Moved into a house with an alarm—what should you check?

Start with the handover information

Ask for the user guide, model details, zone list, service records and the previous maintenance provider’s details. Find out whether there is an app, monitoring agreement or other ongoing service, and who is responsible for it.

Establish which doors are used for entry, how the system is normally set and whether part setting was configured. Until this is understood, avoid assuming that a keypad with no warning lights means the whole property is protected.

Review codes, users and connected accounts

Arrange an authorised change of user codes and remove access that is no longer needed, following the system’s documented procedure. Do not continue using a former occupant’s personal app login. Some platforms require an ownership-transfer process before a new account can take control.

Ask whether anyone retains remote access and whether recovery details still belong to the previous owner. Keep credentials private; an installer can discuss available access without needing you to put operating codes into a public enquiry.

Check the actual protection

• Are the listed detectors present, undamaged and appropriate for the rooms as they are now used?
• Do the entry route, setting options and occupied areas make sense for your household?
• Are there fault messages, previous nuisance activations or unknown devices?
• When were the panel, sounder and wireless device batteries last assessed?
• Do the agreed communications functions still operate after any broadband change?

A controlled service test can establish much more than setting the alarm once and waiting. Any test that may notify a monitoring service needs coordination through the provider’s procedure.

Decide what to retain after assessment

An inherited alarm may be serviceable, need a repair or benefit from a partial upgrade. Missing paperwork or an unavailable original installer does not automatically mean every cable and detector must be replaced.

Access permissions, component compatibility, manufacturer support and condition influence what can be retained. Our guide to upgrading an existing burglar alarm explains the possible routes.

Give the next owner a clearer starting point

Keep the updated zone list, user instructions, service report and provider details together. Make sure the people who use the alarm can set, unset and recognise a fault indication. Record who administers app access.

Send WESEC the postcode, visible keypad model, what records you have and the change you need. An alarm takeover assessment can establish a practical route to support without making promises about equipment we have not inspected.