Why You Should Rekey Your Locks When You Move In

When you pick up the keys to a new home, you are trusting that nobody else has a copy. In practice that is rarely true. Rekeying the locks makes every old key useless, and it costs far less than replacing hardware.

What rekeying actually means

Rekeying changes the small pins inside a lock cylinder so it works with a new key. The lock body, handle and finish stay the same. The result is the same security outcome as a new lock as far as old keys are concerned, without paying for new hardware.

You do not know who else has a key

Unless your home is brand new, previous keys are almost certainly still around. They may be with:

• Former owners or tenants, and their family or friends
• Real estate agents and lockbox users
• Cleaners, dog walkers and house sitters
• Contractors who worked on the property

Even when a seller or landlord says every key was returned, copies are easy to make and easy to forget.

An affordable upgrade

Our price list shows rekeying starting at $19 per lock plus a $29 service call fee. While the locksmith is there, you can also have every exterior door set to one key, which tidies up your keyring as well as your security.

Renters: check your lease first

Asking your landlord to rekey before you move in is reasonable. Rules on who may change locks vary, and many leases require the landlord to hold a key, so get permission before arranging work yourself. If the landlord agrees but will not pay, you can offer to cover the cost.

After renovations, too

Painters, electricians and other contractors often receive keys or lockbox codes. Once the work is done, rekeying closes that gap.

Rekey or replace?

Rekey when the locks are in good condition and you only need old keys to stop working. Replace when locks are worn, damaged or low-grade, or when you want a smart lock or a stronger deadbolt. Our residential locksmith page explains lock grades.

Next step

Many people only think about their locks after something goes wrong. Rekeying in your first week is one of the simplest ways to start fresh. New homeowners can also use the move-in offer on our coupons page.