law restricting the number of copies you can make of your home key. If you own your property, you’re free to make copies to your heart’s content.
For those who rent their home, you can check if there is any stipulation in your tenancy agreement about key cutting. If you have an electronic fob that you use to open communal doors you’ll often need to request another of these from your letting agent or landlord directly.
Otherwise, your landlord should not unreasonably restrict you from making copies of keys. As a tenant, you have a right to the ‘quiet enjoyment’ of your property, which includes the ability of everyone in the home being able to move freely.
Your tenancy agreement will probably have a section stating if you have the right to change the locks, and who will pay if you do so. Usually, if you want to have the locks changed you will pay for the costs to do so.
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